Replacement funds warn insured persons before PKV change

The Verband der Ersatzkassen (vdek) voluntarily warns against statutory health insurance before switching to private health insurance. Because that „angry awakening“ comes later, when the PKV tariffs rise in old age. For many, the health insurance would then no longer be affordable.

11/22/2010

The Verband der Ersatzkassen (vdek) warns insured parties in the statutory health insurance against switching prematurely and hastily into private health insurance (PKV). In the course of health care reform, it will be easier for the health insurance to switch to private health insurance (keyword: change in the PKV) The waiting period for switching is reduced from three to one year. However, citizens who plan to change should consider this step carefully. Because the evil awakening comes later, so the warning of the Kassen-Verband.

The contributions of private health insurance are increasing, especially in old age. These are not affordable for many later. Insured persons would also have to reckon with correspondingly higher tariffs if there are pre-existing illnesses. In addition, the contributions would be in the PKV system „exorbitant“ climb. The best alternative are in the view of the Association still the statutory health insurance. Who wants to start a family, for example, is in the GKV „anyway in better hands“. Because in contrast to private health insurance, the GKV offers a contribution-free family co-insurance.

Another reason for not changing is the so-called Sachleistungsprinzip. This principle protects the insured against financial overload. In terms of benefits in kind, the patient makes use of the health services without receiving an invoice from the doctor or the clinic. The administrative burden and the settlement of the costs are automatically paid by the cashier. The desired prepayment model contradicts this principle. This model is also used in private health insurance: "In the case of private health insurance, insured persons first have to pay their expensive medical bills out of their own pockets and then receive the amount.", Says the vdek.

Another advantage of the statutory health insurance is in the case of illness, the assumption of domestic help, psychotherapy or mother-child cures. The GKV also grants grants for individual and workplace health promotion. For example, only the statutory offers their members a sick pay entitlement of 78 weeks within three years. PKV does not know such a service. "In the private health insurance you pay for important benefits on top of it.Many insured do not consider this at the conclusion of the private insurance rate and then wonder that they have to pay for a home help or psychotherapy out of pocket!" so the vdek spokeswoman.

Conclusion: Insureds who are given the choice should think carefully about what their own future family planning will look like. Who wants to start a family, must know that every single family member must be insured in private health insurance. Consumers should also be aware that many private health insurance providers are attracting so-called starter tariffs, which are rising sharply at a later age. The premiums may be significantly higher than under the statutory health insurance. (Sb)

Also read:
Replacement funds do not exclude additional contribution
Change to private health insurance from 2011