The self-employed and anyone earning more than €48,000 a year can opt for private health insurance. Fees are no longer based on wages but rather the type of coverage – private hospital rooms, comprehensive dental and vision, or reimbursement for natural or unconventional treatment methods. An insurance deductible can also be built in to lower monthly premiums and an annual rebate is common for clients who rarely see a doctor. Although it’s illegal for doctors to differentiate between patients with public and private health insurance, it happens, because doctors are freed from government-mandated fee schedules with private patients. Doctors will often see a private patient who shows up without an appointment before other publicly insured patients, or may be more willing to order diagnostic tests or procedures that a public health insurer would question. Still, pre-existing conditions, as well as children and spouses, can make monthly fees for private insurance hefty. Employers aren’t required to contribute anything to employees covered by private plans, but most will pay the same amount they would have had to contribute if you were publicly insured. If you’re single, expect a monthly premium of between €400 and €500 with private insurance.