The social security system in Germany is a system with state and community policies and solutions to support all members of society. Dealing with economic and social risks and shocks through a system of policies on health insurance, social insurance, special assistance and social assistance. Up to now, Germany is among the countries with the best quality and social security in the world.
How is the social security system in Germany built?
Up to now, participating in social security insurance has been mandatory for every citizen living and working in Germany, because the great goal is to protect and support citizens against all diseases, including unemployment and old age benefits. Social security costs to be paid will be based on a certain percentage of each citizen’s income here. Employers will also have to participate and pay a part of social security insurance for their employees. Specifically, according to the law, the total cost of social security insurance for each citizen in Germany accounts for 14.6% of the employee’s income. Of which, 7.3% is borne by the employee and the employer must pay 7.3% to the employee.
Insured persons are not only provided with a social security card (Sozialversicherungsausweis) but also with a social security number (Sozialversicherungsnummer). You must provide your social security number to your employer each time you change jobs. If you lose your social security card, you can request a new one from the insurance company. In addition, in Germany, the Federal Employment Agency provides advice, support and facilitates all citizens in their job search.
Important insurances in the German social security system
When you join the social security system in Germany, you will be a member of the following insurance programs:
- Unemployment insurance, full name Arbeitslosenversicherung (ALV): this insurance helps unemployed people get through the period of time when they have just left their old company and are looking for a job at a new company. Unemployment insurance support also has a certain period of time and there are certain requirements to receive support from the state.
- Health insurance, full name Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV): this insurance covers the costs of hospital visits as well as helps pay for medicine and hospital treatment fees.
- Long-term care insurance, full name Pflegeversicherung (PV): this insurance provides basic coverage for illnesses requiring long-term treatment, and is usually intended mainly for the elderly.
- Pension insurance full name Deutsche Rentenversicherung (RV): this insurance pays the employee a salary after retirement. The salary received depends on the employee’s income and the number of years of work in Germany.
- Accident insurance full name Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung (UV): covers all costs of medical treatment and reintegration into work after an accident at your workplace.
Are international students entitled to this insurance when coming to Germany?
Not only workers but also international students when they first come to Germany are given a tax code and social security number after registering their residence. This information is permanently stored in the file even when you return to your country and many years later you will return here. Normally when applying for a visa to Germany or renewing your residence card in Germany, the embassy will require you to prove that you have purchased health insurance. This is a mandatory condition for you when studying abroad or vocational training in Germany.
For those who study and work in Germany, you will automatically participate in the social security system in Germany and enjoy special benefits in this country. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many international students or vocational students do not go to school or work but are still allowed by business owners to declare information to apply for state subsidies and receive support of up to 60% of their salary. This is a big advantage compared to other forms.
Hopefully, this article will help you have useful information about social security systems in Germany. I believe that you will have experiences when studying abroad here. I wish you a healthy study abroad trip and many interesting things in this country.
