Klarinet Archive - Posting 000371.txt from 2002/07

From: notestaff@-----.de (David Glenn)
Subj: [kl] Robert - doctors in Germany
Date: Wed, 17 Jul 2002 06:38:33 -0400

"Robert S. Nalezinski" wrote:

> David,
>
> That was why I didn't think I would be able to see a doctor here...
> Because I am not insured. (At least when it comes to being in Germany.)
> I will follow your advice and see Herr Doktor. I hear that the medical
> care in Germany is great too... They only use the finest stainless steel
> tools when they need to drill a hole in your head to let out the evil
> spirits. (For those who don't know better... That was a joke...as in
> "Ha-ha"... And so there is no need to write to explain "they don't do
> that in Germany.") Out of curiosity though... What is an AOK?
>
> Thanks,
> Robert
>
> +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Robert,

AOK stands for Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse. It's a health insurance company,
one of if not the largest in Germany. If you're living in Germany you are
required to register with the authorities (Rathaus/Town hall) and to have
health insurance. I don't know what you earn but the fee depends on that. It
might cost you €200 a month but that's just a guess. The visits to the
doctor are paid for with that. Any prescriptions are subsidized so that you
pay only the first few euros. Be sure to go (or telephone) ask. They have
become very friendly in the last years - due to competition. Be glad. It
wasn't always that way. I know, I've been here for 23 years.

Best regards,

David

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