Germany

8 Universal Health Care System FAQs #3

Does Germany have socialized medicine?
No. Germany provides a mix of public and private insurance. Every individual below a specific income level (48,150 Euro in 2008) must join the government health system, which consists of around 250 non-profit "sickness funds" that compete on efficiency rather than price. Others may choose a private insurer, but most (85+% in 2006) stay with the government system.

How expensive is health care in Germany?
Health care costs in Germany have been rising, but they still compare favorably with costs here. In 2005, Germany spent 10.7% of GDP on health care compared to 16% for the United States. For their money, the Germans seem to get better value for their health care. Germany tends to rank better at such indicators of health as child mortality rates and life expectancy than the US does.

How good is the insurance?
Germans are, on whole, very happy with their health insurance. Benefits are generous. There's almost never a wait for diagnostic tests or elective surgeries. The health care delivered is among the world's best. There are never any deductibles. Germans are also proud of their system which provides the same benefits to one and all. They see it as "solidarity".

Is the German system feasible here?
Most people think so. There seems to be very little political will to lay waste to the insurance companies here, so the combination of a public option along with a private option is the most likely solution to become law. If we were to implement the German system, we would provide health care for all, but allow those who wanted to opt-out for a private option do so.

Sources (How To Germany, Ezra Klein, NPR)