Die PKV im Spagat zwischen freiheitlichem Versicherungssystem und sozialpolitischer Verantwortung

The Dual system in Germany with its separation between statutory health insurance (Gesetzlicher Krankenversicherung or GKV) and private health insurance (Privater Krankenversicherung or PKV) is a special feature when compared to other European systems. A series of regulatory changes by the legislature have to some degree made it possible for people to move within the systems and between the two systems. The fact that only civil servants, the self-employed and high-earners may insure themselves privately no longer can be historically explained. An increasing number of insured see contributions to private health insurances rise dramatically and they cannot afford to pay them anymore. Therefore, the question of the future of private health insurances is primarily a socio-political issue. Each insured person must be entitled to an affordable access to a health insurance, whether public or private, that includes all necessary medical services and medical innovations.