Even without a new health card to the doctor

Old insurance cards valid: doctor's visit without health card

08/18/2014

As of 1 January 2015, the electronic health card (eGK) will replace the old health insurance card. The majority of the health insurance already has the new eGK, but a doctor's visit is also possible without a card.

From 1 January 2015 only new health card valid
From 1 January 2015, only the new electronic health card (eGK) will apply in Germany. The validity of the old health insurance cards was originally supposed to expire at the end of September, but the deadline could not be met because the exchange of cards had stalled. Only one to three percent of those insured under the law do not yet have the new health card, as they have not yet applied for it or sent a usable photo, according to the information provided by the GKV-Spitzenverband.

Introduction of the card delayed for years
The eGK, which also contains a photo of the owner, aims to improve the data exchange between physicians, hospitals and pharmacies so that, for example, drug interactions can be avoided in advance. The photo should protect against the misuse of the card. The introduction of the card was delayed over the years over and over again, partly because of technical problems or because of fundamental discussions about necessity and data security. Privacy advocates still complain that the sensitive data is not sufficiently protected.

Old health insurance card still usable until the end of the year
Those patients who do not have a new health card can still use the old health insurance card by the end of the year when they see a doctor. However, at the turn of the year it loses its validity, regardless of the date printed on the card. The chairman of the board of the Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung (KBV), Dr. med. Andreas Gassen, had stated: „It is good for everyone involved that finally there is clarity. In particular, it was important to us that the doctors have the certainty that they will be able to settle the 'old' health insurance card in the fourth quarter of this year.“

Without a card to the doctor
But even without a card, it is possible to be treated by a doctor. Patients have ten days to prove that they are insured. However, if they fail to do so within this period, they will receive a personal bill from the doctor, which they will have to pay for themselves. However, patients can have the cost of treatment reimbursed by the end of each quarter if they provide proof of insurance by then. However, this rule does not apply to dentists, here it remains with the period of ten days. (Ad)