Mandatory Health Insurance
In Germany, all apprentices are required to be members of the statutory health insurance. This compulsory insurance ensures that apprentices are covered in case of illness and can access medical services such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and medications.
Contribution Rate and Additional Contribution
The contribution rate for statutory health insurance is uniformly 14.6% of the gross income. Additionally, each health insurance fund charges a supplementary contribution, which averages around 1.3%. However, the supplementary contribution may vary depending on the health insurance provider. The health insurance contributions are each borne half by the training company and the apprentice.
Calculation of Health Insurance Contributions
The following example calculation shows the deductions for health insurance with a monthly gross compensation of €1,000:
- Contribution rate: 14.6% of €1,000 = €146
- Supplementary contribution (1.3%): €13
- Total contribution: €159
- Amount borne by the apprentice: €79.50
- Amount borne by the training company: €79.50
Health Insurance Benefits
The statutory health insurance provides comprehensive benefits to apprentices, including:
- Outpatient treatments by doctors
- Inpatient hospital stays
- Preventive examinations and measures
- Medications and therapeutic treatments
- Hospital care and rehabilitation measures
The benefits of statutory health insurance funds are largely standardized, although individual funds may offer additional voluntary benefits.
Choosing a Health Insurance Fund
Apprentices can freely choose their health insurance fund. It is worthwhile to compare different offers, as supplementary contributions and voluntary benefits vary between funds. Changing health insurance providers is possible at any time, provided a two-month notice period is observed.
Membership Certificate and Social Security Number
Before starting the apprenticeship, apprentices must present their training company with a membership certificate from their chosen health insurance fund. This certificate confirms that the apprentice is insured with the respective fund. Additionally, the apprentice is assigned a social security number, which is necessary for the payment of contributions.
Health Insurance with Minor Compensation
Even apprentices with minor compensation (under €520) are mandatorily insured under the statutory health insurance. In such cases, the training company covers the full amount of the contributions.
Important Notes on Health Insurance
Apprentices should ensure that their contributions are calculated correctly and paid to the health insurance fund on time. If they have questions about the contributions or the benefits of the health insurance, they can contact their health insurance fund directly. Additionally, the health insurance fund offers consultations on specific benefits and prevention programs for apprentices.