Health & Care
Supplementary health insurance
gesundheits-extras
Make the most of health extras: More benefits, fewer costs
Many people with statutory health insurance are familiar with the feeling: Basic coverage is solid, but special requests or extended treatments cost extra. Health extras can be a worthwhile addition here. Learn how to find and make smart use of the additional services that suit your needs.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Health extras such as IGeL services or private supplementary insurance complement the statutory health insurance benefits and can enhance medical care as well as protect against high costs.
A precise needs analysis and a careful comparison of costs and benefits are crucial to finding the right health extras.
Pay attention to contract details such as waiting periods, scope of benefits, and reimbursement limits when it comes to supplementary insurance, and answer health questions truthfully.
Understanding Health Extras: IGeL and Additional Insurance in Focus
Health extras encompass a wide range of services beyond the standard benefits provided by statutory health insurance. These include Individual Health Services (IGeL), which are additional medical services that patients pay for directly. These services range from travel health advice to special early detection methods, the benefits of which are not always scientifically proven. Private supplementary insurance offers another way to extend protection, for example, for better dental treatments or comfort in hospitals. The INTER Insurance Group emphasizes that supplementary insurance can secure high-quality additional benefits and preferred treatment.
Many health insurance companies now offer their own programs for health extras. For instance, the Mobil Krankenkasse reimburses its policyholders up to 200 euros per year for services such as professional teeth cleaning or osteopathy through the “My Extra Health Money 200PLUS” program. The decision for or against such extras should always be made after careful consideration of individual needs and actual benefits. It is advisable to find out exactly which services are already covered by statutory health insurance before making additional arrangements. This ensures that health extras provide genuine added value.
Practical Examples: How Health Extras Can Specifically Help
The benefits of health extras often become evident in specific situations. Let's say you need a professional teeth cleaning that goes beyond the standard services covered by statutory health insurance. With a health fund program like that of Mobil Krankenkasse, you could receive reimbursement of up to 60 euros per treatment (up to two treatments per year). Another example is treatment by a naturopath or osteopath. INTER offers plans that cover the costs of alternative healing methods.
Health extras can also make a difference in hospitals. A hospital supplementary insurance offered by Allianz often allows for accommodation in a single or double room and treatment by a senior consultant. These additional services can make a hospital stay more pleasant and aid in recovery. For those who wear glasses, eyewear insurance or a subsidy through outpatient supplementary insurance can provide financial relief; INTER mentions subsidies of up to 375 euros within 24 months. These examples illustrate how health extras can improve care on an individual level.
Expert Depth: Legal Aspects and What You Should Look Out For
The legal basis for the services provided by statutory health insurance (GKV) is enshrined in the Fifth Book of the Social Code (SGB V). This dictates which medical services are considered necessary and must be covered by the insurance companies. Individual health services (IGeL) often do not fall under this category, as their benefits are not always sufficiently proven, or they are deemed not medically necessary. Doctors are obliged to inform you comprehensively about IGeL, including the costs and why the insurance does not cover them.
For private supplementary insurance, it is important to carefully check the contract terms. Pay attention to waiting periods, benefit exclusions, and the level of reimbursements. Allianz notes that there may be general waiting periods of three months and special waiting periods of eight months (e.g., for childbirth). Our expert tip: Always compare several offers and assess which services are truly relevant to your life situation. A ruling by the Federal Social Court (BSG) clarified that statutory health insurance cannot directly compete with private insurers with their own supplementary insurance beyond statutory benefits. This underlines the importance of critically examining offers and accurately analysing your own need for health services.
Recognising your own needs: Which health extras make sense for you?
Choosing the right health extras greatly depends on your personal life situation and health needs. Young, healthy individuals often have different priorities compared to families or older people. A dental insurance can be beneficial for almost everyone since statutory health insurance often only provides a fixed subsidy for dentures. Allianz offers plans that can cover up to 100 percent for prophylaxis and dental treatment.
Consider which risks you want to cover. The following questions can help with the decision:
Which health services have you privately paid for in the last five years?
Are there any pre-existing conditions in your family that make specific preventive check-ups worthwhile? (e.g. health check-up insurance)
Do you value alternative treatment methods or comfort services in the hospital?
Are you planning any international trips that require specific insurance coverage?
An honest analysis of these points helps avoid bad investments and select health extras that provide you the greatest benefit. Also, consider preventive offers like subsidies for sports courses, which many insurance companies offer. These can help you stay healthy in the long term and save costs.
The path to your optimal health extras: Consultation and conclusion
Once you've analyzed your needs and considered initial health extras, it's time to make a concrete selection and proceed with the completion. Many health insurance companies provide information about statutory benefits or collaborate with providers of supplementary insurance. INTER highlights the possibility of tailoring a customized insurance package. It is crucial to answer the health questions truthfully when taking out a private supplementary insurance, as otherwise, the coverage may be jeopardized.
Use independent comparison portals and seek advice. Pay attention to the following points when comparing offers:
What exactly is included and what is excluded?
How long are the waiting periods before benefits can be claimed (often three to eight months)?
Are there limits on reimbursements per year or per service?
How flexible is the contract (cancellation periods, adjustment options)?
Expert advice will help you find the right health extras and avoid pitfalls. Remember that taking out supplementary insurance can be a long-term decision. Therefore, take ample time for research and comparison to optimally complement your health care coverage.
More useful links
Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) provides detailed information on healthcare expenditure in Germany.
Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) releases current press statements on health-related statistics.
The GKV-Spitzenverband provides information about all statutory health insurances in Germany.
The Federal Ministry of Health offers information on health promotion and prevention.
The Consumer Centre provides comprehensive information on health insurance.
Wikipedia offers an overview of the healthcare system in Germany.
The Federal Ministry of Health provides a guide to patients' rights as a PDF document.
The Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Healthcare (IQWiG) offers independent assessments of medical services and procedures.
FAQ
Are Health Extras Beneficial for Everyone?
Whether health extras are beneficial depends on individual life circumstances, health needs, and risk tolerance. A thorough assessment of personal needs is essential.
How Do I Find the Right Health Extras for Me?
Analyse your needs, compare offers, and consider the value for money. Independent advice can also be helpful.
What's the Difference Between IGeL and Supplementary Insurance?
IGeL are individual medical services that you pay for directly. Supplementary insurance refers to private contracts that cover specific risks or additional services through regular contributions.
Can I Deduct Health Extra Premiums from Taxes?
Premiums for private supplementary health insurance can be tax-deductible as preventative expenses under certain conditions, often only if the maximum amounts have not already been used up by basic health and nursing care insurance.
What Happens if I Answer Health Questions Incorrectly?
Incorrect or incomplete answers to health questions can result in the insurer refusing to cover costs when claims are made or cancelling the contract.
Are There Health Extras Specifically for Children?
Yes, many insurers offer special child tariffs for supplementary insurance, such as for orthodontics, better preventative care, or accident protection.
