Excluded groups

Some groups can be excluded from the private health insurance by contract due to the risks for their health or finances their jobs bring with them.

Why Are Certain Groups Excluded?

Certain professions are excluded from private health insurance because they come with higher risks that make them expensive to insure. Jobs like professional sports, armed forces, and performing arts involve more injuries or health issues compared to other professions. For example, athletes often deal with serious injuries like torn ligaments or concussions, while miners face accidents or illnesses like lung diseases. These risks lead to more frequent and costly claims, which can upset the balance of insurance pools and raise premiums for everyone else.

Insurance companies need to manage their risks to keep prices fair for the majority of customers. If they included high-risk groups, it could make premiums unaffordable for most people. Instead, these groups might rely on public health insurance or specialized plans designed for their unique needs.

Excluding these groups isn’t about discrimination—it’s about maintaining a stable system. However, it does highlight the need for better solutions to ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need.

Private health insurances have the possibility to exclude certain groups because of risk factors their jobs bring.

For example, serving in the armed forces involves risks to which the civilian population is not exposed and are therefore not insurable. The probability to get injured is much higher. That means that it's more likely you need medical treatments which can be expensive.
 

In order to protect the insurance collective, certain occupational groups are also not insurable at ottonova, including:

Insurance Options for Excluded Groups

What can people in excluded groups do if private health insurance isn’t available to them? Most of the time, they need to turn to public health insurance systems, which cover everyone but might not offer the same benefits or flexibility as private plans. 

Another option is specialized insurance plans designed specifically for high-risk professions. These plans are created with the unique challenges of certain jobs in mind, like the higher chances of injury or illness.

However, specialized plans often come with trade-offs. The premiums—how much you pay for coverage—can be much higher due to the increased risk. Sometimes, the coverage might also be limited, only protecting against specific types of accidents or health issues. For instance, professional athletes or performers might have access to group insurance policies, where many people in similar high-risk jobs are insured together. This pooling of risks helps make the plans more affordable and manageable for both the insurers and the insured.

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Excluded Groups: Challenges Faced by Affected Groups

People in excluded groups often face serious challenges because they don’t have access to private health insurance. Without proper coverage, they can end up in tough financial situations, especially if they need expensive medical treatments. For many, finding affordable healthcare becomes a constant struggle. For example, a bodyguard, whose job is to protect others, might find it nearly impossible to get health insurance for themselves. Despite the importance of their work, the risks they face daily make insurers unwilling to provide coverage.

FAQ

We can help you write your cancellation letter for your current insurer and send it to you by email. You simply need to add your insurance number and signature and then send it to your insurer. We are unfortunately not allowed to contact your current insurer directly.

Of course! Through our ottonova Concierge Service we can book appointments for you. You just easily write us a message with your requirements, and we will find the best option for you.

The payment is different than in the public system. With private health insurance you pay the full tariff to us at the beginning of the month. If you are employed your employer will contribute their part to your health insurance through your salary.

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