How does universal health care work in Germany?
In Germany, universal health care operates as a dual system, offering both statutory health insurance (SHI) and private health insurance (PHI). SHI, also known as Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV), is mandatory for most citizens and covers a comprehensive range of medical services. On the other hand, PHI or Private Krankenversicherung (PKV) is an option for those with higher incomes or self-employed individuals, providing additional benefits and flexibility. Funding comes from a mix of employer and employee contributions, as well as taxes, ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare. Overall, Germany's universal health care system is efficient, and it ranks high in global healthcare quality indexes.
