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AOK Health Insurance
AOK Health Insurance gives you peace of mind with comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, hospital stays, and more. You can count on them for quality healthcare solutions.
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My German Healthcare Experience: Navigating AOK and Beyond
summarizeEditor's Summary
Navigating Germany's healthcare system as a foreigner can be a real challenge. I chose AOK for their comprehensive preventive programs and additional services, but encountered some downsides during my experience. The local branch I visited wasn't super cooperative, and the document transfer process was a bit of a mess. However, I appreciate the value for money and the overall build quality of the health insurance plan. If you're a foreigner in Germany, I recommend doing your research and weighing the pros and cons before making a decision. It's worth noting that AOK offers a range of services, including free sports classes, stress-reduction programs, and disease prevention initiatives. They also issue chip cards to their members, which can be used for medical services and other transactions. However, the waiting time for the chip card can be lengthy, and some members may experience delays. AOK's customer support is available through various channels, including phone, email, and online chat. But be prepared to follow up with your local branch to resolve issues. One thing I liked about AOK is their easy registration process, even for foreigners under paragraph 24. But be sure to research the differences between various health insurance providers before making a decision.
settingsSpecifications
Kalite7/10
Verdictİyi
MobilUygulama7/10
HizmetKalitesi6/10
UygulamaSüreci5/10
DoktorHizmetleri8/10
KayıtVeKatkılar8/10
My German Healthcare Experience: Navigating AOK and Beyond
Hello and welcome!
I'm excited to share my personal experience with Germany's largest state-run health insurance company, AOK. As a foreigner in Germany, I know how daunting the healthcare system can seem, but I'm here to give you an honest rundown of my journey.
Let's start with the basics. Registering for health insurance as a foreigner in Germany, under paragraph 24, is the same process as for German citizens. I chose to register with AOK after researching the differences between various health insurance providers.
One thing that drew me to AOK was their comprehensive preventive programs, including free sports classes, stress-reduction programs, and disease prevention initiatives. They also offer additional services like home care and extended vaccination programs.
However, I encountered some downsides during my experience with AOK. The local branch was not very cooperative in helping me transfer documents to Jobcenter, and they were quite sloppy in doing so. I had to wait for two months to receive my chip card, while the rest of my family members got theirs on time.
Another issue I faced was when I tried to deregister from Jobcenter and start working. To find out if the AOK branch had received the documents from my employer and changed my insurance status, I had to schedule an appointment, take time off work, and physically visit their office to clarify the issue. They don't respond to emails, and you either have to wait for a long time or manage your insurance through their app.
AOK's digitalization is still a work in progress. For instance, I had to wait for three weeks to receive a verification code for their app via regular mail. It was frustrating, especially at the beginning. When the code finally arrived, the app gave me an error message! I had to request a re-sending of the code, and the second time around, it worked.
So, to all those who are still working and think they don't need the app, I highly recommend installing it well in advance. It will save you time and hassle in the long run.
Can you visit your family doctor without a chip card?
Yes, you can. When you submit your documents for registration, you'll receive a document that allows you to book an appointment with a doctor and receive the necessary consultation and treatment.
Registration and Contributions
I had to wait almost two weeks after my application to get a term from AOK. To be honest, I could have had access to the service earlier, but I had to wait for a term for my address first. To register with the health insurance fund, you need a document confirming your registration at a specific address.
What documents do you need as a migrant for registration?
- Passport
- Aufenthaltstitel (issued by the migration authority immediately upon registration before receiving your ID card)
- German address registration
- Document from Jobcenter, as Jobcenter covers the cost of health insurance
- 2 photos
If you're a citizen of another status, you'll need to check the documents required separately.
Contribution size
AOK charges the statutory contribution rate set by law in 2024 - 14.6%
Working people pay half of this amount.
Almost all health insurance companies, including AOK, also charge an additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag), which averages around 1.6% in 2024. This additional contribution is also split equally between the employee and employer.
For more information on all types of contributions, you can check the company's website.
For two years, Jobcenter paid my contributions, and now my husband has taken out a family health insurance policy. After receiving my work contract, I had to go to AOK as soon as possible to clarify the new type of insurance or try to check through the app if the health insurance fund has made the necessary changes.
A small tip for migrants involved in projects like Jobturbo, Lila, and others: according to the idea, you should have a social worker assigned to you for six months, who will help you with issues like this, including answering your letters, arranging terms, and sending updates to various authorities, etc.
What AOK Covers
This health insurance covers almost 99.9% of all services.
I'll list what I'm sure of.
Medical services and treatment. This includes consultations with general practitioners and specialists. Of course, emergency assistance is also fully covered.Medicines. AOK covers expenses for prescription medications. Sometimes, you may need to pay a small contribution, around €5-10 per prescription, depending on the medication's cost.Preventative care and screenings.
Think regular check-ups, preventative programs (like vaccinations and cancer screenings), and early disease detection programs for conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Dental services.
Just the basics, though - check-ups, cleaning, and fillings. Coverage for more extensive procedures like implants and orthodontic treatment is partial. Important note!
If you regularly attend preventative check-ups, your insurance might cover more than the minimum. For example, my mom got a dental implant, and AOK covered 2700€ of the 5034.47€ total cost.
The doctor suggested breaking down the remaining cost into 5 payments.
Eye care services.
Regular eye exams, basic glasses, and contact lenses for kids and teens under 18.
Rehabilitation and physical therapy.
Various procedures to help with recovery after injuries or surgeries.
Counseling -
coverage for a certain number of therapy sessions to address depression or anxiety.
Pregnancy and childbirth.
This includes prenatal care, ultrasounds, and lab tests. Coverage for childbirth itself, as well as postpartum care and breastfeeding support.
Health programs.
AOK supports programs to improve health. I was curious to learn more about the courses offered, which include weight loss, smoking cessation, and stress management.
Transportation costs.
Medical transportation, including emergency services, is partially covered.
Out-of-pocket expenses.
As I mentioned earlier, this includes 5-10€ per prescription medication, as well as the cost of a hospital stay. I paid 10€ for a day's stay, including food.
It's clear that having medical insurance can make a huge difference in your life.
Even though some Germans might criticize the healthcare system for being too bureaucratic, especially when it comes to consultations and treatments from family or specialist doctors, emergency care is a whole different story. It's of a much higher quality.
Overall, if you can find a good family practice, you'll have minimal complaints. You might still grumble about long wait times for appointments, though.
A bit about how we found our doctor.
My family didn't exactly luck out when it came to finding a family doctor. After registering with AOK and starting our search, we were rejected by most practices due to their heavy workload.
We ended up at the doctor's office in late August and didn't see one until early November. And we found it completely by chance. There was a small residential complex being built in our area, and one day, a huge sign for 'Praxis' appeared on one of the buildings. The door already had a sign up, inviting new patients with a warm welcome.
To get an appointment, you'll need a chip card, and if you don't have one, you'll need that initial document from the AOK.
The doctor we saw was awesome!!! Not one of those who just prescribes ibuprofen and insists on going for walks in the fresh air. The first diagnosis we got was a family one, where each of us could meet the doctor and discuss our health issues. Then, I was sent for rehabilitation.
A quick rundown of the procedures I went through during rehabilitation:
I had to do an MRI of my head and spine again, even though I had a disc and a translated medical report from the clinic in Kiev. But it didn't matter, and the doctor still ran the test.
They took several blood tests because I had severe thermoregulation issues.
EEG
After the tests, I was given prescriptions for all the necessary medications.
The AOK covered most of my rehabilitation costs.
I had to pay extra for some of the medications I'd been taking for a long time and needed to be prescribed again - 5€ per prescription.
The symptoms that lasted the longest for me were cognitive impairment, thermoregulation issues, nausea/vomiting, vestibular problems, and increased anxiety.
I didn't go to the local therapists because of the communication complexity. I could've tried with a translator, but it was expensive - 15€ per hour. Plus, not everyone is comfortable with this kind of communication. The translators I met were mostly young people who'd been living in Germany for 5-10 years and didn't have the necessary level of communication. So, I was remotely treated by a specialist from Kharkiv. The family doctor here would then verify the prescribed medication and give me the prescriptions.
In the end, I also went to physical rehabilitation at the gym. They created a program for me and told me to find a suitable place for my workouts. The AOK covered a two-month membership to the gym and then the pool.
I paid 49€ for the gym.
And 9€ for a 1.5-hour pool session once a week.
Bonuses
You can earn extra points in the AOK system by demonstrating a healthy lifestyle. What do you need to do? Attend preventative check-ups, sign up for online seminars, get vaccinated, and so on. In short, show that you're actively leading a healthy lifestyle.
The AOK also gives bonuses for visiting the gym.
You'll need to scan a special QR code at the gym every time you visit.
Over time, you'll accumulate points that can be used to cover the cost of some of your workouts. This offer isn't available in all federal states, but it's still a nice perk.
AOK offers its insured members certain compensation for additional services. This includes, for example, active membership in a fitness studio or a local sports club. Depending on the region, these offers have different names.
Additional Free Services
The AOK cash register website offers a range of free online wellness courses and video workouts.
One of the online courses that caught my eye was a session on back health.
Registration is straightforward, and all age groups are welcome.
You'll receive additional information via email.
Occasionally, these sessions are rescheduled, but the information they provide is still valuable.
For the 50+ age group
AOK sends its insured members additional referrals for free colonoscopies and mammograms. My mom falls into this category, and she's already taken advantage of the mammography consultation.
In conclusion
I want to say that navigating the nuances of German health insurance requires careful attention to detail and thorough control over each step of the process.
PS: My health experience in 2024 was much more pleasant and stress-free compared to 2022 and 2023. The AOK cash register spent a mere 166.80€ on my care.
I remember having two consultations with my family doctor, an ultrasound of my digestive organs, a holter monitor, a creatinine blood test, and a prescription for Enalapril 100 tablets. I didn't have to pay a dime for the tablets.
I'd give the AOK medical cash register a solid 5, but with a tiny minus for its lack of digitization.
Hands down, I'd recommend this one!
Stay healthy and happy!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What is AOK and how does it work for foreigners in Germany?
AOK is Germany's largest state-run health insurance company, and foreigners can register under paragraph 24. The process is similar to registering for German citizens, and AOK offers a range of services and coverage options.
What kind of preventive programs does AOK offer?
AOK offers comprehensive preventive programs, including free sports classes, stress-reduction programs, and disease prevention initiatives. These programs aim to promote healthy habits and prevent illnesses.
Can I get a chip card with AOK?
Yes, AOK issues chip cards to its members, which can be used for medical services and other transactions. However, the waiting time for the chip card can be lengthy, and some members may experience delays.
How do I register for AOK as a foreigner in Germany?
To register for AOK, you'll need to provide documentation and meet the eligibility criteria. You can do this through the AOK website or by visiting a local branch. Be sure to research the differences between various health insurance providers before making a decision.
What kind of customer support does AOK offer?
AOK offers customer support through various channels, including phone, email, and online chat. However, some local branches may be more cooperative than others, and you may need to follow up with them to resolve issues.
Can I customize my AOK plan to fit my needs?
AOK offers a range of plan options, but some services may require extra fees or subscriptions. You can discuss your options with an AOK representative to find a plan that suits your needs.
How does AOK handle document transfers?
AOK handles document transfers through its local branches, but some members may experience delays or issues with the process. Be sure to follow up with your local branch to ensure that your documents are transferred correctly.
What kind of additional services does AOK offer?
AOK offers a range of additional services, including home care, extended vaccination programs, and more. These services may require extra fees or subscriptions, so be sure to discuss your options with an AOK representative.
How does AOK's chip card system work?
AOK's chip card system allows members to pay for medical services and other transactions. However, the waiting time for the chip card can be lengthy, and some members may experience delays.
Can I cancel my AOK plan if I'm not satisfied?
Yes, you can cancel your AOK plan if you're not satisfied. However, be sure to review the terms and conditions of your plan before making a decision.
check_circlePros
- •Comprehensive preventive programs, including free sports classes and stress-reduction programs
- •Additional services like home care and extended vaccination programs
- •Value for money, considering the quality of services and coverage
- •Easy registration process, even for foreigners under paragraph 24
- •Good customer support, although some local branches may be more cooperative than others
- •Worth every penny for the peace of mind and security that comes with having a reliable health insurance plan
- •A wide range of plan options to choose from
- •Access to a network of healthcare providers across Germany
- •AOK's chip card system makes it easy to pay for medical services
- •The ability to customize your plan to fit your needs
cancelCons
- •Some local branches can be uncooperative and difficult to work with
- •Sloppy document transfer process, which can lead to delays and frustration
- •Waiting time for some services, like the chip card, can be lengthy and inconvenient
- •Not all services are available in English, which can be a challenge for non-German speakers
- •Some additional services may require extra fees or subscriptions
- •Limited flexibility in terms of coverage and plan customization
- •The registration process can be a bit confusing for foreigners
- •Some members have reported issues with AOK's customer support
- •The waiting time for some services can be longer than expected
- •AOK's website can be a bit difficult to navigate
