The German health service is regarded as a model across the world, as it ensures excellent medical care for all citizens. This care is provided regardless of the patient’s income. The cities have tight networks of general practitioners, specialists, and dentists. Top medical experts treat the sick in the university clinics and specialist clinics. This comprehensive care is made possible thanks to a separate insurance system.

Almost every resident in Germany is a member of a public or private healthcare scheme. All employees with a gross annual income of up to 47,700 € (2007) must be a member of a public healthcare scheme. Foreign employees and students are also obliged to take out this insurance. Citizens from other EU states are entitled to free medical treatment if their stay in Germany is short, but must also be insured in Germany if they plan to stay longer.

Anyone who earns more than 47,700 € per year or is self-employed can choose to take out private health insurance. The internet site of the association of private health insurance companies in Germany (Verband der privaten Krankenversicherungen in Deutschland) offers information in English. The website of the Federal Ministry of Health also provides information on the German health system in several languages.

While the contributions for private health insurance are based on the personal risk profile of the policyholder, and are therefore cheaper for younger people and increase with age, the state health insurance is earnings-based and is around 14 % of the gross income. Employer and employee each pay half of this contribution. The advantage of state health insurance for employees is that family members.