Private patients encounter large cyclones near minor mountain ranges.
In the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, private patients in Germany are now eligible to receive vaccinations, following the expansion of the vaccination programme to include doctors with a purely private practice since early June.
Jens Baas, the CEO of Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), one of Germany's largest health insurance companies with over 10 million insured, has emphasised that vaccination is the only way out of the pandemic. Good and scientifically sound information, according to Baas, is key to making the decision to get vaccinated.
Since the start of the vaccination programme, around 4.9 million people were vaccinated nationwide by General Practitioners (GPs) in the first month, accounting for around 22% of all first-time vaccinated individuals recorded by the Robert Koch Institute by the end of April. Among those aged 60 and over, who are particularly at risk from the infection, this figure was even 90%.
The Federal Ministry of Health initially excluded private medical practices from the vaccination start due to limited supplies of approved Corona vaccines. However, as the availability of vaccines increases, as many doctors as possible should be included in the vaccination programme on an equal footing, according to Stefan Reker, a spokesperson for the PKV association.
Private health insurance in Germany is typically available to civil servants, self-employed individuals, students, and employees earning above a certain income threshold. For 2024, this threshold is an annual gross income of €69,300. Those qualifying for private insurance generally have more personalised coverage options compared to statutory (public) insurance.
Vaccination recommendations in Germany, including for COVID-19, are generally uniform regardless of insurance status and are guided by the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO). Private patients have access to the same vaccines authorized and recommended in Germany, including COVID-19 vaccines. There is no differentiation in vaccine type based on private vs. public insurance coverage.
For private patients, vaccines covered depend on their specific private insurance contracts. Private insurance companies provide benefits according to the contract signed with the insured, and these benefits cannot be reduced over time. However, the scope and cost coverage can vary significantly depending on the tariff chosen and premiums paid. Private insurance typically covers vaccination costs, but patients may pay upfront and later be reimbursed as per their policy terms. Costs for private insurance premiums vary by age, health status, and coverage preferences, often ranging between €500 and €600 monthly for a good tariff.
Unlike statutory health insurance, private insurers may reject applications based on pre-existing conditions, which can influence individual vaccine access indirectly. Also, while there is a legal vaccine mandate for health workers and certain age groups, there is no general vaccine mandate for all private patients.
Peter Wolnitza, an insurance broker in the Hesse district of Main-Kinzig, near the Bavarian border, has placed a link to the info portal of the German PKV association on his website due to the complexity and regional differences in vaccination regulations.
As the vaccination programme continues to expand, it is crucial for private patients to stay informed about their eligibility, vaccine options, and cost coverage to make informed decisions about their health.
In the context of the expanding vaccination programme for COVID-19, private patients can now have access to vaccinations from doctors with a private practice, as emphasized by Jens Baas, CEO of Techniker Krankenkasse (TK). To make informed decisions about their health, private patients should be aware that the vaccines covered depend on their specific private insurance contracts, and costs for private insurance premiums can vary significantly.
