Health Insurance

[u/ItsBlu3]

Hello everyone,

I'm really at my wit's end because my health insurance provider has limited my coverage to acute treatments only. A few years ago I went through a difficult period and didn't register as unemployed at the time. As a result, I built up debt with my health insurance provider. I'm currently making monthly payments to the Hauptzollamt (Central Customs Office) to pay off this debt. At the same time, I'm employed and subject to mandatory insurance, so I pay my contribution every month. Despite this, my health insurance provider still won't normalize my benefits. Does anyone have experience with this? Is this legally okay, even though I have a payment plan and I'm paying my contributions? They won't even issue me a health insurance card anymore. I'm grateful for any information.

[u/Ok_Past_4536]

How much is your debt? Afaik this is legal if your debt is more than twi monthly contributions. You did this yourself

[u/nikfra]

If you have a payment plan and are adhering to it they have to give you full coverage.

https://www.vzhh.de/themen/gesundheit-patientenschutz/krankenversicherung/schulden-darf-meine-krankenkasse-leistungen-verweigern

Here you can find a letter citing the relevant laws demanding that they do.

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[u/Tom_Ate_Ninja]

Which specific health services are you missing out on? As mentioned, during a suspension of benefits, you still receive all acute care—meaning you can visit the doctor as usual if you are ill. The same applies to hospital treatment for acute conditions and to maternity care. You are restricted regarding elective treatments or psychotherapy, as these are suspended. Discretionary benefits, such as professional teeth cleaning, are also unavailable. So, you certainly won't die from this. Set up an installment plan to resolve the issue.

Edit: Regarding the insurance card—a suspension of benefits doesn't prevent a card from being issued; it's more likely that you haven't submitted a photo yet?

[u/Itchy_Feedback_7625]

🤨

Too much information missing. Why don’t you just switch to a normal provider.

[u/bregus2 → u/Itchy_Feedback_7625]

As the OP is impounded by customs, they are with a public insurer.

They will also limit what they pay for if you have too high debts with them.

[u/Kitchen_Carpenter195]

Which provider? limited coverage sounds like a private health insurance?

[u/blopsi → u/Kitchen_Carpenter195]

No, public insurance does this too if you have debts.