Kassenärzte Chief Andreas Gassen Calls for Contact Fee per Doctor Visit
Andreas Gassen, chairman of the Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung (KBV), Germany’s association of statutory health insurance physicians, has proposed introducing a “contact fee” of three to four euros for every doctor visit. The aim of this fee is to provide financial support to the public health insurance system amid rising healthcare costs. This proposal marks the reintroduction of a variant of the earlier abolished practice fee, aiming to curb unnecessary doctor visits and relieve pressure on statutory health insurers [Source 7][Source 2].
Implications for Expats and Foreign Residents in Germany
The proposed contact fee would apply to all patients visiting doctors under the statutory health insurance system, which includes most residents in Germany. This affects expats, international students, and foreign workers who are insured under the public health scheme, as they would be required to pay the small fee upon each visit. The fee, estimated at three to four euros, is relatively modest but would become an additional cost for medical consultations. This means that expats should budget for this potential new expense when planning their healthcare needs in Germany.
For those with private health insurance, the impact may differ as the proposal currently targets statutory insured patients. However, foreigners unfamiliar with the German healthcare system should anticipate changes in administrative processes, such as upfront payments, and prepare accordingly. No official legislation or implementation timelines have been announced yet, so patients should monitor updates closely and verify payment obligations when booking medical appointments [Source 1][Source 8].
