We’re also known as TK. We’re a government-run health-insurance fund. We insure a large number of people. That is to say, they pay TK money.
What type of insurance is TK?
Techniker Krankenkasse (or TK) is a German Krankenkasse (public health insurance business). With 10.4 million members, it is the country’s largest health insurer. 1 & 2
Is TK public insurance?
TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) is Germany’s largest public health insurance provider and one of the most popular among foreigners. TK protects a considerable portion of Germany’s population, with over 10 million policyholders. It provides excellent coverage at a low cost, and it is extremely comprehensive.
Is a statutory health insurance?
Approximately 90% of the population in Germany is covered by statutory health insurance, and they are entitled to benefits to maintain and restore their health, as well as to enhance their health.
Statutory health insurance is funded through statutory health insurance funds, which are financially and organizationally independent as public-law businesses. They are responsible for carrying out the tasks allocated to them by the government.
The solidarity principle and the principle of benefits in kind are two important structural elements of statutory health insurance. Regardless of their income, the amount of premiums they have paid, or their morbidity risks, the solidarity principle ensures that each insured person receives the medically essential benefits from statutory health insurance. The notion of benefits in kind assures that the insured receives benefits without having to pay anything up ahead.
Employer and employee payments account for the majority of the funding for statutory health insurance coverage. As of January 1, 2009, the Health Fund and a consistent contribution rate for all covered persons were implemented. The tool of supplemental premiums for individual insurance funds is also new since this date.
Does TK cover dermatologist?
Skin cancer screening is available to TK insurees aged 20 and up. Every two years, prior to the legal entitlement, you can have a medical examination at a dermatologist participating in the TK contract. Many immunizations are covered by TK (where applicable minus the co-payment for the vaccine).
What is statutory health insurance Germany?
With statutory health insurance, children and spouses can be covered for free as part of a family policy. A legislative health insurance fund is required for certain groups of people. They are as follows: Those who work for you (gross income below the income threshold for compulsory insurance)
What is TK long term care insurance?
Long-term care insurance was introduced as a new branch of social insurance on January 1, 1995, under the auspices of the statutory health insurance funds. It was designed as a “partial comprehensive insurance” plan, which means that long-term care insurance funds only cover a portion of the costs of caring for a person.
In 2008, the Pflege-Weiterentwicklungsgesetz was passed, which made even more improvements. It is now more easier for family members to care for ailing relatives. Employees are permitted to take a limited amount of time off work to care for family members. After all, most people would rather be looked after at home in their comfortable surroundings.
When caring for relatives or needing care themselves, many individuals rely on not being alone, being safe, and being well taken care of. In these cases, TK does not leave its insureds. This is ensured by the personnel of long-term care benefit specialist centers, who ensure that care is provided for those who can no longer manage without support. They also make certain that persons in need of care, as well as their families, receive the benefits to which they are entitled.
Does TK cover optometrist?
No, most of the time. Eyeglasses are rarely covered by public health insurance, but there are few exceptions:
- or you have hyperopia (farsightedness) and your glasses are stronger than 6 dioptres
- Alternatively, the glasses may be required to treat eye injuries or disorders, such as to safeguard your eyes following eye surgery.
In some circumstances, health insurance only covers the cost of basic lenses1, but not the frame. Some opticians, such as Fielmann and its Nulltarif line, will offer you the frame for free.
The optician bills your health insurance directly when you buy glasses. You are not required to request reimbursement1. You must purchase eyeglasses within 4 weeks of receiving an eye exam1.
Are eye tests covered?
Yes. The eye test is free if you go to an ophthalmologist (Augenarzt)1, 2, 3. It’s covered by your health insurance.
Your insurance will not cover the exam if you go to an optician (Optiker). The test must be paid for by you. There is one exception: TK will pay for eye testing if the child is under 14 years old1.
Does TK insurance cover birth control?
- Treatment for disease prevention and alleviation, as well as contraception and pregnancy termination
- If you need to study for a few more semesters, you can easily extend your contract.
TK national health insurance provides far more than the bare minimum of care required by law. Homeopathic treatments, travel vaccines, and sports-medical checks will also be covered by TK. More information can be found in the TK Infosheet. TK Fact Sheet