Sozialversichert

Sozialversichert is an adjective describing a person who is covered by the social insurance system (Sozialversicherung) in German-speaking countries. The term signals a degree of social protection provided by public insurance schemes that cover healthcare, pension, unemployment, disability, and sometimes accidents and long-term care. Membership is usually automatic for groups such as employees, apprentices, students, and unemployed persons.

In Germany, the statutory social insurance system comprises five branches: health insurance (Krankenversicherung), pension insurance (Rentenversicherung), unemployment insurance (Arbeitslosenversicherung), long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung), and accident insurance (Unfallversicherung). Contributions are shared between the employee and the employer and are based on income up to statutory limits. Most employed people are covered by the statutory schemes, while some may have private insurance supplements or opt for private health insurance.

The concept exists in other German-speaking countries with similar aims and structures, notably Austria and parts of Switzerland. Rights and benefits typically include access to medical care, pension benefits, unemployment benefits, and protection against certain risks; eligibility rules, contribution rates, and benefit levels vary by country and by individual status. Becoming or remaining Sozialversichert is usually tied to legal employment or enrollment in mandatory social insurance; self-employed persons may face voluntary insurance arrangements or private alternatives.