German v American Healthcare

Just as many things in our two cultures vary, so does our healthcare options. In Germany every citizen must have health insurance, it is required by law. With this being said, the health care system is set up so all citizens can be insured. Every German pays 8 percent of their gross income to a non-profit insurer,called a sickness fund. There are around 240 different options for the sickness fund. In addition to this all insurance for children is free until they turn 18. As Americans we see this 8 percent as a sizable amount however, considering all aspects, it is around the same amount we pay. The difference, though, is that Germans get more benefit for the amount they pay. Also the employers in Germany only pay 8 percent of each employees gross income, while in the US the employers pay 18 percent. Another difference is in America the insurances are ran by private companies which have the power to jack up prices when you get sick or raise premium when you grow old. In Germany the government ensures that the price stay low enough so it is affordable for everyone. In America we have 48 million people without health insurance, yet it is still a conversation who has the better health care.