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Moving to British Columbia: What You Need to Know About Your Health Card!
Moving to British Columbia is an exciting step! To feel comfortable right from the start, it’s important to know the details about your health insurance. Do you need assistance with planning your move? Contact us for personalised advice! We are happy to help you further.
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Moving to British Columbia is an exciting step! To feel comfortable right from the start, it’s important to know the details about your health insurance. Do you need assistance with planning your move? Contact us for personalised advice! We are happy to help you further.
Moving to British Columbia is an exciting step! To feel comfortable right from the start, it’s important to know the details about your health insurance. Do you need assistance with planning your move? Contact us for personalised advice! We are happy to help you further.
Moving to British Columbia is an exciting step! To feel comfortable right from the start, it’s important to know the details about your health insurance. Do you need assistance with planning your move? Contact us for personalised advice! We are happy to help you further.
Planning a move to British Columbia? Find out everything important about your health insurance card, address changes, and how to be optimally insured in the Canadian healthcare system.
Are you planning a move to British Columbia? One of the many questions that arise in this context is about your health insurance. Particularly, the electronic health card (eGK) plays a central role, even when you switch to another healthcare system. This article provides you with a comprehensive overview of what you need to know about your eGK when you relocate to BC and how to ensure a seamless transition into the Canadian healthcare system.
The eGK is an important component of healthcare in Germany. It serves as proof of your health insurance and allows access to medical services. But what happens with your eGK when you leave Germany and move to Canada? What changes are necessary, and how can you ensure that you remain well-insured in Canada? We at GoMovin help you answer these questions and make the move as stress-free as possible. Our relocation assistance supports you at every step, from planning to arriving in your new home.
When moving to BC, there are some challenges and changes that you should consider. The Canadian healthcare system differs significantly from the German one. It is important to inform yourself about the local conditions early and take the necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted healthcare coverage. Below, you'll find out how to make the most of your health insurance card and what alternatives exist if the eGK is not accepted in Canada.
Address change with eGK: Digital update saves time
When moving within Germany or just before your move to BC, it's important to update your address with your health insurance provider. Interestingly, you will not receive a new eGK when your address changes. Instead, the address is updated digitally on the chip of your card. This usually occurs the next time you use your card in a card reader, for example at a doctor's office or at your health insurance provider's branch. The Bosch BKK, for example, informs that the address change happens with the next contact with a card reader.
To ensure that your address is updated correctly, it is crucial you inform your health insurance provider of your new address. You can usually do this online, by phone, or in writing. The insurance provider then stores your new address, and it is automatically updated the next time the card is used. The IKK Südwest emphasizes that the update is carried out directly online, which speeds up and simplifies the process. Our planning tools help you coordinate all the necessary steps before your move.
Online synchronization offers not only convenience but also additional security. In the event of loss or theft, the card can be blocked immediately. IKK Südwest highlights that online updating allows for immediate blocking. This protects you from unauthorized access to your health data. Therefore, it is advisable to inform your health insurance provider promptly if your eGK is lost or stolen. Remember that your electronic health card contains important personal data that needs to be protected. GoMovin supports you in securely managing all important documents and ensuring a smooth move.
New eGK required? Note the change of name and validity!
There are situations where you need a new eGK. A name change, for example after marriage, necessitates a reissue as the name is printed on the card. Bosch BKK points out that in such a case, a new card must be applied for. The old card should be disposed of properly as electronic waste and not end up in the household waste. Ensure you destroy the chip to protect your personal data.
The validity period of the eGK is a maximum of five years. After that, the card is automatically replaced. This is due to certificate restrictions that ensure the card's security. The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) explains that the validity is limited due to these restrictions. However, in case of loss or a name change, a new card will also be issued before the five years period ends. It's advisable to keep an eye on the expiry date of your card to apply for a new one on time and avoid interruptions in healthcare coverage.
The latest eGK generations G2 and G2.1 offer enhanced security features. IKK Südwest denotes its latest cards with these designations to indicate the higher security standards. These cards meet the current requirements of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). The old cards lose their validity as soon as the new card arrives and should be destroyed by cutting the chip. These security measures are intended to protect your personal health data and ensure that only you and authorised individuals have access to your data. GoMovin supports you in managing all important documents securely and making the move smoothly.
eGK Features: Using NFC technology for digital health services
The modern eGK is equipped with NFC technology, enabling a variety of digital services. Since December 2020, the eGK of Bosch BKK has featured NFC capabilities required for the electronic patient record (ePA) and the e-prescription. To use these features, you need a PIN, which you can obtain after personal identity verification or via the ePA app with Post-Ident. IKK Südwest also emphasises the importance of contactless data exchange through NFC. This technology allows you to manage your health data quickly and securely.
Data security is ensured by the telematics infrastructure (TI). IKK Südwest explains that the TI is a closed network which only grants access to registered users with an electronic health professional card. Medical data is encrypted before leaving the doctor's office and can only be decrypted with your eGK and the doctor's professional ID. A six-digit PIN code further protects your data, though it is not required to read or update basic insurance information. In emergencies, however, doctors can access necessary information without a PIN by using their professional ID. These security measures ensure that your health data is protected at all times.
The electronic health card not only provides proof of your health insurance but also grants access to modern digital health services. By using NFC technology and the high security standards of the telematics infrastructure, you can manage your health data safely and conveniently. GoMovin supports you in coordinating all necessary steps before your move and ensuring that you are optimally insured in Canada as well.
eGK at the doctor: Understanding status check and replacement procedure
When visiting the doctor, presenting the eGK is mandatory. Doctor's practices are required to verify the insurance status using the eGK and implement the Insured Master Data Management (VSDM) in accordance with the E-Health Law. The KBV emphasises the importance of this verification to ensure that you, as a patient, are insured and that the costs of treatment can be covered. The E-Health Law aims to advance the digitisation of the healthcare system and improve communication between doctors and health insurance companies. GoMovin helps you navigate the German healthcare system and coordinate all necessary steps before your move.
What happens if you cannot present your eGK? In such cases, there are substitute procedures and substitute certificates. The KBV explains that in the absence of the eGK, for example in emergencies, the substitute procedure is applied. In this process, certain patient data is recorded manually. From 1 July 2025, doctor's practices and health insurers are obliged to support the electronic substitute certificate via KIM, simplifying data transfer into the practice management system (PVS). Until then, its use is voluntary. When using a paper-based substitute certificate, manual data entry into the PVS is required. For children under three months without an eGK, the substitute procedure is also applied. If you do not provide proof of insurance within ten days, a private invoice may be issued, which will be reimbursed upon presentation of the eGK within the quarter. These regulations ensure that you can still receive medical care without an eGK.
It is important to know that even for services without personal contact, such as video consultations, data is recorded manually or retrieved from stored records, similar to the substitute procedure. Foreign patients can present the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), a provisional replacement certificate (PEB), or a national entitlement proof. The KBV offers resources on handling missing entitlement proofs and deadlines for submitting substitute certificates. GoMovin supports you in preparing all necessary documents for your move and ensuring that you are optimally insured, even in Canada.
Switching health insurance: Block old eGK, maintain data protection!
When changing health insurance providers, there are important points to consider regarding your eGK. The old health insurance company is obliged to either collect or block the old eGK and destroy it securely according to the latest technological standards. The Social Code Book (SGB V § 291c) governs these obligations. If the card is collected, blocked, or replaced during an existing insurance relationship, the health insurance company must ensure that access to and processing of data within applications according to § 334 Paragraph 1 Numbers 1 and 6 remains possible. Before collecting or replacing the card, the health insurance company must inform you about the possibilities for data deletion according to § 334 Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 Numbers 2 to 5, which are stored on the card. These measures protect your personal data and ensure that your health data is not used without permission.
It is important that as an insured person, you are informed about your rights and obligations in connection with the eGK. When changing health insurance providers, make sure that the old card is properly blocked or destroyed and that you receive all necessary information from your new health insurance provider. GoMovin helps you coordinate all necessary steps before your move and ensures that you are optimally insured even in Canada.
Here are some important points to consider when changing health insurance:
Gather information: Fully inform yourself about the benefits and conditions of your new health insurance company.
Submit application: Apply for membership with your new health insurance company.
Submit termination: Submit the termination notice to your old health insurance company.
Return eGK: Return your old eGK or have it blocked.
Receive new eGK: Obtain your new eGK from your new health insurance company.
Relocation services: Account switching simplifies financial aspects
In addition to health considerations, there are financial aspects that need to be taken into account when moving. The Kreissparkasse Biberach offers additional services, for example, that can ease the moving process. These include account opening and transfers, as well as the online account switching service. With the free online account switching service, you can transfer your account yourself, inform all payment partners of your new account and set up regular standing orders. The service requires access to your old bank's online banking credentials and identifies direct debits, standing orders, and recurring transfers. You can then select which payment partners should be informed. Automatically generated letters with the new account details are provided to you. It is recommended to seek personal advice to explore additional services beyond account switching.
The online account switching service from Kreissparkasse Biberach significantly simplifies your move by easing the financial aspects. You no longer need to inform each payment partner individually, as this can comfortably be done online. This saves time and reduces the stress associated with moving. GoMovin helps you coordinate all the necessary steps before your move and ensures that you remain financially secure in Canada.
The offered moving services help simplify the financial aspects of your move. By using the online account switching service and seeking personal advice, you can ensure that all financial matters are handled smoothly. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your move and make the transition to your new life in Canada as stress-free as possible. GoMovin is there to assist you every step of the way.
eGK knowledge for BC relocation: Preparation is key
A move to British Columbia requires careful planning and preparation. The information regarding your health insurance card is an important component. Make sure to inform yourself in advance about the specifics of the Canadian health system and the validity of your eGK. Remember to update your address with your health insurance provider and, if necessary, request a new card, such as in the case of a name change. Use your health insurer’s digital services to manage your health data securely and conveniently. And don't forget to explore additional services like the online account change service to simplify the financial aspects of your move.
The emigration checklist from GoMovin helps you keep track of all the important points and make your move stress-free. Our experts are on hand to answer all your questions and assist you with the planning and execution of your move. With GoMovin, your move to British Columbia will be the successful start of a new life.
We at GoMovin understand that moving can be a big challenge. That's why we offer you comprehensive support and advice to make your move as simple and stress-free as possible. Our services include planning, organising, and carrying out your move, assistance with official procedures, and mediation of local contacts. We are your reliable partner for a successful move to British Columbia. Contact us today to learn more about our services and receive a customised offer.
Further useful links
The Bosch BKK informs about the digital process of updating the address on the eGK during the next contact with a card reader.
The IKK Südwest emphasises that the address update is carried out directly online, which speeds up and simplifies the process.
The Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung (KBV) states that the validity of the eGK is limited due to certificate restrictions.
The KBV highlights the importance of verifying the insured status using the eGK by medical practices.
The Social Code Book (SGB V § 291c) governs the obligations of the health insurance company when changing insurance providers with regards to the old eGK.
The Kreissparkasse Biberach offers additional services that can facilitate relocation, such as the online account switching service.
Federal Health Reporting (GBE) provides statistical data on the health system.
The Bavarian State Ministry for Health and Care provides information on health policy in Bavaria.
The German Hospital Federation (DKG) offers information about hospitals in Germany.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides population data and statistics.
The GKV-Spitzenverband offers information on statutory health insurance.
The Bavarian State Office for Statistics provides statistical data about Bavaria.
The German Medical Journal offers news and articles from the health sector.
FAQ
What happens to my German eGK if I move to BC?
Your German eGK is not directly valid in Canada. You will need to arrange for Canadian health insurance. GoMovin assists you in planning and organising your move, including addressing insurance questions.
Do I need to change my address with my German health insurance, even if I emigrate?
Yes, it is important to update your address with your German health insurance provider, even if you emigrate to BC. You can usually do this online, by phone, or in writing.
Do I need a new eGK if my name changes (e.g., due to marriage) shortly before the move?
Yes, with a name change, you will need a new eGK as the name is printed on the card. Apply for this in good time before your move.
How can I securely manage my health data when using the NFC functions of my eGK?
The NFC technology of the eGK allows access to digital health services. Data security is ensured by the telematics infrastructure (TI), which is a closed network. A six-digit PIN code additionally protects your data.
What should I do if I cannot present my eGK at the doctor's in Germany shortly before my move?
In such cases, there are alternative procedures. The KBV explains that the alternative procedure is applied when an eGK is missing, with certain patient data recorded manually. You can also present a replacement certificate.
What should I consider regarding my old eGK when changing health insurance?
The old health insurance provider is required to either collect or block the old eGK and safely destroy it. Ensure that this is properly conducted to protect your data.
What financial aspects should I consider when moving to BC?
In addition to health aspects, there are also financial considerations. For example, Kreissparkasse Biberach offers an online account transfer service that can significantly ease the move.
How can I find the right health insurance in British Columbia?
Get informed early about the Canadian healthcare system and the various insurance options. GoMovin can help you find the necessary information and make the transition as smooth as possible. Early research is crucial.
