You want the best for your family, and so does Barmer
What matters most to families is peace of mind, good health and having lots of time for one another. And that's exactly what our health plans and benefits are aimed at: comprehensive health cover with loads of extras, optimal support and first-class medical care. In addition to this, you benefit from our offerings in the fields of preventive and alternative medicine as well as our time-saving services and digital products. With Barmer, your entire family enjoys comprehensive cover – and you pay just one health insurance contribution.
The best coverage and expert advice for the whole family
World-class medical care and expertise, nationwide: Barmer offers you the best possible care by renowned doctors throughout the country. You benefit from the highest quality treatment. If you have a special disease or are in need of an operation, we support you by arranging for a second opinion or an appointment with a specialist.
Children and youth programme: Regular screening tests help to counteract the effect of health deficiencies or developmental problems from an early stage. Barmer supports you with additional examinations and makes it quick and easy for your paediatrician to consult a specialist.
The "Family Plus" package: We cover the costs of all medically necessary treatments as well as any medications and medical devices required. You are given a budget of 200 euros to spend on supplementary examinations of your choice, such as professional teeth cleaning, a toxoplasmosis screening or additional medicines.
Dental prophylaxis for infants, children and adolescents: Barmer provides comprehensive cover for regular dental check-ups and preventive treatment – from 6 months to 18 years of age.
Your life is digital, and so is Barmer
The Barmer App: Manage all the important stuff online. In the "Meine Barmer" members' section, you can view medical and clinical services received for example, apply for caregiver allowance to look after a sick child and manage all your online communication with us.
First aid with the Child Emergency App: Reassuring to know it's on hand 24/7 – the Child Emergency App contains information on first aid as well as child safety tips.
"Bedtime" sleeping aid for you and your children: Everyone is more relaxed when well-rested. Our Alexa Skill or Google Home Action helps ensure the whole family gets a good night's sleep.
Saving money with us for the nice things in life
We offer you first-class benefits at an attractive price: Take advantage of our affordable premiums for families and co-insure all family members on the same policy. As a member, you pay a contribution of 16.1 percent – up to the so-called contribution assessment ceiling. If your income exceeds this, it's worth taking out voluntary health insurance with us. With Barmer, your entire family enjoys comprehensive cover – and you pay just one health insurance contribution.
Claim up to 100 euros in cash or other attractive bonuses each year: The Barmer Bonus Program allows you and co-insured family members to collect bonus points by taking part in health-promoting activities, such as enrolling in an exercise class. You can then use these points directly in the app to purchase special rewards.
Fresh impetus thanks to allowances for health courses: We contribute up to 200 euros annually towards health education courses on exercise and fitness, nutrition, relaxation and addiction.
6 steps for a perfect start as family
There are only a few things that are absolutely indispensable when you‘re new in Germany as an employee. We walk you through them step by step and tell you where to go to get what you need.
Step 1: Your registration
Once you‘ve found somewhere to live, you have to register your new address with the Einwohnermeldeamt (residents’ registration office). You can usually do this at the Rathaus (town hall) or Bürgeramt (administrative office for citizens). In most cases, you need to present proof of your new residential address. You are then issued with an Anmeldebestätigung (confirmation of address registration), which is a document needed for many administrative tasks in Germany. For any questions regarding address registration, you can call the number 115 or visit www.115.de/en.
Step 2: Your tax ID number
During your first registration at the Einwohnermeldeamt (Residents registration office), a notification is automatically sent to the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (Federal Central Tax Office). Your steuerliche Identifikationsnummer (Tax ID Number) is then issued and sent via standard post to your registered address, usually within 2 weeks. In some cases, your employer can also apply for this number on your behalf. The Tax ID Number never changes and is required when you open a German bank account or start working.
Step 3: Your health insurance
In Germany, you also need health insurance cover. Barmer is one of Germany‘s largest health insurance companies. In case that you have any question please call our service hotline. A Barmer representative will be able to tell you the quickest and simplest way of joining. You also can use the button “become a member”. We‘ll then take care of informing your employer or university about your health insurance policy on your behalf.
Step 4: Your social security number
You‘ll also need a social security number (Rentenversicherungsnummer or RVNR), so that your employer can pay you and we can process your health insurance contributions. Barmer can apply for this number on your behalf, and you‘ll receive it in the post a few days later. Then you can give the number to your new employer.
Step 5: Your bank account
Next, you‘ll need to open a current account with a German bank. To do this, you will also need your confirmation of address registration and tax ID number. It‘s a good idea to compare offers first, as some banks don‘t charge account maintenance fees for current accounts.
Step 6: Your visa
When you apply for your visa, authorities check whether your educational degrees are recognised in Germany. In the case they are, you will receive a visa for four years upon submission of the relevant documents (employment contract, certificates, passport and passport photo). However, if your degree is not recognised, your future employer and you have to submit your certificates for evaluation by the German authorities. If the result of the evaluation is positive, you can go ahead with the visa application process. Further information can be found at: www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/einreiseundaufenthalt/visabestimmungen-node
