The German social security system is based on the principle of solidarity. This means that everyone contributes towards social security. The level of your contribution is based on your particular financial situation. The social security system consists of five elements: health insurance, long-term care insurance, pension insurance, unemployment insurance and accident insurance.
Within the statutory health insurance and long-term care insurance, the young and healthy members support the elderly and those who are ill, therefore requiring more services. This makes sure no one is excluded from the system.
The main role of health insurers is to maintain, improve and restore the health of their members and to relieve them of any symptoms of disease.
There are both mandatory and voluntary insured members in a statutory health insurance fund, depending on the relevant income.
