Increase in complaints in private health insurances

Compared to the years 2008/2009, around 15 percent more citizens complained to the Ombudsman for private health and long-term care insurance. In 2009, a total of 5015 citizens complained about their health insurance.

(18.04.2010) Compared to the years 2008/2009, around 15 percent more private persons (PKV) have complained to the Ombudsman for private health and long-term care insurance. In 2009, a total of 5015 citizens complained about their health insurance.At a meeting of the Association of Insured, the Ombudsman Helmut Müller said that based on the current projections this year, it can be assumed that the number of complaints will continue to increase. The extrapolations were calculated on the basis of complaints received from January to March. The extrapolations serve to identify a trend.

The reasons given for complaints to the Ombudsman varied. Many complained because, for example, the private health insurance contributions had increased. Others feel unfairly treated by their health insurance. According to the Financial Times Deutschland, 83 percent of complaints related to full medical expenses. 10 percent of the complaints were made on the basis of hospital daily allowance insurance or other supplementary insurance. Others related to the foreign health insurance. In the case of full health insurance, 22.8 percent complained that PKVs did not accept the medical need for treatment. 13.9 per cent complained about contributions and 10.4 per cent complained about PKV because of the general conditions of insurance. Another 9.3 percent complained about contract terminations and 8.2 percent over disputes over drugs, remedies and aids.

The Private Insurance Ombudsman is the out-of-court mediator. An ombudsman takes a neutral and independent position on disagreements between clients and their insurance companies. A procedure is free of charge. (Sb)