Versicherten

Versicherten is a term used in German-speaking social security to denote individuals who are insured under a public or private insurance scheme. In legal and administrative language, the word refers to people who have a right to benefits and, in many systems, an obligation to pay contributions. The form Versicherten (plural) appears in different cases as Versicherter (singular) depending on grammatical use.

In Germany, for example, Versicherten are covered by statutory or private health, pension, unemployment and long‑term care insurance. The term is commonly used in the Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB) to describe those who are entitled to benefits such as medical treatment, sickness benefits, pension payments and rehabilitation. Most employees, students, and other groups fall under compulsory insurance, while self‑employed individuals may be voluntarily insured. Dependents can sometimes be covered through family policies.

Rights and duties of the insured include access to medically necessary care, preventive services, and financial benefits in illness or disability, as well as retirement benefits. Insured persons typically must pay contributions, provide accurate personal and income information, and report changes in circumstances, such as employment status or residence. They may be able to switch insurance providers within the framework of the system.

Practical aspects include identification by a health insurance card or social security number and recognition of different insured statuses, such as Pflichtversicherte or Freiwillig Versicherte. The concept also exists in other German-speaking countries, notably Austria, where insured persons are registered with the Allgemeine Sozialversicherung and related social funds.

See also: health insurance, pension insurance, unemployment insurance, social security.