HomeJobCan I Get Health Insurance Without A Job

Can I Get Health Insurance Without A Job

How Do You Apply For Short

Without a job and health insurance, many are finding it difficult to afford their prescriptions

Most short-term plans are easy to apply for and can be a helpful solution if youre looking for medical insurance for a period of time. The premiums tend to be affordable. However, the deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses for short-term plans are usually more expensive than those for comprehensive ACA health plans.

Im Unemployed Can I Still Get Public Health Insurance In Germany

Citizens of some EU countries may be able to get into the public health insurance system in Germany even when theyre not employed in Germany.

Since May 2011, citizens from Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czeque Republic and Hungary have this right. But only, if you can prove that you were a member of a statutory health insurance in your home country.

For example. You are from Poland. You must get official confirmation that you were member of the Polish statutory health insurance before you came to Germany. Then you must show this Polish health certificate to a German public health insurance provider. The German public health insurance must accept you as a member even if you are not employed in Germany.

If you are registered in Germany as unemployed, you can apply for public health insurance at AOK.

If youre not from one of these countries and you dont have a job, then you need to get private health insurance.

What is the difference between statutory and public health insurance? It means that same in this article.

Join A Family Member’s Plan

If you’re unemployed, you may be able to get health insurance coverage through a parent, spouse, domestic partner or another family member. This can be an affordable option because frequently an employer will contribute to the cost of the health insurance plan.

On average, it costs an additional $209 per month to add a second adult to an employer-sponsored health insurance plan.

Your actual costs will vary based on the plan’s benefits and how much the employer contributes to the cost. Usually, if you qualify for medical coverage, you’re also eligible for the associated vision or dental plans.

You May Like: Starbucks Insurance Benefits

Public Health Insurance How Much Does It Cost

All public health insurance providers in Germany charge the same basic premium of 14.6 per cent of your gross income, plus a supplemental charge that is an average 0.9 per cent of your gross income, to a maximum monthly income of 4,425.

If you earn more than this, you will not pay a higher insurance premium. The basic premium is split equally between you and your employer: 7.3 per cent each. From January 1, 2019, employers will pay half the supplemental charge as well.

You and your dependents must also become members of Germanys long-term nursing care scheme . This covers some of the cost of meeting personal nursing needs, including the bathing and feeding of those who become substantially disabled.

The nursing care scheme cost is either 2.55 per cent or 2.8 per cent of your gross salary , of which your employer pays a maximum of 56.

Other Ways To Save Money On Health Care

Health care jobs you can get without a bachelors degree

If you want alternative options to pay for health care costs outside of the insurance plans above, there are a few ways you can reduce the costs for the services you need.

Cost-sharing plans, such as Liberty HealthShare, group people together and share the costs for health care. You do have to pay a monthly or annual membership fee, but the fee can be cheaper than a health insurance premium.

Off-exchange insurance plans, such as Oscar Health, involves buying insurance directly from a broker or provider. For some of these plans you have an option to pay a lower monthly fee for coverage, but you’ll have to pay more for services. Sometimes these plans offer additional benefits, like telemedicine access or other perks federal providers may not offer.

Telemedicine providers often accept insurance, but if you don’t have health insurance, sometimes telemedicine visits are more affordable than in-person doctor visits. One example is Rory, a digital health clinic for women that offers health care services online. Rory doesn’t accept insurance, but the costs to see a doctor virtually typically cost less than a co-pay to a traditional doctor.

You May Like: Kroger Associate Discounts

If You’ve Moved To Germany From Somewhere Else In The Eu Then You Will Need To Prove That You Had Prior Public Health Insurance Coverage In That Country

In order to get signed up as an unemployed person, you will need to show proof that you were covered in the country that you moved to Germany from. In most cases you would need to contact someone in that country’s health administration and request an “E104” document. This serves as proof of your membership in that public health system and will grant you permission to enter the German health system.

In some cases, it can be quite difficult to retrieve this document. Therefore, as long as you don’t have any immediate health concerns and you plan to get a job in Germany, we recommend that you sign up for expat health insurance. Once you find a job, you can easily cancel the expat health insurance policy and switch to public health insurance easily as an employed person.

Private Health Insurance In Germany Who Can Get It

Germany does offer the opportunity to opt for private health insurance , but only if:

  • you earn more than a fixed amount , or
  • you are self-employed, or
  • you are a student, in which case you can choose private health insurance for the duration of your studies

However, even if you meet one of these criteria, you are not obliged to choose private healthcare, and can still opt with public health coverage.

Don’t Miss: How Much Does Starbucks Health Insurance Cost

Disadvantages Of Public Health Insurance

  • It’s expensive for young professionalsPublic insurance is based on your income, and private insurance is based on your health. If you are young, healthy and have a good income, private will be much cheaper than public. If you have a good salary duringyour entire career, private can be much cheaper than public, even in the long term.
  • You don’t get the highest priorityDoctors make more money with patients who have private health insurance, so they have priority1.If you have public health insurance, you can wait longer for appointments. It’s also really hard to find a psychotherapist or urologist who accepts public health insurance1, 2. It’s still very easy to see a doctor when you need it.
  • Special treatments are not includedIf you want special treatments, you must pay the extra cost yourself. Public health insurance covers necessary care, not luxuries. For example, it only covers amalgam tooth fillings. If you want fancy composite fillings, you must pay for the difference. Private insurance lets you choose the quality of your coverage.
  • Not everyone is acceptedIf you are a freelancer, and you just moved from a non-EU country, it’s almost impossible get public health insurance. Public insurance companies are not forced to cover freelancers1. Most expat freelancers are forced to choose private health insurance.

About Health Insurance In Germany

How to Get Health Insurance after Quitting Job? How to Get Health Insurance without a Job? Medicaid

Anyone unfamiliar with German health insurance and its system should indeed get informed. Firstly, as a foreigner, you want to get your insurance sorted even before coming to Germany.

Non-EU citizens will need to provide an insurance policy already with the visa application.

The main thing you need to know is that there are two types of health insurance in Germany: public and private.

Each of them has advantages and disadvantages. Someone applying for a visa can only sign for a private one and then switch to the public provider later in Germany.

What should a person with income or an employee know when choosing between public and private providers?

  • The monthly cost of public health insurance will depend on your income .
  • The monthly cost of private health insurance is based on your age and health condition the amount is fixed and doesnt depend on how much you make.

You May Like: Starbucks Health Insurance Options

Useful German Healthcare Words:

  • Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung = Statutory public health insurance
  • Krank = Sick
  • Krankenkassen = Non-profit associations that administer public healthcare insurance, like Techniker Krankenkasse
  • Krankenschwester = Nurse
  • Private Krankenversicherung = Private health insurance
  • Private Krankenhäuser = Private hospital
  • Ich bin krank = I am sick/ill
  • Ich fühle mich unwohl = I feel unwell
  • Ich fühle mich echt mies = I am feeling really unwell
  • Ich brauche einen Krankenwagen = I need an ambulance
  • Mir ist schwindelig = I feel dizzy
  • Ich habe Fieber = I have a fever

Health Insurance Alternatives To Obamacare

Buying health insurance through the healthcare exchange website is probably the easiest way to ensure coverage in the US, but there are a few alternatives to getting a healthcare plan from the marketplace.

Self-insurance, which is basically exactly what it sounds like, means you pay out of pocket for every healthcare expense, with no help from a third-party insurance provider. If you plan to self-insure, you need to have a large amount of money set aside, because youll be on the hook for every charge from an ordinary wellness visit to a cancer diagnosis and its subsequent treatment.

This approach might make sense for someone with a high risk tolerance and a net worth of several million dollars , but we personally prefer to mix in a high-deductible insurance plan so that theres some stopgap in place for catastrophic care.

If you pay your own way via self-insurance, you may also be able to benefit from a direct primary care healthcare provider. Basically, the DPC model is a healthcare subscription for out-of-pocket payers.

With DPC, you pay a flat rate for access to participating physicians, and it tends to be more affordable because all the billing overhead from third-party insurance folks is removed from the equation. Unfortunately, this model hasnt caught on everywhere yet.

Don’t Miss: Sidecar Health Dental

Will The 2021 Stimulus Bill Help With Health Insurance For The Unemployed

COVID-19 is finally in the rearview mirror for many Americans and the American Rescue Plan comes with a few major health care perks. Essentially, it makes health insurance for unemployed individuals much more affordable. Lets look at how it plays with COBRA and the ACA marketplace.

If you chose COBRA to get you through unemployment, the American Rescue Plan subsidizes COBRA premiums 100% for a limited time. It also extends the dates of COBRA coverage for individuals whose right to coverage previously ended. That can make a big difference if youre in a tough spot. But rememberyou have to be unemployed involuntarily to qualify for these perks.

If you chose to purchase a plan from the ACA marketplace, and youre unemployed involuntarily, theres more good news. The American Rescue Plan increases the size of the subsidy to help unemployed folks pay for ACA health care premiums. Depending on the size of your family and your yearly income, you might be eligible for more help.

How We Chose The Best Health Insurance For The Unemployed

Can I Get Obamacare Without A Job

Our analysis looked at 30 health insurers nationwide to identify the best companies based on the benefits they offer to those facing unemployment. We chose insurers with widespread geographic representation who provide flexible policies geared toward individuals with short-term insurance needs. Since financial strain is a main concern during periods of unemployment, we weighed policy pricing heavily by comparing quotes from five sample markets. Finally, we evaluated accessibility to care, including the number of in-network providers and the availability of telehealth services.

Read Also: Can You Buy Dental Insurance Anytime

Best Marketplace Insurance For The Young Unemployed On A Budget

If budget is your biggest worry, consider a Catastrophic plan. Catastrophic plans are only available in certain states for people under 30 or those who qualify for affordability exemptions.

Catastrophic coverage is designed to protect you from worst-case scenarios, like a serious diagnosis or terrible accident. They have lower monthly premiums but very high deductibles. Catastrophic plans sold on the Marketplace must include the 10 essential health benefits and cover preventive care, but youll pay for almost everything else yourself.

Before you buy a Catastrophic plan, see which subsidies you qualify for. You might actually pay less and get more coverage with a Silver plan and cost-sharing reductions.

There are fewer Catastrophic plan options because its a less common plan type. MoneyGeeks top choice is Blue Cross Blue Shield, but Anthem is another option, with the lowest premiums and the third overall ranking for quality.

The highest-rated health insurer available in at least 10 states is Blue Cross Blue Shield . BCBS offers Catastrophic plans in 15 states and has the second-lowest average monthly premium at $288.89. BCBS scores well for quality overall, with an average quality rating of 3.86 out of 5, making it second only to Kaiser Permanente. BCBS scores best on patient experience, with a score of 3.52. BCBS plans operate independently in each state, so check the details of specific policy options in your area.

Student Health Insurance In Germany

If you are enrolling as a student at a Germany university, then you must take out a German health insurance policy prior to the start of your course. Without it, you are unable to enrol at any German university or college or apply for a Student Visa for Germany.

In Germany, public health insurance providers are obligated to offer affordable health insurance to students if you are under 30 years of age or up until the end of your 14th semester of study.

Students are offered a much lower rate when it comes to public health insurance and can expect to pay approx. 100115 per month.

If you are over 30 and just starting your studies, you may not be eligible for German public health insurance and may instead have to opt for a private health insurance policy.

Don’t Miss: Does Medical Insurance Cover Chiropractic

Do I Need To File A Tax Return If I Don’t Have Income But I Do Have Healthcare

If you receive premium tax credits, then you must file tax returns, even if your income level wouldn’t normally require a tax return. In other words, if you don’t pay full price for your healthcare coverage, then you will need to file tax returns regardless of your income. You will know whether you use premium tax credits to pay for healthcare, because you will receive an IRS Form 1094-A.

What To Do In An Emergency

3 Medical Jobs without Certification | No License Required | 2020 Hospital Jobs

In case of an emergency, call 112 for an ambulance. This number can be used in all EU countries. If you cannot explain what you need in German, ask for an operator that can speak English, there is no guarantee that someone will be available, however.

You can also phone 116-117 for non-urgent medical queries this line is managed by the German National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians.

You May Like: Starbucks Health Insurance Part Time

Health Insurance For Expat Employees In Germany

When it comes to health insurance for employed foreigners in Germany, theres a lot of information to be aware of. If you are living in Germany, you are required by law to be insured either privately or publicly. At a minimum, you need to be insured for benefits surrounding inpatient and outpatient treatment.

Below, we look at your health insurance responsibilities as an employee starting a new employment contract in Germany, the freedom and flexibility available to employees as a privately or publicly insured person in Germany and what supplementary and travel health insurance options are available. We also delve into how the German social insurance system works, long-term nurse care insurance and what happens if an employee finds themselves ill or injured and as a result, incapable of working.

  • Ask for a free quote or advice you’ll get an answer fast!
  • Your Parents Or Spouses Health Insurance Plan

    Many employers allow a person to add spouses and children to their health insurance plans.

    This is a great option for stay at home parents, children that havent found jobs yet or even a spouse between jobs.

    An employer does not have to subsidize coverage for family members even if they subsidize coverage for their employees.

    That means:

    The additional cost to add a spouse or child to a policy could be much different than the premium for the employee only.

    A spouse or child can be added during the plans annual open enrollment period.

    If you lose coverage due to a qualifying event, you may be able to get health insurance from your spouse or your parents during the year, too.

    Your spouse or parent can inquire with their companys HR department to see what options they have. If youre trying to qualify for insurance through a qualifying event, act fast.

    Qualifying events may only allow you to make changes for 30 days. This can be different from marketplace health insurance.

    Don’t Miss: How To Get Insurance Between Jobs

    How Does Health Insurance In Berlin Work

    Once you sign up for a health insurance policy in Berlin, you receive an Insurance Card, which you have to present when seeking medical attention at a doctors office or hospital. Health insurance covers the majority of your basic medical needs, and it is usually all you need.

    The type of health insurance you can get, based on income/occupation:

    • You need public health insurance if:
    • You are employed, and your salary is less than 62,550/year
    • You are a student under the age of 30
  • You can get private health insurance only if:
  • You are a freelancer or self-employed
  • Your salary is more than 62,550/year
  • You are a student over the age of 30
  • You are attending preparatory or language courses
  • You are a post-graduate student or a scholarship holder .
  • You are a guest scientist or researcher.
  • Popular Articles

    explore more