THE REALITY OF UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE IN GERMANY vs. American Private Healthcare

[@timoreiswolf3313]

Being a healthy guy with good income in germany, I pay much more then I receive. But that's totally cool, because I can rest assured I will get the healthcare I need, if need arises. Plus, I support people who aren't as lucky and capable as I am.

[@fawkesmorque]

Danke! Bin ein unfreiwillig Betroffener und sehr dankbar, dass mir zumindest diese Sorge genommen wird. :) Es ist schon schwer genug mit den Schmerzen, lebensverändernden Einschränkungen und den finanziellen Problemen durchdas wegfallende Einkommen fertig zu werden, da braucht man als Kranker wirklich nicht auch noch irgendwelche Versicherungspläne, komplizierte Rechnungen, Zuzahlungen, usw., die einen am Ende völlig in den Ruin treiben. 👍

[@hapgood22]

Man, do I wish that more people here in America had your attitude.

[@TurKlack]

It's nice to see people with such a mindset.

[@waynetubr]

Aldough I'm late to the conversation I think you really put your foot on the main reason people resist a national health care program here in the U.S. I mean we seem to have this "I got mine, why should I help pay for yours" attitude. I don't think most Americans think far enough ahead to understand that between the poor people who can't pay, and the people driven to bankruptcy and don't pay, drive the cost of thier medical bills.

[@peter_meyer]

@@waynetubr As an argument, try asking those people if they have any kind of insurance - even private health insurance. Because that's the way insurances work. Everyone pays into a pool and those in need get money from that pool.

[@AliZee909]

I came to Germany as a student after taking some time off my career to care for a sick family member in my home country. To cut a long story short, the care basically wiped out any savings that we had. During my first week in Germany I got into an accident (got hit by a bus whose breaks stopped working). I was in a lot of pain but I didn't want the ambulance to be called because I didn't want to pay an expensive bill basically. But someone called the ambulance nonetheless. I also did not happen to have my insurance card on me that day. I got to the hospital and told them I don't have my insurance card on me. They shrugged it off and said everyone has a right to care and I should get treated now and bring my card to them later. After half a day of medical care, various X-rays, tests, and an ambulance ride I got a bill in the mail a month later for 10 euros. That day I realise Germany has a humanity-based medical system and I love it. Now I work full-time and gladly pay the various taxes and insurance even if I may not be using all the services they afford because I know these systems benefit us all as a country and society. Which is priceless in my opinion.

[@svroundabout]

Our son hurt his back going down a water slide in Croatia. We took a cab to the hospital and the doctor yelled at me and cursed (in Croatian) an us Americans. No charge for an ambulance, 100 euro total because we were on a tourist visa after an MRI, CT scan, spinal specialist and various other doctors. The receptionist apologized for the large bill before handing it to me. I thought, it's ok, I have a couple credit cards with high limits. I about cried when I saw the total.

[@svroundabout]

@Eugen Eck 100 euro!

[@Zybran93]

In my opinion Germanies social system is more patriotic than all of America's personal freedom. In America people are proud to be an individual that does not need to pay anything to anyone and you can do what you want. In Germany people are proud of the security of the country and that you can live freely as any person. I would choose Germany over America any time, just because I like living without a fear of death or dying poor.

[@stefanroeder87]

And even those 10€ are eliminated by now as this used to be a "once every quarter of the year"-fee for administrative fees if you see a doctor in said quarter.

[@stefanroeder87]

@@Zybran93 Fully agree with you. I am German and used to live in the US for a bit. I enjoyed living in California, but when it comes to any kinds of insurances, social security, pensions, sick leave, paternity leave, etc. it feels like a third world country sometimes.

[@scruffy3121]

I am from germany, born and raised. The biggest part about our system people dont think of is: peace of mind. You don't worry about what if a emergency happens.

[@obsidianwing]

Calling an RTW Rettungwagen ( Ambulance ) will not ruin your Life by having an Medical Emergency

[@Escherichia2003]

Sauber zusammengefasst. So habe ich das noch gar nicht gesehen.

[@PaulSullivan828]

Yeah that would be huge... It's stressful here in USA.

[@Dengste08]

yeah but thats also one of our biggest problems at the healthcare. We have to change this or the system are going to collaps... And im a nurse in Germany! Our system only works cause people like me victimize itssself for the country. Bad working conditions, bad loan and big cost for society are the reasons and much more....

[@KHValby]

Totally !!

[@elizabethaltschull5714]

Oringinally American, living in France. Similar to the German health care system with differences that are not relevent to my take on it here. For years, my husband who earned well, payed his public insurance fees covering our children (not me, as in Germany, I worked so I payed my share as well) and always said: "I don't mind paying more than I cost if I am lucky enough to be healthy". Then at 58 , he contracted cancer. For his family going through the pain of loss and who were losing their main bread winner: we didn't have to worry about ANY medical costs. No extras to pay to get a special bed, a walker, a nurse to come by the home - everything payed for. Not only that, it turned out that our health insurance was also a life insurance: we received a lump sum of money when he died that helped us reajust to our new life. I could sit down and try to figure out if what we payed before, and what I will pay until the day I die, what my children will pay and so on, "comes out even" - but actually, that's not really the spirit of the system. So to answer your closing question: without a shadow of a doubt, I believe in the PRINCIPLE OF SOLIDARITY: everyone contributes according to their means, receives according to their needs and if you end up giving more than you receive, it means you were blessed with good health and were able to help others.

[@AnoNymInvestor]

Exactly! I'm really sorry for your loss, Elizabeth. 😪

[@harrymachado722]

Principle of Solidarity or Mandated Solidarity?

[@elizabethaltschull5714]

@@harrymachado722 First: calling public health care " socialism" makes socialism sound pretty good. Labeling is not an argument nor is it convincing. It's a rallying call for people who don't want to think, nor make the effort to debate. A partially socialized sector in a capitalist economy can be perceived as the best of both worlds. Second, the idea that a free market society doesn't have constraints that force people to do things is simply a myth. The American taxpayer pays billions to the military industrial complex - how many individuals chose that? There is no such thing as a society where individuals choose everything and anything they want. You'll be hard pressed to find any European who thinks that the collective choice of a public health system ( with varying public policies under democratic control) is the wrong one. There is such a thing as a collective choice.

[@SuBeKuTah]

Yes, it's not the spirit of the system to calculate what you pay in and what you take out, but you also can't practically do it for any person before their death because you never, ever know what the future will bring and what you will need. Saying this as someone who has seen a very robust and healthy person with an excellent healthy lifestyle get serious health issues in old age nonetheless, all based on just one hereditary vulnerability for something that isn't curable in our system.

[@terrygerych7327]

' I believe in the PRINCIPLE OF SOLIDARITY: everyone contributes according to their means, receives according to their needs and if you end up giving more than you receive, it means you were blessed with good health and were able to help others'. great comment, elizabeth!

[@das_murks]

What people always forget: In Germany, you don't have to take a day off to visit a doctor. And if you get ill during a vacation and a doctor writes you off, you'll get the lost days of vacation back to use them again. During your time off no company can fire you for being ill.

[@manuelamoor1477]

People always forget another fact: Yes, you CAN be fired because of your illnes - it depends on the desease you have. Cancer for instance is a good example when the chance to be healthy someday is very low... To say it in German: Die Heilungsaussichten sind entscheidend. Sind sie eher gering, wie z. Bsp. bei Tumorerkrankungen, besteht durchaus die Möglichkeit, wegen dieser Erkrankung die Kündigung zu bekommen. Das ist geltende Rechtsprechung vor den Arbeitsgerichten. Hier unbetrachtet bleibt die Tatsache, dass viele, wenn nicht die meisten, Arbeitgeber bei einer derartigen Erkrankung vor diesem Schritt zurückschrecken. Glücklicherweise...

[@joeboxer12345]

@@manuelamoor1477 While this is true, it is extremely rare and you will still receive income from the government. Nothing like in the US where you can be fired if you are sick for just a few weeks.

[@manuelamoor1477]

@@joeboxer12345 That's true. Obviously...🙄

[@NewBalance-pu8ft]

Initially, you often have to take time off. The German doctors take an incredible amount of time until the diagnosis and like to let the patients stew for an extremely long time. For months! (anfangs muß man sich häufig freinehmen. Die Deutschen Ärzte lassen sich unglaublich viel Zeit bis zur Diagnose und lassen die Patienten gern extrem lange schmoren. Monatelang!).

[@Doso777]

Actually you are supposed to do your doctors visits outside of working hours but that is generally not really enforced, most employers allow you to call in sick for up to three days without proof anyways.

[@Reckless-mindfulness]

I came to Germany in 2012 and got diagnosed with Lyphoma in 2019. I had a public health insurance and apart from transport charges (sometimes) I did not pay a penny. I estimated the cost to be more then a million euros with cancer chemo/radiation therapies and my 212 days of hospital stays. taxi charges all taken care off. I spent a few thousand euros on things that I did not normally had to to but that hardly counts. I think German health insurance is a blessing. FYI it was Tcell Lyphoma, quite aggressive and I am cancer free since 2 years now.

[@IchMagDosenmais]

A bit late, but Congratulation on that :)

[@siamnata]

I hope it's now 2 years and 8 months! You can actually look up the costs of your treatments on the websites. Germans take a bit longer to offer digital services but now most insurances offer this service online...

[@Sub7er2011]

I hope you are still doing well and are still cancer free!

[@Reckless-mindfulness]

@@Sub7er2011 yep, all good, thanks for asking.

[@fridaytax]

Fantastic that you are now nearly 3 years cancer free! Stay well.

[@walther2492]

Here is my experience with our (Germany) healthcare system. When I was 18 I had a motorcycle accident. A semi truck didnt see me and hit me with around 80kmh. The results of the crash were: - broken neck - broken shoulder - multiple fractures on both arms - shattered hands - 5 broken rips - broken pelvis/hip - shattered leg - a torn liver I got 7 surgery's in total, including the emergency surgery at the day of the accident. What they did in these surgery's: - fixing my tron liver - reinforcing my neck with titanium screws and plates - reinforcing my shoulder with titanium plates - reconstruction of both of my hands, also with a lot of titanium - reinforcing my leg, also with a lot titanium - artificial hip joint After almost 3 months in hospital, i went for physiotherapy for almost 9 months. (I couldn't walk or anything else after i left the hospital. Not only because of the damage, but also because i hadn't any muscles left.) 1 year after the accident, it was clear that i couldn't work any longer in my job that i learned and so i got a retraining (3 years) from my insurance company for a new one. The total amount of costs of all this, from the minute the ambulance arrived until i got the last letter 4 years after the accident, was around 780.000€. Conclusion: If that had happened to me in the US, I would either be in debt for the rest of my life or a cripple. Edit: Oh, and i'm completely fine. Besides some fancy scars and slightly restricted fine motor skills, everything turned well for me.

[@TypeAshton]

OH wow! I am so glad you hear that you were able to recover after going through such a traumatic injury. Thank you so much for sharing your story. ❤️ Cheers from the Black Forest!

[@larsvolbracht766]

wow crazy and glad it all went well! kurze frage: piepst es bei der flughafensecurity als terminator? :D

[@osthollandia8510]

Du hättest dazu schreiben sollen, das Du Krankengeld bekommen hast und eben nicht wegen des Unfalls Insolvent geworden bist. Ja, war weniger als normal, aber in den USA gibt es sowas wie Krankengeld nicht. Aber schön zu lesen, dass Du wieder fit bist. Das freut mich wirklich sehr!

[@TremereTT]

@@osthollandia8510 Nicht op aber auch mit langem Krankenhausaufenthalt. Das erste was meine Krankenkasse mir geschrieben hat...paraphrasiert: "Das war doch bestimmt ein Arbeitsunfall? Du kriegst vielmehr Krankengeld wenn es ein Arbeitsunfall war. Komm sag schon es sei ein Arbeitsunfall oder ein Unfall auf dem weg zur Arbeit gewesen, menno!" Da war ich noch nicht ganz gesund und die Krankenkasse kommt mit solchen briefen UND Anrufen um die Ecke. Und ich bin nur in der Krankenkasse, weil meine Frau darauf bestand das ich bei der Hochzeit in ihre ach so tolle Krankenkasse wechsle...ist die Barmer... War vor her in der BKK-Thyssen-Krupp da gabs so einen scheiß nicht. Weiß aber auch nicht ob es die Krankenkasse noch gibt.

[@onaucc9899]

Also, prices in US hospitals are much, MUCH higher. If that happened in the USA, it wouldn't have been "only" 780.000$ of debt, it would probably have been MILLIONS, likely something around 2.000.000 $, maybe even more.

[@lizmagno1]

I am an older American living in Germany. I have private insurance at the lowest level (basis tariff) I developed Cancer here, received excellent care and have been Cancer free for 4 1/2 years so far. I have discussed health care with many people when I return to the US for visits and the general response is "I'm not going to pay more in taxes just so someone else (an undeserving person is implied) can get free healthcare, Let them get a job!". Overcoming this attitude is what keeps the US public from doing a deep dive into the facts that you have so well presented. This is one of those " third rails" of politics and no politician is brave enough to address it..

[@TypeAshton]

One of the things that always stuck with me was something that a colleague said "What is risky behavior? So my neighbor smokes and might need to go see a lung doctor. But I enjoy downhill mountain biking and might break a leg and need to see an orthopaedic surgeon. Stop worry about what other people are doing with their lives and just take care of one another."

[@c.w.8200]

@@TypeAshton The idea that you're in complete control of your health risks is such a myth, but I have to say smoking is a huge problem in some countries like Austria and I wish we were more successful in bringing the numbers down and preventing all the bad consequences to people, I've never once thought about not wanting my money to go towards the healthcare costs of smokers though, that sounds naive and mean to me, why split society like this, I grew up with the attitude of "we're all in this together".

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

The issue is that people who need the healthcare are usually the ones who are unable to work. And if they would get treatment, they could go back to work faster. oh, and there is a joke about smokers being useful for the healthcare system, because they die earlier and don't weigh down the system later.

[@TroPy1n]

Just hit em with a "Oh no, I'm going into remission, guess I'll fuck offback to Europe for decent healthcare, supported by everyone, for anyone. Sorry your grandma died from her untreated lymphoma while manning a cash register at Wallmart, only age 74"

[@NoxAtlas]

There will always be people who "take advantage" of a more socialist system that's supposed to give everyone equal support. Sure, I always get annoyed at unemployed people who laugh at people who work hard to contribute to the system that's supposed to make sure that everybody gets healthcare and doesn't have to become homeless. But I met so many people who have been in need of that kind of welfare because they're victims of circumstances that were out of their control. I've been in that situation too. I have been in the hospital for 6 weeks because of a mental breakdown and severe depression. Another time I slipped on the ground and broke my leg. I've been unemployed for a short time because I was fired during probation. Not even once did I have to fear about financial debt because I was in need of support. Some people are unlucky and can't contribute or their need for medical support is much higher. I'd rather pay more taxes and tolerate people taking advantage of the system rather than letting people behind who truly need it but can't afford it. It's such a heartless and selfish mentality to say "If you want help, then go work for it!"

[@christof4105]

The difference between german healthcare and us healthcare is one is based in solidarity, the other in charity. If you need a gofundme to cover your medical costs, then there is something seriously wrong.

[@Ares9804]

Ironically, outsourcing your medical bills to a gofundme is exactly what a generalized heatlhcare system is on a larger scale: Everyone chips in a bit so everyone can get all the care they need to get better. ATM, you start a gofundme to get the money, under generalized healthcare, you ARE the gofundme AND get money out of it. Also, the government or insurance gets to dictate drug prices, as they have huge advantage in any negotiation, unlike in the US, where Pharma can place whatever bill they want onto it.

[@CristalianaIvor]

@@Ares9804 yes and no? because with gofundmes you only can fund your medical bills if you are lucky enough that people like you enough to give you money. In Germanys System you are FORCED to pay into the pool of money that is used to pay for sick people. There are also some systems in place to limit what you can get out of the insurance (so for example you dont get the fanciest wheelchair and just the basic one) - for a gofundme its basically just how good you can present yourself will determine how much money you get in the end. Theres no system to check if you really need xy and there are probably also people easyly scamming other peoples charity - what might result in people being more reluctant to help others. All in all the gofundme solution is not a true solution - just a tiny bandage on a gigantic bleeding wound, as still alot of Americans unnesessary suffer becuase they simply cant afford healthcare! For example: did you know that German health insurances usually cover stuff like seeing a therapist or getting transgender top/bottom surgery? (its of course not perfect and highly criticised - but its possible) If you can show that it really affects your life you can even get plastic surgery as a cis-person. For example if you feel extremely bad about having no boobs as a girl, or you have an extremely wonky nose that bothered you all your life... Also the gofundme has the disatvantage that you have to basically out yourself - many people justifyable dont want to publicly out themselves as trans? Or do you want everyone to know that you had a nose job? The principle might be similar, but it really is not the same.

[@Ares9804]

@@CristalianaIvor yes, I knew those things about the german system. While you are "forced" to pay into the system when you earn money, in my opinion that's far outweighed by the fact that everyone pays for you as well should you fall sick. From the money I earned before I went to uni, just about 100-200€ were routed to my insurance, which I didn't miss at all, and if I had been hit by a car during that time, I would have had everything covered. I like our system.

[@felixfruhauf4940]

Not really solidarity vs. charity, but the system differs on who carries the burden to anticipate and mitigate unforseeable risks. US: the patient, Germany: the insurance company (= the community of patients).

[@chocothycflowerio6122]

@@Ares9804 there is nothing wrong with helping others "voluntarily" and I prefer it.

[@toluwanioluwatola6360]

I am a health policy analyst and I must confess this is one of the most researched vlogs I've seen on comparing the cost of Healthcare in two countries. This is so brilliant

[@TypeAshton]

Wow! Thank you so much for such a high compliment. We are glad you enjoyed the video.

[@kaleigh4081]

I just stumbled on your video today and was looking for a comment like this one. You did an excellent job. I'm an expat whose lived here for over 30 years with quite a medical story to tell. Thank God it all started shortly after I married my German husband. And we got all the service, although he was still on a student insurance!

[@samhartford8677]

What would you expect from a Ph.D. student...? ;)

[@fulanichild3138]

I was traveling in Burma when I came down with a urinary tract infection. Walked into a Burmese hospital and walked out with a free bottle of antibiotics. A few days later, in Thailand, I developed an allergic reaction to the antibiotics. I walked into a Thai hospital and walked out with a different medication for about $5. I'm an American and can get free or nearly free healthcare in other countries! I used to work in a study abroad program at an American university. Several of my students received free medical care while abroad, including hospitalization in a couple of cases. That the wealthiest country on earth cannot do this is not incompetence. It is corruption.

[@TypeAshton]

Jonathan had a similiar experience when working in Taiwan. He had bronchitis and walked out of the doctor with mediation that was nearly free, even without having to show an insurance card. This was his first experience with non-USA healthcare. Definitely an eye opener.

[@yannick245]

@@TypeAshton The Americans system seems to me like a creation of a person with ASPD _(Antisocial personality disorder)._ Commonly known as psychopathy/sociopathy. I love the US and the American people. But why in God's name can't they come up with a humane health care system? I know that the US is a _"proud capitalist"_ country. But many capitalist economy countries have a social/humanistic health care system. Singapore for example is a super-capitalist country. But Bloomberg ranked Singapore's healthcare system the most efficient in the world and the WHO ranked them on 6th place. The US system is totally rigged. The government spends a higher percentage _(19%)_ of their gouvernement budget on health care than Germany _(11%)._ There are many profetiers of the current system in the US, but it's not the patients!

[@yannick245]

@Eugen Eck The rich people in the US also get insanely old! They really push the average life expectancy. So many poor or middle-class people _(that went bankrupt over their health problems)_ die prematurely, because of lacking proper healthcare. This would never happen in Germany! Still the average life expectancy is about the same. 81 years in Germany _(numbers from 2020)_ and 77 in the US _(also 2020 numbers)._ That's because the US has the best doctors and the best and newest treatments available, for people that can afford it. I'm always baffled when I see the ages of public figures. It seems like they all make it to their mid-nineties. Even people with a lifestyle that would normally lead to a prematurely death, are still rolling. Modern medicine is really able to work wonders! I myself had hepatitis C. There's a new drug that cures you in 2-3 months. The cost for this treatment is $30-40,000. I just went to my local gastroenterologist and got a prescription. And that's it. I was even unemployment during that time. In a short report about this new therapy/drugs, I heard the head of medicare/medicaid saying that people _"have to get in line"_ to get the treatment. This sounds so inhumane to me. Like we're talking about the new iPhone. As much as I love American and the American people. This is an absolute embarrassment to a country like the US! This is really the only thing that I can think about why I prefer to rather live in Germany.

[@mapol7297]

I would rather call it ignorance. Or, an excess of individualism, missing solidarity on what the country was built.

[@absoleet]

No its the free enterprise system working well for fattening the pockets of corp executives and lobbyists.

[@nriamond8010]

I'm German, 39 and never ever sick (I can literally count on one hand how often I've been sick in the last 30 years). So I've been paying enormous amounts of money for nothing ... but I'm doing it happily knowing that a) I won't have to worry IF some day, I have an accident or get chronically ill (not to forget that one day, I'll be old and most people need some medical care at that point) and b) I'm supporting people who are less lucky than me. Because in many cases, health is mostly a matter of pure luck (of course, a healthy lifestyle does help but there are so many diseases that are not prevented by this) and I really like to help bring a little bit of fairness in a world that is very unfair overall.

[@SuBeKuTah]

I know someone who used to be extremely healthy with a very healthy lifestyle (no smoking or drinking ever, no drugs, sports all their life). The person came from another country with less insurance coverage for healthcare and used to say they're happy if they keep paying much more into the system than ever taking out as that means being healthy. In old age (75+), this person still developed some serious health issues due to hereditary vulnerability and now at over 85 needs a load of medication, frequent appointments with the doctor, blood tests and therapy to survive and be able to participate in life. So, it really can happen to anyone and one could only check the balance of paid in/taken out after a person has died.

[@AltIng9154]

Agree!

[@catwiesel_81]

As a German, living here, paying into the very insurance that is helping you get the miracle drug for free, from the bottom of my heart, I approve.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much. ❤️❤️

[@wvmom2727]

Americans have been brainwashed to think Single payer healthcare is bad.

[@Robbedem]

yeah, and Germany as a whole can put a lot more pressure on the company that makes those drugs to offer them at a reasonable price compared to patients themselves who would basicly have no life without them. This is why those drugs are much cheaper in countries with universal healthcare. The downside is that some drugs might not be available if the company and the country couldn't come to an agreement (yet)

[@Paul_C]

@@Robbedem true, however under law, because it is an experimental drug once it is approved by the EU and all tests are met it would be available to all. Then the drug can be sold even in the USA. Probably that American price would be higher than €1500 per dose. The EU price would likely be half or maybe even less.

[@wernerschroer6138]

@geranienbaumCan you back that up with facts?

[@jimchik]

I’m an American, living in Germany for about 11 years. In 2017 I had a hip replaced. Long story short,; 11 days in the hospital, 3 weeks at sleep-away rehab, 6 months of thrice weekly rehab visits (public transportation was paid for!). A great titanium and ceramic device installed where there was a only bone… total out of pocket expense was about €110, not including the €1000 or so given to me to cover expenses during the month + of not working. Keep in mind that I had only been living here for about 7 years at the time of the surgery. That is the beauty of a system that takes care of people, over profit margins. Health insurance is mandated by law. I couldn’t be more grateful.

[@arnodobler1096]

😍😭

[@santopino2546]

I'm sure, they would have done the same if you had just got off the plane.

[@arnodobler1096]

@Craig Dendy wtf?

[@mathephysikutz2961]

@Craig Dendy: Nope. Everyone is contributing, everyone is protected. The amount of your contribution depends on the income you make. And you get hwat is medically needed. I contributed hundreds of thousands of Euros over the time of my (great) career. And that's abolutely ok, even if I didn't cause much cost for the system. After all, this means I was lucky and healthy. I call that civilization.

[@mathephysikutz2961]

@Craig Dendy: You are entitled to any opinion, Sir, even if it tells a lot about you and nothing about the things you are commenting on.

[@pg259]

As a german MD i couldn´t work in the USA. The idea i can´t treat patients because they are poor is outrageous. I work to help people, not to check their bank accounts and then decide wether i help them or let them die.

[@neutrino78x]

"The idea i can´t treat patients because they are poor is outrageous. " You can. We have things like Medicaid (MediCal in California) they help the poor pay for health care. 90% of Americans are covered per the 2020 census

[@pg259]

@@neutrino78x 90% means about 30.000.000 are not. If the coverage is so good why is the USA the only country with GoFundMe for medical bills?

[@neutrino78x]

@@pg259 "90% means about 30.000.000 are not." Yes I know, I can do math too. 90% is the vast majority. The others have things like Medicare, which in California is called MediCal. " If the coverage is so good why is the USA the only country with GoFundMe for medical bills" I don't know but the fact remains that 90% of Americans have health care coverage.

[@pg259]

@@neutrino78x The fact remains 30.000.000 people are not insured and a lot people are just one sickness away from poverty/debt. IIRC health insurance is part of the job-lose the job, lose the insurance. On top you have a lot of co-payements despite being insured. On the other side the american healthcare system gave us "Breaking bad"-in any civilized country the show would have been over after 2mins "Oh noo--i have cancer, how to pay for chemo et al??" "No problem, EVERYTHING is covered by your insurance" End credits.

[@neutrino78x]

@@pg259 "he fact remains 30.000.000 people are not insured " Out of 300 million. And we have programs for them. California (where I live) has a stronger program for that than most states. " IIRC health insurance is part of the job-lose the job, lose the insurance. " No there's COBRA. "On top you have a lot of co-payements despite being insured." Which most people can afford, and it's not free in Germany either. " On the other side the american healthcare system gave us "Breaking bad"-" No, that was just a TV show. " "Oh noo--i have cancer, how to pay for chemo et al??" "No problem, EVERYTHING is covered by your insurance"" Usually the case here too.

[@auroramadariaga4081]

I'm Chilean living in Germany since 2007. I came here because I fell in love with a Dutch man, who is now my husband, and we decided to live here. I was a healthy person when I moved here, from my home country I only brought an old injury in my right knee product of a fall when I was 15. It wasn't operated when it happened but it had to happen here because I was feeling the consequences of long term broken crossed ligaments. So I was operated through the public health care system. It was ambulatory and the post care that came after as well as the surgery was all covered. Then a few years later I was diagnosed with endometriosis. All those exams to determine it as well as the operation and post care was all covered. The only thing we paid was 10 euros per hospitalized day. I was hospitalized a total of 2 weeks. Chile has a similar health care system than the US and I know that these operations would have cost a fortune over there. I have a few other minor health issues (like an allergic asthma because of mites) that are taken care of here because of the German public health care system. In contrast, a few years ago I came back to Chile to visit family and friends and I fell sick with the flu. I went to the ER of a clinic with a friend and her sister. After years living in Germany, the boards stating the prices of every service above the reception as if it were a damn fast food restaurant was the first shock. My tonsils were so swollen I could barely breath, let alone talk. After good 2 hours waiting my turn, a doctor saw me for 2 minutes tops, and she went ahead to list the different things she could order the nurses to administrate to me, along with the prices of each of them. She said "think about it and I'll be back in a moment" and left me there in pain and on my own. As if it's a matter of choice whether to receive those medicines or vaccines... after a while a nurse came in and asked for my decision. With much pain and effort to speak I told her to just give me the full treatment. I had money on me to pay the visit, well knowing I was being attended without a national insurance but trusting my international one to take care of the bill once back in Germany. The total of the bill was a lot more than what I had in my wallet, which wasn't a small amount. It was my friend and her sister who took the bill on my behalf with their credit card and I paid them later. When someone here in the comments says about the German public health care system that "it's about peace of mind and not panicking when an emergency happens" this is what they mean. Meanwhile, I hear people back home who can't follow through treatments because each exam, plus medications and/or procedures would force them to either sell their car or even house, then I'm grateful to live here and have some quality of life despite a chronic disease like endometriosis and allergic asthma.

[@joeboxer12345]

My husband and I moved to Germany not at all for the healthcare benefits but more to start a new life. I have to say that we will never move back to the US solely because of the healthcare benefits. Since moving here my husband has been diagnosed as diabetic and had a stroke. With all his meds, days in the hospital, regular checkups, and actual food therapy vacation (teaching him how to live with diabetes) and much more ALL WITHOUT EVER SEEING A SINGLE MEDICAL BILL has complete changed our views on life.

[@MrTestingTubes]

In May 202 I had a stroke as well and if I would live in the USA I would have been bankrupt for sure. Because since the stroke I cannot work in my old job and need to reorientate. So the public health system did not only pay the 2 weeks in hospital with all the expensive examinations and intensive care, it is paying for my sick leave since then. Additional the pension insurance will pay for a new job education. So it might cost a bit, but the social system in Germany offers a lot if you need it and I am so thankful for that.

[@LudusArtifex]

Welcome to Germany :)

[@Traumglanz]

And germany might be even below average when compared to a few other places around europe. :)

[@CerealDeath]

​@@MrTestingTubes I had a mental breakdown in my former call-center job. Not only do I have the feeling, that most Insurances over in the us wouldn't cover that, but I got 62% of my wage payed by the state through the employment office, the state also covered my public healthcare. After a mental doc assigned me a place in a day clinic, the pension insurance took over with the 62%. After that I was in a work-rehab thingy that lastet 1,5yrs, payed by the pension insurance incl. the medication, all the while the pension insurance still payed me my 62%. after that I was looking for a job for about 9 months - still payed through the employment office. And currently they sponsoring me a new, slightly shortened (2yrs) apprenticeship. I still get my 62%, while being payed up to 400€ by my apprenticing company. If I pass the mid-exam I'll get a bonus of 1000€ and if I pass altogether I'll get another 1500€ one-off bonus by the state. so all in all I was off work for around 4yrs, while being paid and covered. And I'm being paid and covered, for atleast the next 2yrs too.

[@esci85]

@G E T R E K T so hopefully you never have an accident or get ill that you can go on upsetting

[@DDan61]

Great Analysis - My experience as an American in Germany (my wife is German) ... many years ago my oldest daughter had an Asthma attack and we rushed her to the closest Doctor. They immediately cleared the office and called for an Ambulance and rushed her to the nearest Hospital and she almost died. I had public health insurance and after all this was over, we were able to get Germany's Top Asthma Expert in this area (by Munich or München) as her Doctor. We had to have breathing machines, etc... and other things not to mention pills. Through this entire ordeal, I had to pay 0 €'s, yes, absolutely nothing because under this healthcare, children under 18 years old are COMPLETELY FREE. This is an area that you didn't cover in this discussion because you speak of "Family Coverage" but fail to mention that Children are free in Germany. I waited for a bill that never came and as the sole provider, I was ecstatic! Now 30+ years and 8 kids later (most adults now) this was my experience. And to be fair, we also lived in the US for 9 years and had 3 kids, but after making it through Hurricane Rita and Ike, she demanded to go back to Germany where there were no hurricanes. I lived the Family Healthcare life in both US / Germany and I would absolutely pick Germany's System over the US's any day of the week. Imagine you are sick in the US, you lose money if you don't work, etc... but in Germany, if you do not feel good you go to the Dr. and get a slip and the Dr says when you will be back to work - this is paid by the Healthcare. To bring this home, basically if I had a bad cold, I may spend 3 days at home with medicine and I am still paid for these days because the German's want healthy people at work - not people getting the rest of the workforce sick because they have to put food on the table. Sorry for the length, but this is my 0,02 €

[@tumage8592]

If kids are enshured by private healthcare, they arent free. only by public.

[@phoenixsui]

So you had 11 kids? Thats a lot. No wonder Humanity doubles every few years. Thats insane lol.

[@ondrejsoroka8170]

@@tumage8592 Yes you can look at it as an investment into their lives. They will pay back.

[@dietertubeyou]

Thanks for your story. Just FYI, the first 6 weeks the employer pays the salary. After that the health insurance pays a percentage of that.

[@DDan61]

@@dietertubeyou Cheers for that correction.

[@CassieLopez]

As an American living in Germany with a severely-disabled child, I'm a HUGE fan of the German health-care system. Good job with this video!

You can call it European healthcare system, or (Developed World minus USA) healthcare.

[@mikewassef8172]

Thank you so much for sharing your personal story and for this very thorough video. As a physician in the US, I can say that one of the biggest problems for healthcare in America are cultural and political influences. We’re inherently untrusting of our government and are so individualistic, arrogant, and ignorant of the overall social benefits that a Universal healthcare system can bring. I’ve seen too many patients skip on their insulin, CT scan or flood the ERs because they couldn’t afford primary care or prescription drugs. If all of these were available, there will still be some non-compliant patients and people who abuse the system. Overall though, there’d be less waste, better negotiating with pharmaceutical companies and medical manufacturers as well as better health outcomes. In times, this may actually decrease healthcare costs, boost worker productivity, and remove a huge burden on small businesses who have to incur the cost of providing private healthcare making them a lot less competitive with the bigger firms. It will be an overall a huge net positive for the country, except for the insurance firms listed on Wall Street, of course, and their CEOs who contribute generously to politicians on both sides of the aisle

[@philipp5388]

It is really hard for me as an European (Austrian) to talk about this topic to Americans without fearing to get to offensive. It blows my mind, that this topic is so controversal in the states. It is nearly imposible for me to belive, that there are so many people there, who defend the lack of something like universal helthcare seriously. For me this is one of the main controdictions to call a society "civilized" (beside the ban of a death penalty by the way). See...I am getting offensive again, I appologize. But I think this is just because we share so many other values and are so near in all the other topics. So it's like beeing really disapointed by a family member. It's kind of deniing the dignity of people and be proud of it to me.

[@abjectt5440]

They're always trashing our healthcare in Canada. Having a public healthcare system this close to the US makes Republicans heads explode. If it doesn't make money in America it's gone. If their system is so great why do so many Americans come to Canada to get lower cost meds.

[@fnd111]

@@abjectt5440 Because they are subsidized by your government. Need I remind you that most medications are developed here in the U.S. That is very expensive. An expense that Canadian taxpayers do not have to bare. The current Covid vaccine was developed here in the U.S. Why? Because we have a for profit system. Seldom do any major medical innovations came from countries that have a socialized medical system. BTW - the vaccine is not free. Your taxes pay for it. Nothing is free. Nothing.

[@EudaderurScheiss]

​@@fnd111 actually it was developed in germany if u talk about pfizer. or see uk. they just bought it out from a german company. also supported by european tax payers. the us has a great system when it comes to sience, but thats not what you pay for. you pay for greedy ppl in pharma/insurance companies that act worse than drug lords from mexico. for certain medications its cheaper to fly to mexico, buy it there, and then fly back. your government is bought by them. democrats and republican's alike. and we are not talking about pharama companies and how expensive it is to develop new medications. we talk about the insurance system. about how hospitals, nurses, doctors are payed. why would you want to have a for profit system for a basic human need? the moment you make money with sick ppl you create a system that wants to optimize their winnings, put them in treatments that are unnecessary, keep them sick. charge for more thats needed. the list is so long. and if there are no state / civil interests behind the insurances, whos gona negotiate the pricings with pharma companies in the interests of the ppl. who will be responsible? do you believe that a private insurance and a private pharma company wont go to ridiculous pricings? ppl need the medications otherwise they die. i randomly came to this video by watching an interview of a multimillionaire that now lives on the streets in some us city. and i thought.. where im from he could become a apartment bigger and cheaper than most places in london. he´d had health insurance. he could easily get his life back. he probably wouldn't have become a millionaire though.

[@danielschurmann7558]

@@fnd111 The current Covid vaccine was developed here in the U.S Which one? J&J - developed by Janssen in Belgium Pfizer - developed by Biontech in Germany Astrazeneca - developed by Oxford University in GB Moderna - right... that must be the "current" one

[@spencers4121]

@@fnd111 Nothing wrong with making a profit, something grossly wrong with making 5000% profit. Or buy patents and then jacking up the cost for life saving meds, You know like the epi pens and insulin.

[@burkhardd9782]

As a German, I would like to say that I am used to this system of solidarity community and do not want to miss it. In my opinion, it gives the individual a free life in the sense of "one less worry". It's just the case that maybe one or two people are always healthy and they may have paid too much, but they do the same with their car insurance if they never have an accident. But who knows he's never going to cause an accident? But it is the knowledge that you will be taken care of and caught if you should get sick, or have an accident, that gives you a calm free feeling. By the way, even if you get very sick for a long time and can't work, the health insurance company will pay a large portion of your salary and you don't have to worry about going broke. I don't think the insurance is too expensive. In the German hospitals you are well cared for and the family doctors are well trained and motivated. They say we Germans are always complaining, I say I am satisfied. Also, I am glad that you have been helped well here.

[@Anson_AKB]

speaking of car insurance. i have seen (dashcam) videos where people summarized the damage and costs, and typically they paid 500-1000$ if the other driver was at fault. in the comments, people explained that strange fact: some usa states don't decide on which driver is at fault (and has to pay everything), some states only require insurances for max 5000$, and many drivers have no insurance. thus many people in the usa have an additional insurance (similar to _Vollkasko)_ which gets handed the claim so that that insurance either pays the damage or contacts the other insurance to get the money from them (without any troubles for the insured person), and the copay for that insurance is 500-1000$. what a strange world/country when people routinely need an insurance to pay for damages that are caused by others, and quite often the mandatory insurance isn't good enough to even cover part of the damage. with such CAR insurances (or lack of them), i'm no longer surprised that they also have strange views on PEOPLE's (health) insurances ...

[@TypeAshton]

Yes. So weird story - When I was in college, I was in a very minor car accident. Another driver basically missed a stop sign and t-boned me on my passenger side. Thankfully we were both only going maybe 15-20 miles an hour.... anyway, long story short: At the scene the driver said "Oh man this is completely my fault" but then told their insurance company another story completely. It took 2 months for our insurances to argue back and forth on whose fault it was. They ended up setteling out of court that the car accident was 30 percent my fault and 70 percent the other's fault, just so the other driver's insurance premium didn't go up... 🤨

[@christiang5209]

@@TypeAshton The risk that they don't remember that it was there fault, could happen in germany too. I would also recomment that they sign a accident report, when you want to handle a car accident without the police (and a lawyer would advise you never say anything) ... Because also in germany the car insurance fee raises, but at least you know for sure that a victim off an car accident get there money (even when i like to add, that they usually pay the damage and very few money for pain and lost life quality)

[@Ezekielepharcelis]

@@christiang5209 Simply call the Police, it is better for saving the proof. Just in very minor cases you are better off without the Police.

[@FR0STBL0D]

... actually I don't deem the notion of "paying too much" (because you never need your insurance) to be solidary. Health ... is not just individual risk but also linked to class ... and other form of (dis)advantages. Solidarity means ... paying for a insurance system you hope to seldom or never need ... while being Ok with others' using and needing it. Because: If it's about you to become severely ill ... you don't want to be in debts for maybe the rest of your life.

[@wolfgangdautriche623]

When I discussed this issue with foreign Americans during my US trip and honestly said that German healthcare would replace everything in unlimited amounts and that in Germany everyone has to pay an exact percentage for health insurance according to their income, I was told by some people: You are a socialist. They meant it in a negative way. But there are also many people in the USA who cannot answer which country the Panama Canal is in. And then we come to the cost of university education. Education is free in Germany. This allows every young person, regardless of their background, to get a good education.

[@motioninmind6015]

My FIRST experience with the German health insurance system was with a dentist. I've had a chipped front tooth since I was 14 years old. In the US, no dentist would fix it because insurance wouldn't cover it, and they wanted hundreds in cash for the work. So I lived with my chipped tooth. My first month in Germany, I went to the dentist for a check up and he said "we'll fix that chip while we're at it" I asked him how much I'd have to pay, and he looked at me funny and said, what do mean? Insurance pays it. Boom. I've had my tooth filled in since 1996

[@aycc-nbh7289]

Uhh… my health insurance in the US covered a chipped tooth I had.

[@Cherry-pu4mx]

You pay health insurance in Germany and it is mandatory. Think it was 14.5% of your gross salary. You also pay tax to cover the healthcare.

[@martin116d]

I am German - lived here all my life long. My wife is from Africa and had a pre-existing condition. I have private health care (wich is in general a bit more expensive than the public healthcare) and we pay for me, my wife and three children 750€ per month. Sometimes the insurance company does not pay 100% (glasses for example) - but it's less than 500 € per year additional costs. A cesarean - 0 EUR additional costs. A prostheses (40.000 € every 5-7 years) - 0 additional costs. I have friends whose son had bone cancer - 0 additional costs, neither for the chemo nor for the hospital they had to pay (hospital: usually 10 € per day - but their insurance covered those 10 EUR, too). I really can not understand why the US still have this third world non-system.

[@TypeAshton]

Really interesting and cool to hear from someone who has private insurance. I think Germany's balance of public and private offer a great balance of choice and good coverage. Many Americans seem to think that it HAS to be one or the other, but there are great models out there that show how things could work successfully with healthcare insurance.

[@ebahapo]

No need to offend third world countries, many of which do have universal healthcare, sometimes better than in the US. Even to the point of becoming destinations for medical tourism by US people.

[@baramuth71]

@@ebahapo What he wrote is absolutely not an insult, but the absolute truth and fact. Why do so many Americans go elsewhere for treatment because they can't afford the horrendous costs? Every visit to the doctor costs money, a longer hospital stay with all the trimmings can cost several hundred thousand dollars, for most people absolute financial bankruptcy. In this case, the writer is quite right to describe the USA as a 3rd world country. Because no other country in the world is as expensive as the USA. Not to forget it is a human right and not a money machine. Human rights are being massively violated here.

[@makkurotatsu]

I'm German and now in my fifties. As a younger man I sometimes winced at the thought of having to pay more for my single person health insurance -- I earned more than the "Beitragsbemessungsgrenze" but chose to remain in the public health insurance system -- than my neighbour for himself, his wife and five children. Still, I thought that solidarity is a worthy character trait, and I considered myself lucky for paying the maximum premiums while being mostly healthy. Twenty years, a severe traffic accident and a chronic, congenital illness later, I have had more medical treatment than I care to remember. There were years in which I could not work, but universal health care saved me from bankruptcy. Over the years my health insurance has paid out way more than my combined premiums. What goes around comes around.

[@markus1351]

eaxctly,... I go even further and spend what I would pay more if the Beitragsbemessungsgrenze would not be there towards Doctors without Borders

[@Rindy89]

Germans are not really into patriotism, but I think I speak for many when I say that I am really proud of how good and fair our health system is (especially compared to the USA). very informative video, thanks!

[@TypeAshton]

Glad you enjoyed it! ❤️ Cheers from the Black Forest!

[@BrockelLP]

well to be fair. it ist pretty good at most times. but due to my job somewhere in healthcare, i can say for sure that insurance companies often try to scam insured by not wanting to pay necessary treatments and even transports to such. had a dialysis patient who had to pay 3 months of transportation (wheelchairbound, about 30 km drive every second day) just because his yearly permit for transportation was denied for whatever reason. at this point he was treated for kidney problems for more than 3 years. the best thing to happen to you if you would ever need medical treatment is an accident at work. that way all expenses will be covered by the trade association (berufsgenossenschaft) and they even pay you more than private insurance and public healthcare combined. there is no back and forth about wether something like treatment, transportation or rehab is needed or not. they will just pay for your treatment until you don't need them and can get back to work. luckily i only had minor medical problems so far, so i didn't have to fight with public healthcare, but i know a lot of (especially elderly) people which already had to and it is somewhat terrifying to hear

[@hyenalaughingmatter8103]

Anyone is patriotic by nature... Germans just dont rub that under other peoples noses all he time.

[@molajumbutu9400]

When i would be a patriot than the people would say.... i am a Nazi.....hahaha

[@wora1111]

@@molajumbutu9400 Yes, that is the German attitude.

[@skrrytch]

Sometimes we Germans (including me) forget what public health insurance in Germany is: a powerful tool based on solidarity. Well, we know the system, but sometimes we forget why it's so important! Thanks for reminding us and thanks to the (most) commenters for showing this is the way to go. My small contribution (for a nice smelling cup of coffee) to your channel can only be a gesture, a symbol of appreciation!

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much!! ♥️

[@thomassalvi]

Run by bureaucrats who fail the patients over and over. What a joke

[@CrownRider]

The Dutch healthcare system is similar to the German system. I've got 5 cancer surgeries in 5 years, more that 50 chemo treatments and endless checkups. I never paid anything extra and was able to work when ever I could. No pressure. When I tell friends from the US how it works here, they can hardly believe me.

[@TypeAshton]

Wow! I hope you are doing well now ❤️ Thank you so much for watching and for sharing your experience.

[@sonntagskindlein]

I still cannot understand why the American system is so expensive. The cost are simply unreal.

[@dado4352]

@@sonntagskindlein Because hospitals are runned by boards or steering committees . Their interest is making profit and split bonuses. Prices are not regulated by state so there is no limit.

[@steffenrosmus9177]

@@sonntagskindlein quite easy, the American health care system is owned by the pension funds of the doctors and therefore a full profit organisation. F.w I had a twisted ankle on the US during vacation and went to hospital for Xray, some pain pills and a pair of crutches. When we return I got an letter from my insurance company I which they asked if I could approve the bill of the hospital. All that would have costed in Germany the amount of app 560 $, in the US hospital bill was $ 4767,56.

[@georgesmith5708]

Same here in Italy. No direct bill to the patient and full quality care. Of course we pay our public health system with taxes, but they are proportioned to the income. So even homeless people or unemployed workers can receive a full quality and free care. Of course we have private hospitals too, and you may freely decide were to go. Even some private hospitals are anyway free for the patient in some cases, as the costs are reimbursed to the hospitals directly by the State, on the basis of the standard costs for the same treatments if received in a public hospital. So you do not need to have any health private insurance. Everything you may need will be free and provided by the State. In many cases private clinics are faster and there is no queue, but if you can wait and program your needs there is no difference. And as said in many cases even faster private cares can be free of cost for the patient.

[@JochenHormes]

I am from Germany, am a freelancer, rarely get sick and pay the maximum into the public health insurance. BUT I would not want to change that! I am super happy with this system, except for some flaws here and there, but this way I don't have to worry about getting sick, having an accident or needing surgery - at least not financially.

[@TNeulaender]

Similar here: The amount of relief this gives for all families. I'd rather pay X € more a month just to know, that I live in a society where not 1/5th of the population is unnecessary broke due to health.

[@LMB222]

Same here. The 900+€ (KV+PV) does hurt, but I do feel safe.

[@PORRFNK]

So in Germany there are different levels of public health insurance costs? It's not all taken over the tax? Just asking because I am curious, I live in Denmark where many people have a combination of public health insurance which is over the taxes, depending on your income and then some people add a private insurance because the public healthcare can be slow or you want all your bills for special medicine covered as well

[@JochenHormes]

@@PORRFNK Public health insurance is withheld together with your taxes, but it is not a tax. And it is a percentage of your income, but there is a cap. If you make 58.050 Euro per year or more (in 2021) you pay a fixed amount - like I do. A lot of people have additional private coverage, but mostly for dental work or perks on hospital stays. If your treatment is covered by the public insurance you will never see a bill in Germany. It is all taken care of behind the scenes. Edit: If you have a family, just the working family members have to pay premiums and everybody else is covered also. If you make more than 64.350 Euro per year or are self-employed you have the option to switch to a private insurance for your normal coverage. There are perks like it is most of the time faster to get an appointment and you get better care, because the health care provider can bill a lot more to the private insurance. But the premiums are not capped, you have to pay extra for each family member and the premiums rise with your age. So it can become quite costly when you get old (and have less money since you are retired). To prevent misuse it is quite difficult to switch back into public insurance after you turned 50.

[@TNeulaender]

@@PORRFNK It's similar here. You can have public health insurance, but there are multiple "Krankenkassen". So you can choose what fits best. They all cost very similar in money and have an upper limit in monthly cost (around 860€ I think), when you belong the "shitton of money earners" :D. When you earn more than amount X (I think 80k/year) you are free to choose private insurance, which has all kinds of good/bad cost/service ratios. Most of them require you to pay bills up front and you get the money back. Besides all that you can have additional insurance if you absoluetly need your one-bed room at the hospital or want premium teeth replacement instead of standard ones. I would say it's all in all good compared to what I hear in the world. But definetely not perfect. Subsidizing homöopathy is just one of the things I wouldn't pay a dime for if I had the chance.

[@kieferngruen]

I actually teared up when you described how that drug changed your life and how your sense of smell came back. I'm so happy for you and wish you all the best!

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you! It is still going great. :)

[@MikeS29]

Me too! 🥲

[@philh8829]

Your health plan in the US is INSANELY GOOD. Like, it can’t be any better for covering just yourself. It must have been enormously subsidized. I have a really good family insurance, and I pay $5500/year in premiums, and my family deductible is 7k. They don’t cover anything, 0% until I hit my deductible. Then they pay 100%. Granted, I have a pretax HSA to cover the deductible which my employer contributes to. That means, I pay $12,500 a year before insurance does anything. The year my daughter was born, we paid the full $12,500. When it comes to doctors, my family doctor can only see me after 2 weeks. Specialist wait times are months.

[@pikahpaws1]

Thank you for this video. We live in Germany and are Americans. We are nearing retirement and truly fear moving back to the States because of the super expensive healthcare and fearful we would lose our home being on medicare if we got truly ill. The hospitals in Germany are not glamorous, but efficient and I really appreciate not worrying about how much money we have in the bank in order to go see a doctor. Thanks and I will be sharing this video with all my American friends who think universal healthcare is a form of having less freedom. I have freedom from healthcare debt living here in Germany.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much! I am really glad that you enjoyed the video and want to share it with others. I know that a lot of our friends back home also have a significant misunderstanding about how Universal healthcare works and what it would mean for their finances. Thanks again for watching! ❤️ Cheers from the Black Forest.

[@enowilson]

I’m sorry but it’s so sad that as an expatriate you’ve been working your ass out abroad many years, and when the time for retirement has come, you can’t go back to your country and die surrounded by your family because of fearing the medical bills to come - And they WILL come. Germany is a beautiful country, so tell your friends and relatives to come visit you very often.

[@pikahpaws1]

@@enowilson Medicare, available to all Americans over 65. Fortunately I worked long enough in the United States before going to Germany, so I will qualify.

[@JesperMilling]

Medicare in the United States is health service for all over 65 if not 60. And I believe it is just as good as any public Healthcare system in Europe.

[@manfredconnor3194]

Me too, but I am not established well enough here and the clock is ticking.

[@calise8783]

First off, congratulations on the amazing improvements in your health! I’m an American who has been living here since 1999. I actually was one of those Americans who went without healthcare for almost two years in the US after aging out of being covered under my parents while in Uni and finding a job that offered healthcare. Eventually I bought private insurance but it did not cover x, y, z and a million other things with high copays and even higher deductibles. I moved to Germany and unfortunately in the last 20 years I, and my family members have had many treatments, operations, accidents and so on -basically life. Well with the last family accident I really realized how blessed I am to be in Germany. After being rushed to the hospital in the ambulance and while my son was being prepped for surgery and they were hanging one IV after another, I actually had a moment, even after living here for 20 years, I had a moment of panic thinking OMG what is this all going to cost? Suddenly I remembered, no worries. Just worry about your child, not the cost. And that made a huge difference. I actually told my German family that I had this thought and they all looked at me with their jaws on the table. You really worried about that? Yes, the American in me actually thought that. In any case, thank you for this informative video. It gives you quite a bit to think about. Yes, I’m happy to pay a bit more for peace of mind.

[@TypeAshton]

Yes there is always a part of me that worries about a surprise bill. I may never completely shake that feeling but it is so nice to have the peace of mind here in Germany. ❤️ Cheers from the Black Forest!

[@goullet86]

Beautiful story. Thanks for sharing

[@falconflylow]

Is there in US some standard monthly payment for Healthcare? Is it some percent of paycheck or it depends on what u want to pay?

[@aycc-nbh7289]

But you are aware that some states have forbidden surprise bills, no?

[@blafasel5331]

This comparison under-represents one important point: peace of mind. The concept of having to pay a percentage of any procedure by yourself creates a scenario where you might start to avoid those costs. Or you might be unprepared for them. Even in this example with an income of 40,000 USD the idea was there to delay the procedure. That should *never* happen. In my opinion, this difference alone disqualifies the U.S. system because it's not actually "insuring" your health, because it doesn't protect against yourself putting monetary concerns over health. This is not the anti-bankruptcy argument. This is about people actually choosing a lower quality of life just to save money.

[@goullet86]

Thats what I just commented due to a German incidentally acknowledging it. Americans don't understand it because we're *supposed* to be afraid.

[@boele0707]

Totally agree... and postponing medical procedures due to costs often leads to higher health risks, complications and worse situation later on. Costs to cure ultimately go up and the financial burden for the patient is much higher later on. A proper public healthcare system, based on equal and social values is best for quality of life and peace of mind if you ask me....?

[@neutrino78x]

"In my opinion, this difference alone disqualifies the U.S. system because it's not actually "insuring" your health, because it doesn't protect against yourself putting monetary concerns over health." It depends on your healthcare plan. People have a choice of different plans.

[@neutrino78x]

@@boele0707 "A proper public healthcare system, based on equal and social values is best for quality of life and peace of mind if you ask me" How come Germany doesn't have "single payer" 100% free, then? Isn't Germany evil for charging people money for "public system", by your logic? If you're paying per month it's not free. What then is the difference between your public healthcare plan and me paying 30 USD per month for Kaiser (a famous hospital/insurance plan here in California that is considered to be high quality)? I don't pay for Kiaser; I served in the Navy so my healthcare is free and I support others who have a low income getting the same deal but I'm just saying, if you pay per month, it's not free.

[@ohauss]

@@boele0707 Indeed. There even was a study based on asylum seekers in Germany - initially, they get only emergency treatment until their case has been processed and they are passed on into the jobcenter system, which then can pay for their statutory health insurance. It turns out that despite the fact that people insist on that "only emergencies treated" to supposedly save money, it ends up costing more. Because it means that things that could have easily been treated inexpensively are left to fester until it becomes an emergency, at which point the treatment costs are much, much higher. Waiting until a medical problem cannot be ignored any more is bad both from a medical perspective AND from a financial one.

[@georgfritz]

I'm a German living in California, it's more than frustrating to deal with health "care" better known as Health business here. I'm working in a School District with so called good insurance , it still better in Germany, especially when you get old

[@aycc-nbh7289]

Are you sure that the German bureaucrats wouldn’t try to wield whatever powers they had, especially if they were responsible for insuring ethnic minorities or foreigners?

[@Lindexslp]

Seeing how much this new medication from the company I've been working for for almost 37 years now helped you put tears in my eyes and assured me I'm doing the right thing in spite of all the bad reputation the pharmaceutical industry has gotten especially during Covid. Thank you for sharing your story and all the best wishes for you and your family!

[@TypeAshton]

I need to be the one thanking you, this medication has changed my life so profoundly, it is often difficult to put it into words with how much better I feel. Thank you.

[@Lindexslp]

@@TypeAshton Just a little comment in addition, regarding the high cost of the medication - what people often just don't know is that 95-99% of the time you're working in pharma research you're actually working for the trash can. I've been working in one of the R&D labs for ~10 years and nothing I did ever made it to the market. My older colleague and many others have been working from training to retirement without ever seeing anything making it all the way through all the clinical tests before failing. If the rare case happens and you find a molecule that in the end survives all the tests it needs to be patented from day one of the discovery and from there usually has around 10 years of development and tests ahead before you can start making money from it. And you also need to cover the cost of all the failed drug candidates if you want to be able to pay your employees and be able to invest into staying up-to-date in R&D and production. Drugs usually can only become cheap once the patents have run out and the generics companies take over the market because they never had the R&D costs to be covered. So in the end you have roughly 15 years to compensate for 10 years of research and 95% of drug candidates that failed somewhere in the path. It's not just big pharma being greedy - at least not more than everyone else.

[@rmonogue]

People who develop pharmaceuticals are usually doing it to improve the lives of patients and save lives. It’s some of the CEOs and stockholders who care only for the bottom line. True of many businesses unfortunately. Thank you for making life-saving drugs.

[@krislusyne]

What's the name of the drug you started taking if I may ask

[@Alputherock]

i pay healthcare highest fee , i nearly never need it .. but i pay it gladly for everybody who need it , in hope i will never need it to.

[@koala7484]

Das ist genau das, was mein Vater immer sagte: ich bezahle den höchsten Satz, dabei habe ich nie was. Kurz vor seinem 70 Geburtstag - zack - Blasenkrebs, zwei OPs, Chemo, Betrahlung, Untersuchung, Untersuchung, Untersuchung... Selbst, wenn er über all die Jahre die Beiträge für sich gespart hätte, wer weiß, ob es gereicht hätte? Das deutsche System hat nicht nur Vorteile, es gibt Vieles, über das ich mich manchmal etwas ärgere, aber am Ende bin ich froh darüber, dieses System zu haben. Auch wegen des Solidaritätgedankens dahinter. Es ist gut zu wissen, dass man auch in Zeiten von Arbeitslosigkeit etc. nicht "ohne" dasteht.

[@FILIPPOSFILIPPIDES]

That's the altitude! I do the same. I hope you never need it. We should take care people who need it, because that's human community, otherwise we are just animals.

[@AltIng9154]

Me too, I even avoided the so called „private „ health insurance, although I could. I regarded it as a kind of ponzi scheme. It was, but FDP saved it. The private health insurance can drop their members to the public health insurance when they were no longer able to pay! We even care for them… .

[@AltIng9154]

@@koala7484Die Anti-Krebs-Pillen kosten leicht 300 € das Stück! Bei uns braucht das niemand wissen, Gott sei Dank! Wie Sie richtig erkennen, es heißt Gesundheitsversicherung und nicht Gesundheitssparen! Alles Gute für Ihren Vater!

[@Danielka80]

Wow, I was almost crying after I heard your Story. I am over 40 years old. As an engineer having a salary which allows me to switch to private insurance, I made a decission to stay in public. First, because of solidarity. Second, when I will retire, I do not need to pay bunch of Money to private. And third, my son is insured with no cost. Of course, with private I would pay lese, but I think additional insurance, which you can purchase in top are Well enough to extend the Public one.

[@TypeAshton]

Yes, Jonathan and I too technically qualify for private health insurance, but with my condition it just doesn't make sense. We are happy to continue paying into the public system for as long as possible. Thanks again for watching. ❤️ Cheers from the Black Forest!

[@mvbmatheloesungen]

Yes, I do the same.

[@stefanhaler3318]

Das gute an der GKV ist ja, dass du die evtl fehlenden Bausteine relativ günstig erweitern kannst. Ein Kind bis 14 J kann für ca 27 €/mtl wie in der PKV versichert werden. Mit Zahn, KKH, Brillen, KFO usw.....

[@slurmforfree1754]

Let me correct you: "FIRST, when I will retire, I do not need to pay bunch of Money to private."

[@mvbmatheloesungen]

@@urlauburlaub2222 Well, you're nothing more than an inhuman troll, I'm sorry for you, really

[@johnd296]

The Black Forest Family series is one of the best things on KZbin. Intelligent, articulate and objective analysis and presentation of a range of thought provoking topics. There are varying degrees of pressure in European countries, to move from the social model of healthcare to something like the American model. This video should be compulsory viewing for anyone advocating this approach, even though it only touches on one of the salient factors - health outcomes. Taking this in conjunction with the cost element, it’s a slam dunk for the European model

[@stephencole8392]

Thank you so much for such an informative video. I am also an American that has been living in Germany for forty years (I came just after High School) and can now not imagine living under the American health care “business model”. I am an engineer and I earn good money, meaning I max out on the premiums, but it is more than worth it. No more anxiety, no delaying treatment (even though I am extremely healthy and almost never have to see a doctor). When I was growing up, we had no health insurance. I was used to the fears in our family of what would happen if someone got seriously sick or had an accident. About four months after moving here and getting my first job as a mechanic in Bremen, I felt sick and knew I should see a physician. I hesitated and told my colleagues that I didn’t have the money. They looked at me puzzled and said something to the effect, “What do you mean money …you have health insurance”. I was absolutely stunned (I must have missed that during briefing due to my total lack of German language skills at the time) …I will never forget that moment and for that reason I gladly pay the premiums. I should mention that I ended up in Germany because of family reasons. It was not my plan, but life happens. I often miss the United States and even though, as you said, it is not all perfect here, a lot of things are much better. Contrary to popular belief, we do not have socialism here (and for sure not communism) … Germans call it “social free-market” (in German “soziale Marktwirtschaft”). I call it “capitalism with the brakes on slightly”. And speaking of social: I mentioned I am an engineer. I attended a German University in Bremen and not only did I pay nothing for tuition (that has changed slightly since the 90s), I also received money to live off of (“Bafög”), which at the time was 50% a grant (that has also changed some). I could go on and on, but I travel the world on business and have had many debates with other Americans. It typically just annoys them. It is so great that you got the treatment you needed. That was understandably an emotional moment for you. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@TypeAshton]

Yes, I have had the same experience. Every once in a while when we are back home we will have a family member or family friend ask about healthcare... but then it usually devolves into an awkward conversation where they get very defensive because they are trying to rationalize the small fortune they pay for care.

[@neutrino78x]

@@TypeAshton I thought you said you pay significantly more than the $300 someone would pay in the USA per year if they were healthy and had no kids, though?My healthcare is free because I served in the Navy, and don't misunderstand, I support other low income people getting free healthcare as well. However, if I wished, I could pay $30/month for Kaiser. Aren't you paying a lot more? In other words it isn't like Canada where it's "single payer" and you don't pay anything other than your income taxes.

[@TheNenaist]

@@neutrino78x she did not say for insurance, but for care. And this was also shown in the video. You pay less in the US when you are healthy, but when you need it (depending on the type of care, amount of doctor visits, etc) you can pay more.

[@neutrino78x]

@@TheNenaist "You pay less in the US when you are healthy, but when you need it (depending on the type of care, amount of doctor visits, etc) you can pay more." Or less, depending on your insurance plan. It's not homogeneous. Since Germany isn't free either I don't see a big moral difference here....if it's morality it should be free, no monthly payments at all, just cut federal spending in Germany and spend it on 100% medical care. Can't do it? Neither can we....

[@TheNenaist]

​@@neutrino78x I did say you can pay more, not that you will pay more? Please look out more for the words used ;) They have meaning. We could, and you could also do it. Just adjust the income tax to include health services (like it is already for infrastructure, military etc.) and make all hospitals and doctors public services. And we would finally be free of the for profit insurance and health care system. But there is thinking like yours and big lobbying in the way.

[@JorlinJollyfingers]

For me as a german the biggest benefit of our HC system is: I don't have to think about it. It's there when i need it, i can choose any Doc i want and don't have to worry about costs. It frees my mind for other things. It's kind of.... Freedom? The bad thing is: Private options and any privatisiation of healthcare facilities like hospitals. People that are better off pull out of the public option which makes it more expensive for those that have to remain in it. But i always enjoy their whining when later on, with aging, the private option gets more and more expensive and there is (almost) no way back to public option.

[@michelkohlenberger437]

I can fully agree on that. As someone who is kinda forced into the private option (Bundesbeamter / Federal Civil Servant), i can tell it sucks... sure! it has its benefits now, but later on it will get SOOOO expensive! The half of my Healthcare costs is covered by the Bund (Beihilfe), the other half is "kinda" my problem, so i have to get private healthcare to get the other 50% covered. Could i stay in the Public Healthcare System? Sure! But then i have to Pay not only 50% of all those costs from my Earnings, i have to pay the full 100%. My Employer doesn't pay the other half like it is common in the free market. That's expensive as hell!

[@KJ-md2wj]

The self-employed go to the cheap private insurances most of their lives and then at some point end up on welfare with the state paying the premium for the general insurer (AOK). Also some end up w/o insurance if their pension doesn't leave much room for the high premiums.

[@fredericlaine1536]

Hmm, Private Krankenversicherungen zahlen den Krankenhäusern viel mehr Geld für die gleiche Behandlung, wovon öffentlich Krankenversicherte profitieren. Es gibt dazu sehr interessante Statistiken die du dir ansehen könntest.

[@holger_p]

Not really human, to enjoy the suffering of other people.

[@jansettler4828]

@@holger_p That is actually very human. And don't pretend like you don't.

[@herdifreund7715]

I think the problem is not understanding how the respective health care systems work, but rather the respective attitudes towards social interaction in a society. Many US citizens can't even distinguish between a welfare state and socialism. I'm not even sure if there are any real distinguishing terms for it in the US. The most common phrase my American colleagues use on this topic is, "Why should I pay when someone else is sick? Especially if he is fat or smokes?" Most Americans live from day to day and if you want something, you buy or finance it. What's the point of saving, what's the point of insurance. If one credit card is maxed out, I get another. Until it doesn't work anymore. Money for a health insurance is cash money that I lack every month to fulfill my current wishes. When everyone around you lives and thinks like this, it is human to adopt this way of thinking. Interestingly, this changes (after some time to get used to it) when they move to Germany and experience the luxury of being allowed to be sick, to be able to go to the doctor at any time, not to lose your job immediately or very quickly if you are sick. Because in addition to the insurance, we also have a labor law that is not even close to being available in the USA. Together, this gives a sense of security that is unknown in many other countries and especially in the USA. I love such videos, because they show very clearly how good we actually have it here in Germany, even if there are always idiots who permanently preach the end of the world here.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much for the great comment. You make very good points here. I think there's a lot of "noise" out there when it comes to social programs, and often times the loudest voices can be the most misinformed. Hopefully we can get to a better, more equitable healthcare system in the U.S. Thanks again for watching. ❤️ Cheers from the Black Forest!

[@Trashloot]

I don't know anything about how it is in the USA. But im super happy that sick workers mostly stay at home here in germany. I don't need sick coworkers who make me sick as well xD. I'd rather work a bit harder to cover them missing from work.

[@Marvininini]

Another point is that it just makes sense to keep your populace healthy. Just sum up the macroeconomic cost for raising a child, putting them through schools and university or giving them specialized training just then to loose that person to a desease that kills them or removes them from the work force. Society and the economy lose in the grand total of that equation. Another point that could have been pointed out: I heard stories from people getting into traffic accidents, then being transported into hospitals that were out of their insurance networks and having to pay huge bills despite having insurance. Or not even understanding that certain doctors in certain hospitals are in your network while others in the same hospital are not. That kind of thing just doesn't happen here and frankly thinking about whether I can afford a treatment or not is among the last things I want to be worrying about when I need medical help quickly...

[@Chewie1802]

@@urlauburlaub2222 So much text, so much nonsense!

[@BrainMcFly]

posiibe answer to "Why should I pay when someone else is sick? Especially if he is fat or smokes?" - because they pay for you too when you need help - not to think of your health insurance status and payment raises your own quality of life so much, that you will get sick less - the success of the evolution of humans is in most cases our social competences and abilities. It doesnt make sense to believe, that health insurance should follow any other rule

[@coljaarens8617]

Es ist schön sowas zu hören. Als jemand der so gut wie nie krank ist, freut es mich das mein Geld so gut helfen konnte.

[@liferethought]

This is the most comprehensive, accessible, and fair analysis of the differences between healthcare/insurance in Germany and the USA that I've seen. It perfectly describes our experiences in both countries. Thanks for sharing and for the great resources this offers. This is a conversation I've had with many. Very glad to be able to point people to this video in the future.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much! It is definitely our longest video to date - there is just so much to cover. 😳 But I am really glad that you enjoyed it and found it helpful.

[@madmansurfing]

I could not agree more. That was a really fair and broad analysis of this topic. I d wish media outlets would be able to do it as competent. Thanks for the effort you put in and the honesty about all those private details. GreeZ from the Black Forrest

[@RebellHAI]

I agree. I like that she stayed on one topic, so the numbers are nearly accurate (a few things here and there are missing in the long run) but overall it is a pretty fair comprehensive which stand out of most other videos with this topic because there are too general speaking (and I watched many US/German YTers).

[@marcelwin6941]

I also fully agree that this is one of the most comprehensive comparisons of the systems I have ever seen, especially on KZbin (I have to admit though that I am not usually searching for this type of information, either). However I also have to agree that this is a very complex topic and that there are also many aspects that would require a lot of additional time (hours) to discuss. You mentioned the vast (and I believe mostly "unregulated") variety of private health plans in the US or the actually existing (albeit probably more rudimentary) public health plans Medicare and Medicaid. Just let me add a few thoughts regarding the German health care system (partially related to what you discussed): - Health insurance for students: you probably needed to take on private insurance because you were a foreign student / your parents are obviously not insured in the German public health system (the same applies for a German student if one of their parents has opted out of public insurance). Otherwise a student would be family covered by their parents' public insurance - Family coverage with private insurance: If one parent in a family opts out of public health insurance, children or a dependent spouse (no own income) also must be privately insured. This can drive up the premium significantly. If the spouse has relevant income of their own but below the opt-out threshold they must participate in the public health insurance with the full premium but without the option to have children covered. In such a mixed scenario children still must be privately insured - If you should have opted for private insurance, there is only one way back into public insurance: you have to continuously be employed below the opt-out threshold for 5 years (then the return to public insurance actually usually becomes mandatory) - Private health insurance plans are usually cheaper for young(er) people (and as long as there is no family to be covered), but usually become very expensive with age (and often quite painful for pensioners). There has been some regulation to soften this (private insurers nowadays have to offer a "basic" plan that mimics the coverage of public health insurance at an "affordable" rate), but generally speaking, for pensioners public insurance is cheaper (remember there is hardly any way back) - What should be mentioned about (most) private health insurance plans is that those usually include additional / better coverage (e.g. for dental care or glasses) and "amenities" like a private room if you need to be hospitalized

[@user-ve7hn2dh8h]

@@madmansurfing it's less a question of competence when it comes to the media than motivation

[@robwilliams2410]

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I moved to Germany 22 years ago and have remained on public health insurance despite being qualified to opt out. My wife and I both have chronic conditions, and my wife is also taking expensive medication which is fully covered by insurance. I have seen many KZbinrs attempt to explain healthcare in Germany, but none even come close to your excellent reporting and analysis. Thanks so much for sharing so much personal information, that adds really great value to help give an accurate picture. I have heard so many of the arguments and myths that you mentioned. It can be really frustrating to talk about this topic, particularly with Americans.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much! I am really happy to hear that you enjoyed the video and that you found it to be thorough and informative. I also have a lot of family and friends back home that struggle to really understand what having public health insurance would mean for them. Hopefully this will also reach "across the pond" and help to clear up some misconceptions. ❤️ Cheers from the Black Forest!

[@lekoneje]

Me being a doctor who plans to move to Germany at some point, I can honestly tell you that all the medical advances, the best technology, meds, and in general almost all the medicine, is created in Germany. Obviously the doctors and hospitals of USA are great, but I would prefer 10000 times that me and my family were attended in a German hospital, than in any other place in the world, even if the worldwide cost would be the same.

[@davidwelsh332]

I live in Germany and consider myself privilideged to. However, it is worth noting the German healthcare system suffers from a chronic nursing shortage due to an over-reliance on inpatient care, poor pay and the simple reality German isn't a global language. Digitisation here is poor. There are vested interests, not least small rural hospitals dating to 19th century religious charitable concepts that are a drain on the system. There was a move to payment by disease catagories rather than bed days twenty years ago which in truth we have to admit was a screw up. We are now heading for a new round of acute care reform which might interest you if you want to research what is proposed.

[@arnodobler1096]

I cannot count how many US Americans have already disbelieved me that other countries, especially Germany, also have first-class science and medicine. BionTech Frankfurt and the Pfizer vaccine for example (is also swept under the carpet by Pfizer). But also medical devices and and ... Until the 30's Germany was called "Pharmacy of the World"! I find it nice that you say that as a doctor! I hope it works out with your plans! David Welsh is also right.⬆

[@RalfSteffens]

I am German, 53 years old and have always had statutory health insurance (AOK). Most of the time I had earned so well that I could have switched to private insurance. But then I would have felt shabby. I became unemployed six years ago. Then I finally went to the doctor to have him look at the black spots on my chest. He referred me straight to the dermatologist. There the skin with the black spots was cut out and sent to a laboratory. When the dermatologist had the results of the examination, I was sent straight to the university clinic. I was then thoroughly examined all over my body again and operated on in several places all over my body. Before I could leave the hospital after a week, I was examined again. On that occasion, a nurse snapped at me that I should take it easy, otherwise the wounds wouldn't heal properly. All in all, I think our healthcare system is exemplary. (And my cancer didn't come back.)

[@Aci_yt]

People always say that German healthcare isn't free and we pay for it in taxes, and while that is true, the total amount is still MUCH cheaper, because the taxes are dependent on your income. It's extremely cheap compared to the US, and the part you do pay is scaled to your income, so affordable no matter how much you earn.

[@TypeAshton]

Exactly! 100 percent agree!

[@plebestrian9323]

Except if you're self-employed (thus forcibly privately insured) and income sudenly drops off a cliff, then you're getting completely and utterly fucked by insurance costs. Seen it too many times already.

[@Ismalith]

That is the puplic part not the private part of our healthcare and since the private part is slowly using corruption to sink the public healthcare sectore as well as taking a lot of the financial stronger people out of the system, it makes our system a lot more expensive than it needs to be.

[@hartmutholzgraefe]

We don't pay for it in taxes, that would be the system as you basically have it with the NHS in the UK, or in the Scandinavian countries. Here in Germany it is a system separate from taxes, although the deductions hit your pay slip in a similar way. The difference is that, unlike taxes, the social insurance payments (health, unemployment, retirement) are bound to a dedicated purpose, while taxes aren't, and the actual spending is only indirectly under government control.

[@hartmutholzgraefe]

@@plebestrian9323 Well, at least nowadays there are ways to get back from the private to the public/mandatory system. Go back two decades or so, and there was next to no way back once you switched to a private insurance, and I still remember knowing several cases that basically ended up uninsured after having their business going bankrupt.

[@MyvIsLove2]

the biggest difference that bothers me about the us is that you only have those insurance plans or health insurance in general when you work. not everybody can work and i love how germany is taking care of those people because the us just labels them as lazy and not deserving of medical care, which is so insane to me. americans think that you have to earn your health and thats scary. the gofund me thing is super ironic in my opinion. americans dont want public healthcare and resort to gofundme, which basically is public healthcare because other people pay for your bills... how does nobody see that

[@TypeAshton]

It really is shocking to see GoFundMe pages pop up for kids with cancer. That a family must resort to asking for charity because their health insurance won't fully cover care or expenses breaks my heart. 💔

[@HaZadeur1]

@@TypeAshton It feeds into "I can pick who gets my money" and a 7 year old boy with cancer you can send $50 gives you more to feel good about then a monthy payment to the universal health care system.... you can feel abit like god deciding who will die and who will survive because of your generosity. Its a pervert system.

[@Anson_AKB]

no matter how good an employer's health insurance benefits are, will everybody also get those benefits when he needs them? i have read that people who don't come to work for whatever reason often can immediately be kicked from the job. thus when they become ill, they can immediately lose the job AND the health insurance and can't get a new one because of having no income, but having preexisting conditions. i saw an ambulance driver (who waited in queue in front of a hospial with covid patients) being interviewed about his health insurance. he told that he had none, and that that also didn't bother him since he would lose job and insurance anyway if he would be infected ... thus an important part of the german health system is not only the insurance and the costs, but the security of jobs (for sick employees), and that they have to be insured in any case, and the continued payment of wages (first fully by the employer and after some time by the insurance a large percentage of his last wages)

[@peterparker219]

@@Anson_AKB That's a good point, that health care is embedded in social care in Germany. If you lose your job you don't automatically lose your health insurance.

[@rebeccamiller9420]

@@TypeAshton Universal Healthcare in Germany doesn't cover cancer treatments. God bless you ❤

[@splitframe]

Thing is, yes, UHC in Germany can be more expensive than being a perfectly healthy adult in the US and the system is not perfect by far, but it's predictable and stable, it's a Flatrate. It just is a huge load off your mind when you don't have to worry with health in conjunction with money, but only about the health problem itself.

[@paranoid9678]

nop not even at all insurence in german is 14.6% max of yout income (befor tax) 50% (7.3x%) of it you pay 50% of it your employer pays....... then you get most stuff free xray. mrt, crt blood test bla bla bal........ if you go to a doc or dentist its also free (dentist its a little bit differend not everything is free ) prescription drugs cost a maximum of 10 % or a minimum of 5 € (allways!!) lets say if a drug costs 10 €, the patient pays 5 € if a drug costs 75 €, the patient pays 7.50 € if it costs 3000 €, he pays 10 € if it costs 4.75 €, he pays 4.75 € in america every thing cost money even a visit at you doc to talk to him will give you a little bill an xray can cost you more that what a german pays in 3months also many drug cost way more in america becasue of lax regulations so a drug that cost10€ in europ can cost easily 2000-3000% more in the usa in noraml in come cases because the us system is all about making profit not about the patient..................

[@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele]

My question is, what happens when the perfectly healthy young American becomes old, and sick? Do he / she still pay less than the German one? (that will continue to pay the same amount) and will be / she be still covered by private USA insurance even with cronichal conditions?

[@koneofsilence5896]

@@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele look at the company contribution in the US plan that was shown in the videos - they just make it look cheap for the healthy individuals

[@neutrino78x]

@@koneofsilence5896 it depends. you can have a low premium and then have a pay a lot if something happens, or you can pay more each month and then you don't have to pay as much if something happens. And yeah, I support poor people getting it free. That's the deal I get as a veteran. But because I get free, and support poor people getting free, doesn't mean I think it's evil that some don't get free. I'm paying less than the German and I will pay less the rest of my life. So I guess by their logic the US system for veterans is more moral than the German system for the general public....but my point is we don't have to make it into a moral vs immoral argument. Plus don't forget that maximum out of pocket expense, so if you end up in a situation where you would otherwise have to pay $30,000, you're going to hit that maximum and the insurance will pay 100%.

[@gocalixto]

When I see how much I pay in my public health insurance compared to the private ones I get shocked. I have been thinking about switching for a while now, but now after hearing your story, it brought me a totally different perspective. I'm glad I'm contributing to that and hope I never need to use it, but at least I'm contributing to others that have stories similar to yours. I wish you recover entirely soon and don't hesitate to share your experience, that's inspiring and helps for a better community/society. Thank you

[@Delusionati]

I switched to private insurance in my 30s and regret it to this day. It's cheaper until you're in your 50s and what is not mentioned in the video is that it is almost impossible to go back. Stay with the public insurance - it's not worth the discount. Her story about being denied coverage by a private plan is true in my experience.

[@ohauss]

@@Delusionati Plus there are private top-up insurances which you can add to public insurance for a lot of the amenities you normally get by private insurance.

[@maxmustermann9587]

[24:23] - Here I have to thank you. In Germany public health care is a community effort. Today I pay for your treatment and I hope there are still enough people commited to society when I am in a time of need. But the system has a flaw. Not that the people are unwilling to help (except for the rich people who mostly have lost all sense for community) but there is a lack of feedback. Without this feedback people feel like paying for nothing. It is statements like yours which make me not only know but also _feel_ that my efforts are not in vain. So, you are very welcome.

[@maxijoos927]

[@RS-ls7mm]

No disagreement. The only problem is that the US is over run with people who have no concept of community, its all selfish. The US is what happens when you flood the country with the failures of third world countries who take but do not give.

[@jonathanbolte9899]

Valueable feedback from your end, thank you :)

[@TheCyberDruid]

I'm a diabetic (type 1) in Germany and each time I see how much insulin costs in the US I'm worried that people won't get it because of the price. I have been in an ICU because I didn't care enough, but not because I didn't have the money to get insulin. A great and informative video about health care :)

[@fumanchu4785]

Many people from the US go to Canada just to purchase insulin (and other medication) there, because it is a lot cheaper and they can't afford it to buy in their own country. Of course they have a problem when the border is closed, for example when there is a pandemic or something -- people say this happens from time to time.... ^^

[@gggthsb]

yeah, it frightens me to know that there are people who die just because they don't have the money for necessary medication while living in one of the if not the wealthiest countries in the world....

[@stephaniebaron4592]

@tcd4321 I’m a Type 1 moving from the US to Germany in 2 months for work and ultimately to have better healthcare. What are some good resources for a diabetic to learn how to get insulin in Germany?

[@aycc-nbh7289]

@@fumanchu4785But 40% of those who leave their countries for healthcare go to the U.S.

[@f.k.7698]

Good analysis of the 2 systems. As I live in Germany too (greetings from Villingen!) I can only confirm your results. In my particular situation (I had a stroke 6 months ago) the total costs of my recovery would have crashed me in the US. I spent 4 weeks in ER, another 4 weeks in neurology and after that 6 weeks in rehab. I am really thankful for the support I got and that I did not end up in a total economic disaster. The total cost for me summed up to the maximum of 830,- €...all in! I can not imagine how much this treatment would have cost me in the US, doesn't matter what health plan I would have. ...and one thing is also very special: The rehab’s target was to recover me as much as possible, so I can go on with my life in the most normal way possible.

[@kathrynleroux9693]

Thank you for sharing your personal story. So glad it turned out well! The concept of a "deductible" is something Germans in the public health system might not have encountered! My husband and I moved from the US to Germany in 2006. His German employer has paid for his public insurance, and I have had to pay for my own public insurance from time to time, depending on my income as a freelancer. In 2023, my husband had brain surgery to reduce tremors that were severe enough to degrade his quality of life. After his surgery at the university specialty hospital and the two weeks he spent in the hospital, we eventually got the bill: 90 Euros, that's Ninety Euros! Can't beat that. Contrast that with what my US-citizen, retirement-age parents' experience with Medicare and a secondary insurance and how much time they spend fighting with the gatekeeping insurance agencies who dictate that they have to undergo several other preliminary treatments before they are eligible for the one the doctor originally ordered. Add to that the confusion of choosing a prescription plan in Medicare, the cost-cutting in US hospitals in order to make greater profits, or just to stay open.... And our parents wonder why we don't plan to move back to the US.

[@keksesser0767]

That's the beauty of a healthcare system, that is really based on helping each other. I'm really glad we could help you(fellow German here). This all is really called not driving the weak members of society into an endless spiral of poverty. I totally hope the medication will help you till the end of your life and you get to keep all of your life quality. Greetings out of the Rhön♥️

[@berlinorama]

It is great to hear such a positive account of the German healthcare system, since I read so many complaints about it every day from expats living here in Berlin. I am also an American living in Germany with statutory insurance (as a freelancer, fortunately in the Künstlersozialkasse). I am so happy that your health issues are finally being addressed and you are regaining your health after what really sounds like a martyrdom to your sinuses.

[@TypeAshton]

It's not perfect, but we are quite satisified with it overall.

[@CristalianaIvor]

@@TypeAshton I always tend to say: It's not perfect, but at least nobody here beggs you to not call an ambulance, because they cant pay the hospital fees... edit: its actually illegal in Germany to not call teh ambulance when someone is hurt (unterlassene Hilfeleistung)

[@liesascott5414]

What almost no one talks about is the fact that in Germany you can get easy a four weeks spa stay, all expenses paid. Often after surgery or a bad illness, but also as a preventive measure if you are stressed out. I received a mother /child spa because I had a child that needed to be watched closely for a dangerous health condition. So both of us spend four weeks in a beautiful place in the black forest. If a single mother needs that they will even pay for a temp nanny to stay with the children. If you are well off they may ask for a co pay of 10 Euro a day.

[@americanhealthcaresurvivor]

I'm an American who has suffered due to our "healthcare" system. I was misdiagnosed numerous times, prescribed meds I didn't actually need, and that caused awful side effects. Our system is dominated by the insurance and pharma industries. We are a very overmedicated society. Doctors visits are far too short and focused on prescribing rather than identifying and treating underlying causes.

[@valerianocuomo996]

Usa is in the shit

[@osthollandia8510]

You forgot one very important thing: sick pay. If you are sick for more than 6 weeks, you will receive sick pay. The sickness benefit amounts to 70% of the last gross wage, max. 90% of the net and is paid for a maximum of 78 weeks, i.e. more than a year. The sickness benefit is paid by the health insurance companies. That means you get money instead of paying it This is exactly the reason why so many people in the US are insolvent when they become seriously ill, and that is precisely why this is precisely not the big issue in Germany

[@frankangermann6460]

@@mrechbreger Not shure what Ur Status is. If u r in the public German health insurance u have to pay nothing to see the doctor. Different to private health insurance, there u have to pay at the doctor but u get the money refunded by ur insurance.

[@macgruber6739]

@@mrechbreger I have never, in my life, paid money for a Doctors Visit in Germany.

[@joeboxer12345]

@@mrechbreger I'm pretty sure its actually impossible for you to spend $720 per month on public health insurance. The last I checked it was about 7% of your income and also capped at a 370 euro... I'm guessing you had private insurance

[@joeboxer12345]

@@mrechbreger Of course doctors are getting paid per visit. But YOU arent paying them. The public health insurance is. I have been to many different doctors for many different things and never once had to pay 50 euro for anything.

[@esseiaderrek2356]

@@mrechbreger well then you earned about 40.000 € per year with 23. And it doesn't matter if you are 23 or 60. You would pay the same. And the high costs are complete irrelevant if you get ill or you have an accident.

[@johnofdebar4071]

I'm in my 40ties and I've never had any medical condition. I've only been to a hospital/doctor to occasionally donate blood or for a check up when starting a new job. Now, I have yearly medical check-ups as my insurance recommends this. As not all people are fortunate to have been born in perfect health, I don't mind that my health insurance money goes to the ones who have been less fortunate in this regard. And if at some point I get sick, I know that I won't have to worry about getting healthcare. The peace of mind in this regard is worth every single cent I pay for this universal health insurance-That is the base of the universal health care system-it has solidarity in the forefront, not profit.

[@Ayusa]

To be honest I never felt like I am actually paying for my health insurance in Germany. Of course I did but because it got deducted from my income before I got it in my account I never saw it as part of my income. I never gave a second thought about how much my brutto income was I only cared about the Netto so it felt like not paying for it at all. Please tell me I am not the only German feeling that way.

[@gelassenbleibenalsmama]

I feel the same way. I never even thought about it until I had an older co-worker who was worried how he would pay his private insurance after retiring. That was the first time I even had a look at what I paid... And tbh, I would rather pay and have the peace of mind than having to study extensive documents and then decide not to have a necessary operation because I'm afraid of the cost...

[@Fluxikator]

I feel the same. And i think most people actually do also feel similarly. That why the argument: "universal healthcare is free" comes from. Sure it isnt free. But it feels like its free because as an employee you have no need to actually think about it because in the end its about the money that you have left after taxes anyway. And everyone is basically in the same boat.

[@gelassenbleibenalsmama]

In addition to that - it’s free when you need it. So no worrying about „can I pay life a saving operation“ or „can I call an ambulance for my unconscious friend without him hating me afterwards“. It’s free when I need it and I can concentrate on getting better, that’s the most important.

[@alganhar1]

Fully agree. There is a subset of the US population who seem to think that us Europeans cannot grasp that we pay for our Healthcare via taxes, when all of us are very aware of that, and are, quite frankly, absolutely fine with it. I was involved in a serious road traffic accident in 2002 (I was a passenger not a driver) that resulted in six months in hospital, serious damage to the lumbar region of my spine that still bothers me today, the loss of my spleen due to internal bleeding, and a plethora of other injuries. It was a nasty smash. As you can imagine it was not a pleasant time, but, I never once had to worry about how to PAY for that because the NHS exists! That takes a huge load not only off your mind, but also that of your family. Our Health systems may have issues at times, but I prefer them to the American system. Indeed, the US Health system is literally a primary reason for me not even considering emigrating to there, while I would consider Germany, Scandinavia or Canada. Not France though, I am a Brit so do have to keep SOME traditional rivalries active!!!!

[@AndreiDinTheHouse]

I'm not German but I did work in Berlin for a few years. I agree with this, although one difference between Germany (and other EU countries) and my home country is that in my home country salary negotiations always focus on netto. So when I was told I was negotiation brutto, I did inspect my first paycheck thoroughly. Of course, I was also coming from a universal Healthcare country with various social security layers so all concepts were familiar, so I still didn't care. Never saw the other amounts there as stuff taken from me and I knew were everything went and how it was used.

[@janusgeminus21]

One key thing worth mentioning about your insurance in the US, what you're not seeing when you display your premium, that is only your portion of the premium. Your employer was likely paying 75% of your individual insurance premium, making your actual premium around $115. On the family plan, they were probably paying 75% of the employees premium and 25% of your family's premiums. Most likely, the family plan, if you were to go buy it without a cost share from your employer, to cover your family, would likely have cost $1000 to $1200 per month.

[@danielw.2442]

I'm really really glad that you're feeling well again. (and I can totally understand this 'smelling-tour' through your home) Thx for sharing your personally story. Answer: When it comes to healthcare, I would always choose the security without surprises.

[@TypeAshton]

We wholeheartedly agree. ❤️❤️❤️

[@horrovac]

I can understand it too, I had the same after I realised that I have become shortsighted quite suddenly, but slow enough to not notice anything is wrong. After I got my glasses I was so blown away by the sudden clarity and definition of the world that I obviously annoyed everyone by asking them all the time if they can see this, if they can read that, if they notice the other etc... Right until my brother told me to shove it. :)

[@aberjo4171]

Ich habe eben Gänsehaut bekommen. Während Du erzähltst dass es dieses Medikament in der Studie gibt und es sehr viel kostet, dachte ich: "genau wie das was ich bekomme." Dann habe ich die Bilder gesehen und es war Dupilumap. Für mich eine der größten Erfinungen der letzten Jahre. Ich habe Neurodermitis seit meiner Kindheit. Seit 1 1/2 Jahren bekomme ich dieses Medikament und bin aktuell annähernd Symptomfrei. Auch meine ganzen Allergien haben sich deutlich reduziert. Ich weiß von meiner Ärztin dass ständig weiter gesucht wird wo es noch hilft. Das finde ich super und freu mich für Dich. Ps. Ich schreibe bewußt in Deutsch, obwohl mein Englisch gut ist. Ich finde Eure Beiträge so wichtig für Deutsche. Zeigen sie doch, wie gut es uns auch geht. Das vergisst man sehr schnell wenn man es nicht anders kennt. Man hört so viel genörgel und so viel gemecker. Es kann immer besser sein, aber uns geht es super. Danke dafür!

[@TypeAshton]

Wow!! Das ist großartig! Es ist so cool, von jemandem zu hören, der auch dieses Medikament nimmt. Ich bin SO froh, dass dies auch für Sie ein so lebensveränderndes Medikament war. Ich weiß, dass sich auch mein Asthma dramatisch verbessert hat. Ich erwäge, meinen Arzt zu bitten, mein inhaliertes Steroid bei meinem nächsten Termin abzusetzen oder zu reduzieren. Meine einzige Sorge ist, dass sie keine Daten darüber haben, was dieses Medikament während der Schwangerschaft bewirkt. Wenn Jonathan und ich ein weiteres Kind wünschen, muss ich wahrscheinlich die Medikamente absetzen und wieder aufnehmen, sobald ich mit dem Stillen fertig bin. Und mein Arzt erwähnte, dass das Starten und Absetzen des Medikaments seine Wirksamkeit verringern könnte, wenn Ihr Körper Widerstand aufbaut. Also werden wir sehen. Aber vorerst bin ich so sehr dankbar für die enorme Verbesserung meiner Symptome.

[@matteloht]

Aber so gut wie alle Deutschen können Englisch, jedoch nur wenige US Amerikaner. Währe also schon ok, das in Englisch zu schreiben mMn. Aber schön, das es euch beiden hilft und es dann vllt demnächst in größerem Maßstab hergestellt wird und auch für andere erschwinglich und vor allem überhaupt verfügbar wird. And respect too you Ashton, your German seems to be almost flawless by now, at least in writing. I wish my English would be after being out of school for over a decade. Would be interesting if you make a video in German to show it of a bit. If that doesn't exist yet.

[@hape3862]

"Laut New York Times liegen die Behandlungskosten in den USA bei 37.000 US-Dollar pro Jahr (Stand 2017). In Deutschland kostet die Behandlung im Jahr rund 22.000 EUR." Wikipedia

[@RebellHAI]

Darf ich fragen welche Art von Allergien? Etwa Duftstoffe etc. alles was auf der Haut so ist? Meine Mutter hat Ihr Leben lang Neurodermitis und ist mittlerweile erheblich eingeschränkt was Duschzeug usw. angeht da auf fast alles Allergisch.

[@aberjo4171]

@@RebellHAI Auch, ja. Ich habe bedingt durch anfänglichen Heuschnupfen später alle möglichen Kreuzallergien entwickelt. Bei Tierhaar, Hausstaub usw. bin ich auch gut dabei. Ich vermute aber, dass es keine Rolle spielt welche Allergie. Es ist einfach so das Dupilumap annähernd alle Allergien deutlich gedrückt hat in ihren Auswirkungen. Vor allem aber hat es meine Neurodermitis in einer unwahrscheinlichen Art reduziert. An Armen und Beinen bin ich beschwerdefrei. Im Gesicht wurde es um 90-95% reduziert. Man darf zwar keine Wunder erwarten, aber mir reicht das gegenüber vorher. Ich habe auch das Gefühl, das es sich weiter verbessert. Nach 30 Jahren Beschwerden darf man eben auch nicht erwarten nach vier Wochen alles los zu sein. Aber nach zwei Wochen war ich schon ein anderer Mensch. Also, keine Scheu und die Ärzte direkt danach fragen.

[@islandgirl75]

Thank you for sharing your story with us. I ugly cried when you cried :D I have two chronic illnesses and I would have died if I'd stayed in the US. When people here in German complain how long they have to wait to see a doctor I just sit there thinking, at least you're alive and well enough to wait. And, you won't have to sell your organs on the black market to pay for your care.

[@beardymcbeardface69]

Very glad to hear that you're having a good outcome with that new treatment! A few years ago in Sydney Australia, I presented to the hospital with persistent numbness in my left hand. The triage nurse was concerned that I might be showing the early signs of a stroke, so I was brought into the ER immediately. Within minutes of walking into the hospital, I was in a gown, in a bed, hooked up to an ECG and automatic periodic blood pressure samples were being taken with another machine. I received: Care from a neurologist and cardiologist. An initial digital X-ray which gave instant imaging results. An MRI of my head, to get a more detailed look at my brain. An ultrasound of my heart, including injecting saline with microscopic bubbles into my bloodstream, so that the ultrasound operator could watch the blood flow through my heart, to check that there was no hole between the chambers in my heart. After being monitored there all day and my numbness subsiding, I was hooked up with a portable ECG recorder, which I needed to wear for 3 days at home and work and then bring back for a cardiologist to analyse my heart rhythm over that prolonged period of time, in case an underlying issue did not occur during my stay in the hospital that day. This cost me a grand total of $0.00 AUD. (Realistically, I paid for this as an example of my taxes at work.) Most of our medicines are super cheap too, compared with the US. Sometimes a groundbreaking new treatment might take a while to get checked and passed to be subsidised by our government, so they sometimes need to be nudged a little with a petition or media intervention to hurry it along. But other than that, I think we have it pretty good here.

[@KevinLyda]

I live in Ireland so I'm not a German taxpayer. However I wish I was because your reaction to what your new medication gave you back would be worth every euro I'd pay into that system for my entire life. And that's what healthcare systems do for patients every day. I have zero issue with public systems and universal coverage. It seems like the most obvious thing in the world we should have in a society. And you show exactly why. Cheers to your continued improved health. And I hope our fellow Americans back home wake up and do right by each other.

[@rmoenmjea]

Honestly I feel so lucky to have been born in germany. I have a chronic, genetic kidney condition and have been in studies, check ups and under constant medication since I was like 10 years old. I never paid a penny for any doctors visits or medications (without which my life expectancy would be around 25 years). Just thinking about what all of this (and a possible kidney transplant later on) would have cost me in the US makes me shudder

[@TypeAshton]

I am so so happy that the cost of on-going treatment and care is not a cost-burden to you. I heard a quote once from another KZbinr - "Good health is like a crown on the head of a healthy person, that only the sick can see". I try very hard not to take my health for granted and am so thankful for the health insurance in Germany.

[@whattheflyingfuck...]

and we are happy you are still with us

[@pcxPOT]

You did pay for it, just not directly. You paid for it by paying a ton of taxes. Don't think that there is ever a thing that is completely "free". In some way there is always someone paying for it.

[@rmoenmjea]

Well thank you for clarifying that. I am not stupid. Still I would have gone bankrupt if I had to pay all of that out of pocket

[@pcxPOT]

@@Luvulong Of course he and every other tax payed paid for it. What are you talking about here. You literally said it yourself. And no, i don't want to be responsible for people who make poor life decisions. Be it smokers, drug addics or whatever, i don't want to have to pay for their medical expenses. I'm german btw so please don't think i'm from the US or something.

[@denispotvin6396]

This is the best and the most intelligent comparison of healthcare system between US and another country that I have ever seen on social media. And you are such a good communicator! Impressive! and Thanks. As a fun fact, I am not a big coffee drinker anymore but the set up you made in the beginning of your video with the cup of coffee gave me the urge to make my own coffee. I don't think that it was your goal but it make me realize (again) how powerful images and videos are to set up our mind. One last thing, you looked familiar to me and I didn't know why. I just realize that you have the same facial expressions as Diana Rigg, a famous UK actress in the late 1960s and 70s. At least as I remember her. Thanks again for your videos.

[@apveening]

Now that you mention it, there is a similarity. There is also a similarity in voice. Her best known roles (after all this time) were Emma Peel in The Avengers and Countess Teresa di Vicenzo, wife of James Bond, in On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

[@dystoperator]

I don't know the data to cancer epidemiology well, but the higher cancer death rate in Germany does not necessarily mean that cancer treatment is worse than in the US, since other factors probably contribute severely to this metric: For example, cancer is primarily a disease increasing with age and the median age in Germany is significantly higher than in the US, or people which die of other factors (cardiovascular disease for example) earlier do not die of cancer etc. I suspect cancer survival rates or life time expectancies after treatment or something similar is probably better suited to estimate the quality of treatment.

[@ohauss]

There is another aspect: The time of diagnosis. If you screen very aggressively for cancer, you are going to find a lot of very mild cases in which survival chances are very high. But it may be completely superfluous to treat them, especially in the elderly, since doing so will not have an effect on how long they will live. On the other hand, if you try to prevent overdiagnosis and then only act on cancer cases that are clinically relevant, the average survival times will be much lower, since you're only going to measure those cases in which cancer will actually affect survival.

[@TheVaryox]

I wonder if the statistics includes the number of people who don't get (adequate) treatment due to finance in the US. If not, then that curves the statistics in favor of the US.

[@johnofdebar4071]

The biggest distortion in the cancer deaths metrics in Germany vs the US is caused by lung cancer, which is in decline (age adjusted) in both countries, but at a faster pace in the US. The main reason for this is because the main cause of lung cancer, which is SMOKING, has been at a faster decline in the US vs Germany. And lung cancer deaths also distort the entire cancer death statistics, because it is the most common cause of cancer death in men in Germany and the second most common cause of cancer deaths in women, after breast cancer.

[@michaelgrabner8977]

Worth to mention would be that when you become unemployed for what ever reason in Germany and you are then regristrated as unemployed at the "Arbeitsamt" you are still full covered by the public health insurance although you personally don´t pay into the system a single dime during that time while being unemployed. And also worth to mention sick days are payed as well for quite a long period of time.

[@RebellHAI]

100% of your salary for 6 Weeks by your employer and after that 60% paid by your provider (Krankenkasse) for about 20 months. And that for one illness! Let's say you are ill for 5 weeks because of... COVID-19. Your employer will pay you 100%. If you are Ill later with the same diagnosis, your employer only pay 1 week. After that your provider will carry on. But if you're ill for another 4 weeks because the flu hit you badly, your employer once again has to pay you full because it is another illness. And so on... If you're ill, your employer can't fire you.

[@Balleehuuu]

@@RebellHAI That the employer can't fire you is not true. He can but under very restrictive reasons - roughly said if you are not able to fullfill your dutys gounded in the working contract (Arbeitsvertrag) and you won't be able to do so after a reasonable amount of time. Then you can be fired, if your contract doesn't says otherwise. But your comment is strong in the first point and that is really a great deal for me and many germans

[@RebellHAI]

@@Balleehuuu But it is very very hard. I would say, knowing my attorney last said, that in at least 80, if not 90% the employee will win every fight in court because the action was not justified enough and simply a money saving action of the company. But I get you. And of course if you're still on probation.

[@Balleehuuu]

@@RebellHAI I could See How the cases in court are ruled this way, but i think there are many rightous cases never reaching courts. I was fired due to illness and it was fair, I couldn't return in this profession

[@RebellHAI]

@@Balleehuuu Many people fear this way to the court because you have to pay your attorney upfront or have to pay the whole court and your employers' attorney if you loose. But good attorneys can tell how good your chances are. Sometimes these first auditions are free, or at least not that expensive. Your thing is something different, of course. If it is clear that you cannot come back to your old profession, then it would be very unfair to your employer to hold on. In this case your provider will pay for your retraining to another profession and will pay you for another 24 months (time of the training) 60% of your last salary (Next to the cost of the training which is a few thousands per year including a hot meal for lunch every day). Sometimes it is even 100%, but that mostly with a professional association (Berufsgenossenschaft). I was in retraining as well. My provider was the Arbeitsagentur. They even paid my staying in a dormitory right next to the place because I live far away from that. It would take me 2hrs one way. So 4hrs every day.

[@thomasvognsen9579]

I am from Denmark and we have roughly the same system here and will not trade for (private). yes we pay a little more in taxes but the certainty of being covered gives peace of mind

[@TypeAshton]

I've only heard good things about the Denmark system.

[@JesperMilling]

In fact in Denmark the system is even simple since we don't have insurance companies involved. So doctors don't have to ask any insurance people for permissions, they just go ahead if it is medically necessary. We do pay part of medicine costs and dental costs but they are capped. However, since the system is financed over the taxes, conservative politicians who like to give rich people tax cuts are always squezing the systems financing, and trying to introduce privately run hospitals because they think they are more efficient. So we do have waiting lists.

[@aycc-nbh7289]

@@JesperMillingWho determines if it’s medically necessary?

[@JesperMilling]

@@aycc-nbh7289 The doctors off course. Who else?

[@aycc-nbh7289]

@@JesperMilling Maybe the people who pull the strings at the state-run insurance companies, as well as those who do so at the medical accreditation boards.

[@harrycee656]

It took a lot of courage to share this. Thank you for providing personal compassion to show the difference in healthcare systems. The American medical cate being run by insurance companies is a travesty.

[@aycc-nbh7289]

But the same problems would exist if that power existed, no matter who held onto it.

[@Dahrenhorst]

Opting out of the public health insurance system is one of the dumbest things you can do in Germany. You may pay less per month in the beginning, but you will pay much more per month when you get chronically ill or get old. What you omitted to mention was that jobless people, or minimum wage, or part time employees do have exactly the same health insurance coverage as people who pay the maximum monthly premium - when you are jobless actually for free.

[@wermagst]

The full coverage for unemployed people is one of the biggest advantages.

[@meamzcs]

No, it's not dumb. You get better care and that's a fact. You get to see a doctor faster and that's a fact. You only need to be clear that it will become more expensive but if you can afford it and your health is worth it to you it's definitely not dumb.

[@neodym5809]

@@meamzcs It is dumb. If you are not a millionaire already, and you rely on your wages, as you need to be healthy to work to cover your cost of living, going private is risky. Your family members are not covered, if you become sick and can not pay the insurance fees anymore, you will be put in a basic tariff with LESS service. Any service the private insurance offers can also be bought by paying out of pocket, or add additional insurances. In case of an emergency, you will get exactly the same care and service, no matter what insurance you are in. Your health will not be better protected by private insurance. You just get more comfortable chairs, beds, and food.

[@meamzcs]

@@neodym5809 No. Most doctors, even those who treat public and privately insured people, will give you an appointment earlier (because they earn more treating you). The basic plan isn't really much worse than what you get in public insurance and you can even switch before you are 50 and by the time you are 50 you should have a lot of money saved up anyway if you earned enough to get into private insurance in the first place. If that's not the case and you meet a few requirements that you can usually meet if you really want to you should really just switch back. In any other case by the time you are 50 you should also be able to gauge the risk of earning significantly less in the future. If i earned 80k or more a year i would 100% go private insurance.

[@neodym5809]

@@meamzcs what is it worth when the Tories are in power now (before the last election, they weren’t) and continue with austerity?

[@geneviere199]

I think what you did not mention was that the German health care system includes wage payment after 6 weeks of illness up to 72 weeks - that is a big factor in all of the costs. And what is included into the health insurance like basic dental care etc. Problem in the USA is that health insurance is not mandatory, that you have problems if you have preexisting conditions (here you know that you should not opt out of the public health system then) and it all depends on the employer. I do not even think that you can compare the premiums of private insurance in Germany with the ones in the USA because the ones in Germany do not have to be renewed and an age reserve (? - Altersrücklage) has to be calculated into the premium.

[@Anson_AKB]

you forgot the first fact (before the insurance pays wages): sick employees may not be kicked and continue to get payed for some time by the employer). thus in germany we don't have the problem of employers offering best benefits while they are not needed for a healthy employee, but then being able to kick him when becoming sick and thus making those benefits irrelevant.

[@MrFahrenheit9]

Ok so I cried, when you described smelling the coffee again... And made myself a mental note to stick with public health insurance here in Germany

[@FAHSEagle]

I'm a former military brat who grew up in Germany. One of the rare ones who lived life in a German neighborhood, learned the language (my undergraduate degree is in German). I just finished watching this video with my husband. So glad I ran across your channel. This explained the two systems better than I ever could. Vielen herzlichen Dank!

[@berndegert9808]

Your video shows that you are a scientist: structured, objective, logically comprehensible. Congratulations on that. Your very pleasant and convincing presentation is remarkable. - - - I lived and worked in the USA for six years and share your experience; I also had the "pleasure" of working in what was then the Soviet Union for a few years. All prejudices about "universal healthcare" were confirmed there. I have always felt the best "health care" here in Germany. - - - I am glad that you have regained your sense of smell. My wife lost both her sense of taste and smell when she had a stroke sixteen years ago ... I can understand your grief over this, and understand your exhilarating joy when you regained that ability. Even if you had come to Germany because of the health system, nothing else than marketing one of hpefully several unique selling propositions.

[@nobodix]

Glad that we were able to pay for your treatment with our health insurance fees. This is called solidarity. All for one and one for all. Apart from that one sleeps much better at night knowing all is taken care of. Priceless. Another tipp: Even if private insurance in Germany can sometimes seem cheaper: DON'T! Private insurance doesn't pay off in the long run, unless you are filthy rich and don't need it anyway.

[@hmhmoinsdk]

As a german myself - things i`d change: eliminate the opt out. get rid of the ceiling, include all income not just wages - use the resulting extra money to 1. pay better wages to healthcare workers 2. found more health research 3. end all copayments on prescriptions etc.

[@Garagantua]

I'm still hoping that one day we'll elect a government that does this.

[@marcelwin6941]

@@Garagantua I don't - although I could agree with eliminating the "private" option.

[@Garagantua]

@@marcelwin6941 I'd say basing payments on ALL income would be even more important - but every step in the right direction helps ;)

[@samurai5910]

Without the option of visiting a private doctor (dermatologist) I could not have gotten any appointment (most of my skin was turning red and spreading from the neck to everywhere including my face, it looked like a serious infection). I called EVERY dermatologist in a radius of about 50 km. At least 30 dermatologists. NO ONE would give me an appointment: "Just call someone else, we do not take new patients. Your condition is not life threatening." Then I accidentally called a private doctor and I was able to get an appointment whenever I wanted to. I only have to pay for it myself. Later I learned about the reason: The insurance that the government regulates only pays for a maximum of patients per doctor per quarter (3 months). Every other patient does not have to pay, but the doctor has to work for free. Guess what that causes...

[@sakkra83]

I would keep the opt-out, but I would include the state servants into the system. I think it is ridiculous to exclude them.

[@marshallbowen8693]

Your video is excellent. I am Canadian and have had universal medical care since the 1960’s. Drugs and dental care are not covered. My son lives in Germany and I have been impressed with the system. It even covered some emergency dental care needed when he was visiting us. I can’t understand why many Americans reject universal health care as “communist” and are quite prepared to risk bankruptcy.

[@maargenbx1454]

I know the point of this video is health insurance, but tears came to my eyes when you talked about smelling coffee after the injections. The smell of fresh coffee is one of the small, unsung joys of life. So glad things turned out well.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you!

[@jensschroder8214]

Private health insurance: if you are young and healthy, it is cheap. But when you get old and sick, you can't change any more to publc insurance.

[@taktkonform]

It is not entirely correct that you cannot go back to the compulsory insurance system. In an employee relationship, only the salary is decisive. The age limit of 55 alone is difficult, if you have not been compulsorily insured for at least 1 day in the previous 5 years, you can no longer get in. As a self-employed person it is similarly difficult, there only helps to get employed (e.g. by the wife who is employed)

[@wjhann4836]

Right - Or get married and have kids.

[@Anson_AKB]

@@wjhann4836 _married and kids:_ is that enough, or wouldn't that also require the husband to not be in a private insurance, and the wife to earn almost nothing?

[@LoHulot]

I would like to add one more aspect: Civil servants receive state aid for medical expenses. In my case (teacher), 50% of the costs are covered by the allowance, while my co-insured wife receives 70% reimbursement from the state allowance. Therefore, I only have to take out private insurance at 50%, my wife at 30%, with correspondingly reduced premiums. That makes the private premiums for "Beamte" (civil servants) quite attractive.

[@wjhann4836]

@@LoHulotRight. I tried to avoid this - it's a new dimension in this large discussion.

[@indiramichaelahealey5156]

I have worked and was insured in the US and in Germany. To ne the German publuc healthcare system is one of the best in the world. We go by the saying "one for all and all for one". If you are unemployed and live of unemployment money the State pays for your health insurance. I know that in the US people do not have health insurance because they can't afford it or pay off for the rest of their life for medical costs which have accured. Also, some insurances have fired people who cost them too much. That would never happen in Germany. No insurance can fire you because you cost too much.

[@Xi.Yi.]

Danke, dass du dich an dieses Thema herangetraut hast. Und wieder mal in Spitzenqualität! ❤ Ich wünsche dir viel Gesundheit, schön, dass du bei uns in Deutschland bist. 😊 PS: Das Video in deutsch würde vielen, die hier nur meckern, die Augen öffnen.

[@blovesbeautyboxes5354]

I lived in California for 28 years,15 of them I was married to a wonderful husband. 5 years of those 15 my husband was sick with cancer. A battle he lost in 2012. Even though he had Medicaid we still had to pay 20% of the treatments and meds. In 2015 I decided to move back to Germany. I made sure I paid the 3000 Dollars I still had to pay off for his medical bills. I myself paid 500 Dollars a month for health insurance in the US, plus $80 for my monthly pills, not to mention the $114 a month to see my doctor. I remember having to pay for a blood test costing $1000. An emergency I once had was about $900. Here in Germany I don't worry at all when I need a doctor, an operation, or meds. As you mentioned the most one pays for a subscription is either 5 or 10 €. Needless to say I'm definitely better cared for here( by the way, I live near Lahr which is only a 25 minute drive to Freiburg,where I lived before I moved to CA). You videos are very informative and nicely put together. Maybe we walk into each other one of these days.

[@TypeAshton]

Thanks for finding us! We are glad you enjoyed the video, although I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. Hope you are doing well in Lahr!

[@blovesbeautyboxes5354]

@@TypeAshton Ashton, when you have some time check out my KZbin channel. I make videos in English and German.

[@arnodobler1096]

Hallo, tut mir leid für ihren Verlust. Ich habe mal in Neustadt gelebt - Rheinland-Pfalz ist meine zweite Liebe geworden nach Baden. Liebe Grüße vom Bodensee

[@nordwestbeiwest1899]

To quote a comment: "… to take advantage of his public healthcare." - I don't think that any German would think this way. Public healthcare is for everyone and a human right.How true and I agree with that 100% and besides, nobody should become impoverished!And we viewers are very happy that they were able to help you in Germany and will continue to do so in the future.

[@TypeAshton]

That's really great. I think as an American, I feel a sense of guilt that I haven't contributed as much (yet) to the German system. I am so thankful for the great healthcare here ❤️❤️❤️

[@RustyDust101]

@@TypeAshton Don't worry. You are working here, and thus you are contributing at your own pace.

[@helfgott1]

totally agree education and healthcare are human rights no matter who u are or where u come from.

[@herrnasenbaer3267]

@@TypeAshton You already contribute to the German system (and society) by choosing to live here, share your ("outside-grown") views and adding your way of living and thinking to this country.

[@Memphis-zv5et]

@@TypeAshton Thats the nature of insurances. Would be the same situation for your car insurance if you had an accident one day after you signed the contract. And to be honest. That is the principle of a solidarity system. You will always have people who benifits from it (financially) and other ones who have a disadvantage.

[@LightningJenz]

When I got my first paycheck in germany I was complaining how much I have to pay for healthcare. But then my father just said "think on everything it has payed for you in the last 18 years. Each surchury on eyes, each broken arm, broken leg, each Medicine you got while you were ill, each doctor cost in 18 years". And If you think it that way, its absolute fine to pay your part. Especially if you later got childrens by your own. The biggest problem in german health care is the missing Feedback. That you do not recognise for what your money is used. You know it theoretically but you don't see the concrete examples all the time.

[@Kajo123456]

this is something that should be unified in Europe... in Slovbakia (and afaik other countries too), I get a list of everything that is on my insurance via online portal/app. I know I pay monthly about 1 euro for emergency dental services and about 2,50 euro for general doctor - if I need to visit them at some point, I only pay extras (for services that are not necessary, e.g. special tooth filament, different method of pain numbing, extra consult for better informed decision...)

[@enowilson]

Great video, I love it!!! As a European who loves many things from the States, I find the American Health System not only ridiculous, but extremely unfair. And the saddest thing is that all those ignorant Americans, who probably vote republican, believe the American system is better ("Why do I want or trust something free?" said an old woman in another video about healthcare here on KZbin)... until they get cancer and they have to mortgage their house, if their bank allows it. Health care is a right. Period. If you are an employer, you want your employees happy and healthy, so they'll produce more and better. If you are an employee, you want to worry about work and not health. And the numbers are clear: US healthcare is more expensive than if it is included in your taxes. I think the American system would be fine if we lived in a perfect world and every insurance company would think this is not only business, but a human right, and lowered their fees, or found ways to make citizens pay less. But we don't live in a perfect world and the system got greedy, too greedy. For us Europeans this issue renders no discussion - Most parties, even right-wing parties, agree Health Care is a right, and you don't do any good by privatising it.

[@aycc-nbh7289]

But one thing to consider is that a universal healthcare system may be worse if it doesn’t provide efficient care and if there is sentiment that it should only be afforded to people of specific nationalities or ethnicities.

[@sess5206]

​@@aycc-nbh7289What are you really saying here?

[@aycc-nbh7289]

@@sess5206 That public healthcare may suffer the same problems as private healthcare, but with public healthcare, there are no alternative options.

[@shorerocks]

The Common Misconceptions section alone is gold. A well-balanced breakdown.

[@alyson42]

Given the age of this video and number of comments already written (3,282 as I write this), perhaps this has been addressed, but I'll note it anyway. I think you've done an excellent job, and I commend you for taking on such a complex topic in such a frank and unbiased way. However, you seem to have missed one part of your US healthcare expenses....Medicare taxes. In the US, this is 6.2% of an employee's income, per irs.gov (an additional 6.2% is contributed by employers). For a person making $40,000/year, that amounts to an additional $2,480/year in healthcare expenses. What I found interesting is that this isn't actually that far off from the 7.5% that Germans contribute each year. Thanks again for such an interesting comparison of the two systems!

[@connorskudlarek8598]

I also noticed this. However, it isn't 6.2% for Medicare, that's for Social Security. Medicare is 1.45% (+1.45% from employer). That said, there is also Medicaid, which probably takes another 2% of your income. Probably getting taxed an extra 3.5% that wasn't accounted for, which at $40k is an extra $1,400 out of her pocket that she just missed.

[@alyson42]

@@connorskudlarek8598 thanks for the correction!

[@JackDespero]

I would add that when comparing healthcare systems, not only direct cost, since in Germany you are putting together direct cost and taxes, you should also add that the US pays a huge amount of public money (thus taxes) to healthcare. In fact, on average, the total cost per capita of the US is double than in Germany, because when adding both private and public costs, US pays two times for a similar amount. In Germany, if the healthcare tax was hidden beneath just the label "tax", like the US, the comparison would be completely different. I wish they disclosed how much of your taxes is going to healtcare in the US (medicaid, medicaid, paying for bankrupcties, etc), because then I think that the comparison would be fairer.

[@LCamp-cr7fs]

You also can’t forget that Medicare and short/long term insurance are included in the fee.

[@PEdulis]

Thank you for your extensive coverage of this topic. Two things you didn't explicitly mention are important as well in my opinion. In Germany, you can take up to six weeks of sick leave per year (in addition to your 20-30 days of vacation entitlement plus 12-15 bank holidays) where you get paid 100% of your income by your employer. After those 6 weeks, you still get 70% of your gross income (but no more than 90% of your net income) for 78 weeks for the same illness. Therefore, you can stay at home to get well again without having to worry about your income at all which keeps people more healthy and also less worried about getting sick in the first place. The second thing to keep in mind is the cost of healthcare per capita in a country where the US easily is the most expensive since I can think. According to the OECD, this is a list of countries ranked by that cost in 2018, the latest data I could find which shows that the US spends almost twice the amount on health care than Germany does. Comparing the quality of treatment should include that difference as well in my view. United States ($10,586) Switzerland ($7,317) Norway ($6,187) Germany ($5,986) Sweden ($5,447) Austria ($5,395) Denmark ($5,299) Netherlands ($5,288) Luxembourg ($5,070) Australia ($5,005)

[@martingades]

I almost cried when you explained how you smelled coffee for the first time after such a long time. I know the pain of being chronically ill during your 20’s. I am still looking for the right treatment that helps me with my chronic illness I’m German I can’t imagine what my life would look like without the healthcare system we have ! I am so happy that you are feeling better 🫶🏼 thank you for sharing your story!

[@Dadadin]

Ich hab in der Tat genau an dieser Stelle weinen müssen. und Dir wünsche ich auch, dass es bald besser geht :)

[@martingades]

@@Dadadin Danke 🥹🤍

[@cobba42]

I did tear up when you said you could smell the coffee grinds again. And if I may: "The measure of a society is how it treats its weakest members": If you are well off, you won't have a significant problem in either model. If not, there's a remarkable difference of how your life is going to go. Aside from your incredibly well informed presentation of hospital costs, there may be additional costs in the US if you need an ambulance...

[@TypeAshton]

This is such a beautiful way of putting it. I love that Germany sees access to quality healthcare as a human right, and not something that is afforded only by the wealthy. While we do have medicaid and medicare, the coverage is not the same as private plans and it does create a tiered system relative to quality of care.

[@SLiPCoR]

First: The coffee grinds also got my tear ducts Second: I think there are circumstances where you have to pay for the EMT ... I think if it is something you could have prevented and you "neglected" ? Someone on reddit complained about TEN EUROs xD But also I have heard, if you use the Krankenwagen as your to-hospital-Taxi in a non emergency, you can pay around 300 bucks, I believe. Also, yeah, 10 EUR for an emergency-timing-pre-fee at the ER that you can get reimbursed from your insurance xD

[@L00pTroop]

I'm completely honest, when it comes to health and healthcare, a word like "private" should be forbidden. Everyone need to have access to healthcare no matters where he's from, who he is, how high the numbers on the banking account are and so on. Especially with chronic illness you may lack significantly of quality of life and that can be avoided so easily. Yes, German healthcare sadly decreased during times where e.g. hospitals changed to more and more profit organization (should be changed!) but I'm completely ok with the normal daily health care. You can see a doctor every time you need, ofc you need to wait maybe a time to see specialists like e.g. "endocrinologist" but in general there is no need to hurry here, and if there is need to see the specialist as soon as possible you're doctor will manage to get you a date there soon anyway. I would be fine if you might buy upgrades to some good basic public health insurance contracts. This might be smart as well since a lot of person have different things they struggle on (psychological, orthopedic, cancer and so on). German healthcare offers a lot more advantages that have not been addressed yet like getting paid about 70% of you're income after being 6 weeks out of work. Which is an absolute outstanding thing. Severe and chronic illness could hit everyone randomly, absolutely everyone! Weather struggling on depression, breaking a leg during skiing or getting diagnosed with cancer or anything else. No one chooses to be sick for months on a voluntary basis ;-) !! So I'm really happy German health care could make it possible for you to regain your ability to smell things (which btw. brought tears to my eyes while you've talked about) and now you can smell Jonathan's omelette again while you don't have to worry about going bankrupt! Because it doesn't help to fix one thing and get into other issues soon leading into depression or anxiety or anything else. So health care in my opinion can only be a 100% full solidarity to give everyone the opportunity to (re-)gain best possible quality of life.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much! The medication and the healthcare I have received in Germany has been truly life changing. I have also really enjoyed learning more about the healthcare system and think there is so much we can learn from a scheme which prioritizes the health of the entire community. ❤️❤️ Thank you again for such a great comment and for watching the video!

[@Kivas_Fajo]

You don't get it! In Germany everyone is health insured. When you reach a certain amount of money earned monthly you need to go private. There is no choice. And that's that. The advantages of being privately insured. In a hospital you can ask for a room for yourself. Certain doctors and hospitals are only taking in privately insured people. Private insurance is way more expensive than the public health care. It's done that way, because at a certain income you no longer pay into the pot, therefore you are not okay to taking from it. I don't know exactly how all this works in detail, but roughly that is it.

[@kaikoenig7232]

@@Kivas_Fajo Nobody forces you to go private if you do not want to. The only restrictions are that you are not allowed to go private if you are not earning enough and once you go private you cannot easily go back to a public plan. Even self-employed people who can choose from the start can choose to voluntarily join the public system. Also private health insurance is not always more expensive. It is usually cheaper the younger you are. It is vastly more expensive to insure family members and it is gets more expensive the older you get. That is why the government forced private ensurers to raise the premiums for yourger people and invest the money to use it later to limit the increase in premiums when you get older.

[@Kivas_Fajo]

@@kaikoenig7232 Danke, Kai. Jetzt bin ich schlauer.

[@kaikoenig7232]

I totally agree. However, I believe the word private in this case refers to the fact that private health insurers are privately owned companies (although highly regulated ones) in contrast to the public health insurers that are in a sense government agencies.

[@-b33s]

Wow, huge difference in insurance premiums acrosd the U.S. as a frrelancer in NYC early to mid 2000s my premiums $500‐800 a month's. I had friends who were paying $1200/month

[@MsPandachen]

One of the best parts of German healthcare is you just don’t have to think about it. You just have it, you don’t have to check if your doctor/hospital is in the System. You don’t have to worry if something is covered or not. And if you are a little more into informing yourself they might even pay for your gym or gym classes, because a healthy person cost much less.

[@Trashloot]

That's really important. Our government also funds many health and fitness thingies because they want us to be healthy. That's also a reason for our strict food regulations and everything similar.

[@kiewsky]

ABSOLUTELY !!! Watching US hospital series on Netflix, the talk is always about COSTS, ability or willingness to pay, hospital willingness to cover the costs of a patient's care, etc. THIS IS NOT EVEN AN ISSUE IN GERMANY !!!! If you are ill, you go to a doctor or hospital. You are treated very well and it costs you next to nothing.

[@DrumL3000]

Well if your self employed you really much have to think about it, since the our german government made it mandatory to have health insurance. You can not have health insurance it will be paid for in one way or another. Not that saying health care is bad... obviously not but i hope you get my point. There are several data links to be found that many germans can't pay health insurance. The medal has two sides.

[@kiewsky]

@@DrumL3000 It is true that self-employed people must earn much more than their hoped-for take-home pay in order to pay for what employed people take for granted (health and social care insurance, retirement pensions, provision for periods of unemployment or sickness, disability pensions). All of this is not cheap but , I believe, absolutely essential. If you are unable to earn sufficient money to cover all this, salaried employment is a safer path for you. It would be short-sighted to "save" on all or any of these insurances or provisions (as I have learned to my own disadvantage - I did not make retirement provision for several years and my pension is now far too low).

[@Otzkar]

If you switch from full time to minijob it can happen that in a transitionary period you are not insured.. happened to me because I never worried about it but luckily I didn't have to go to the doctor during that time