The Two Classic PKV Hospital Perks
When people picture the advantages of private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung, PKV) in Germany, two benefits come to mind first: treatment by the chief physician (Chefarztbehandlung) and a private hospital room (Einbettzimmer or Zweibettzimmer). Both are optional inpatient modules you can include in your tariff, and both shape the inpatient experience considerably.
In short: these benefits do not change whether you get good medical care — German hospitals treat everyone to a high standard — but they change who treats you and the comfort of your stay.
What Is Chefarztbehandlung?
Chefarztbehandlung means you are treated by the most senior specialist in the department — the chief physician (Chefarzt) — rather than whichever doctor is on rotation. For elective surgery in particular, this lets you choose an experienced, named specialist to perform your procedure. In statutory insurance (GKV) you generally cannot select your treating doctor in hospital; with this PKV module, you can.
Because chief physicians bill privately at higher rates (under the Gebührenordnung für Ärzte, GOÄ), this benefit can generate substantial invoices — which your PKV tariff covers up to the agreed limits. Make sure your tariff reimburses GOÄ rates at a high multiplier so you are not left with a gap.
Single vs Double Hospital Rooms
The room module determines your accommodation during an inpatient stay:
| Room type | What you get | Typical tariff position |
|---|---|---|
| Single room (Einbettzimmer) | Private room, maximum privacy and quiet | Premium module |
| Double room (Zweibettzimmer) | Shared with one other patient | Common mid-tier choice |
| Standard ward (GKV-style) | Multi-bed room | If no module taken |
A single room is especially valued for longer stays, for light sleepers, and for the ability to have family visit comfortably. A double room is a popular middle ground that still improves substantially on a multi-bed ward.
What Do These Modules Cost?
Both benefits add to your premium, with the single-room option being the more expensive of the two. The incremental cost depends on your age at entry and insurer, but for many policyholders the room and chief-physician modules together represent a meaningful slice of the inpatient premium. The good news is they are modular — you can choose a double room instead of a single, or drop the chief-physician option, to manage cost.
Are They Worth It?
That depends on your priorities:
- Choose Chefarztbehandlung if being able to select a senior specialist for surgery matters to you
- Choose a single or double room if comfort, privacy and rest during a hospital stay are important
- Consider trimming these if you want to lower your premium and are comfortable with excellent standard care
One practical tip: if you keep these modules, check whether your tariff also includes a Krankenhaustagegeld (hospital daily cash benefit) option, which pays a fixed sum per inpatient day to offset incidental costs. Reviewing these inpatient choices with an adviser ensures you pay only for the comfort level you actually want.
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