For adult vaccinations in Germany: 1
For adult vaccinations in Germany:
1. Consult your general practitioner (Hausarzt).
2. They will inquire about your vaccination history and may recommend vaccines (e.g., tetanus) if needed.
3. A new vaccination passport will be issued.
4. For specialized travel vaccines, contact the city's vaccination department (Impfungabteilung), although not all may be covered by insurance.
In Germany, mandatory measles vaccination is primarily required for employees in education and healthcare sectors, as…
In Germany, mandatory measles vaccination is primarily required for employees in education and healthcare sectors, as well as children in kindergartens and schools. For other students, it is generally not mandatory unless specific circumstances arise (e.g., medical/pedagogical faculty practicals).
- If unsure about past vaccination/illness, a blood test for antibodies can be performed; if antibodies are present, vaccination is not required. Antibody tests are usually paid, while the two-dose vaccination is free.
- If vaccinated abroad, an extract from the local clinic can be obtained.
- For students in dormitories receiving such requests, local administration or experienced residents should be consulted for specific procedures.
In Germany, health insurance is mandatory
In Germany, health insurance is mandatory. There are two main systems: statutory (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV) and private (private Krankenversicherung - PKV). If your income is below a certain threshold (e.g., €77,400 annually as of recent data), you are generally required to be in the statutory system. If you need to take out a new contract, consider using a broker (like 'tupa-germany'). For existing conflicts or specific advice, online consultations with German lawyers who offer services in Russian can be found. Ensure you are consulting with a licensed lawyer.
Public health insurance in Germany (GKV) is mandatory for employees
Public health insurance in Germany (GKV) is mandatory for employees. It covers basic dental care, but comprehensive dental treatment often requires a private supplementary insurance (Zahnzusatzversicherung). Public insurance activation typically coincides with the start date of the employment contract. Platforms like Check24 are commonly used to compare plans. Employers pay half of the public insurance premium.
In Germany, prescription drugs (verschreibungspflichtig) cannot be purchased without a valid German prescription
In Germany, prescription drugs (verschreibungspflichtig) cannot be purchased without a valid German prescription. Non-insured individuals can consult a doctor privately, pay for the consultation out-of-pocket, and receive a private prescription (Privatrezept). The patient then pays the full cost of the medication at the pharmacy. European-licensed doctors are required for such prescriptions.
Transporting prescription medication such as Escitalopram (for a 6-month supply) from Germany to Germany requires a…
Transporting prescription medication such as Escitalopram (for a 6-month supply) from Germany to Germany requires a valid prescription in the traveler's name. While official regulations limit quantities to three months, in practice, a prescription for personal use is generally sufficient and usually accepted without detailed quantity checks.
A common challenge for international students enrolling in German universities is the requirement for a…
A common challenge for international students enrolling in German universities is the requirement for a `Versicherungsnummer` (health insurance number) for enrollment before the actual insurance card or policy documents are issued. Students apply for public health insurance, and the insurance company states they will send enrollment confirmation directly to the university, while the personal insurance documents will arrive later. However, the university enrollment deadline might precede the insurance number's availability. Students need to confirm if the university accepts a temporary confirmation from the insurance company or if the insurance company can provide the `Versicherungsnummer` separately and promptly upon request.
In Germany, supplementary dental insurance (Zahnzusatzversicherung) covers future dental problems
In Germany, supplementary dental insurance (Zahnzusatzversicherung) covers future dental problems. Existing diagnoses or treatment plans for implants are generally not covered. It is advised to secure such insurance early due to common waiting periods and payout limits: typically no coverage for the first 3 months, capped at a few thousand euros in the first year, and larger sums (e.g., €4,000) only from the second year. Companies like Allianz (allianz.de) and AXA (with new tariffs) are recommended. A surcharge of approximately 25% may apply for each missing tooth.
For dual citizens (e
For dual citizens (e.g., Russian and German) holding a German passport, health insurance is not mandatory for entry into Germany. Entry cannot be denied with a German passport. While Russian insurances are generally not recognized for German visa purposes, German citizens have the option to purchase insurance or pay for medical services out-of-pocket. It is possible to purchase health insurance after entering Germany, but specific policy terms regarding waiting periods and immediate coverage should be verified.
German citizens, especially late repatriates or digital nomads, must be aware of health insurance and tax residency…
German citizens, especially late repatriates or digital nomads, must be aware of health insurance and tax residency rules. Compulsory health insurance is mandatory for residents. Private health insurance costs range from €350-€800/month for a 40-year-old and requires an annual gross income of approximately €74,000 to qualify. Switching from private to public insurance is difficult after age 50-57. ADAC offers medical insurance.
Residency is typically established by spending over 180 days per year in Germany, which mandates registration (Anmeldung), GEZ payments (broadcasting fee), and tax obligations. Failure to comply can lead to significant penalties from the Finanzamt. Registration is also required for purchasing and registering a car in Germany to obtain German license plates. Cash payments for cars from dealerships are usually limited to €10,000; private sales might be more flexible but pose risks. 'Incoming-Versicherung' (temporary insurance) for €80-€100/month is an option for temporary stays (up to 5 years) but not for German citizens or for extending residence permits.