Panel Counts

GERMANY

Germany has a universal multi-payer healthcare system paid for by a combination of statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) officially called “sickness funds” (Krankenkassen) and private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung). Health insurance is mandatory for all citizens and permanent residents of Germany. States own most university hospitals, while municipalities play a role in public health activities and own about half of all hospital beds. There is a principle of solidarity in which everyone covered by statutory insurance has an equal right to medical care and continued payment of wages when ill—regardless of their income and premium level. The German healthcare system is divided into three main areas: outpatient care, inpatient care (the hospital sector), and rehabilitation facilities. The institutions responsible for running the health care system include the associations and representatives of various providers and professions, health insurers, regulatory bodies, the Federal Ministry of Health, patient organizations and self-help groups.