General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: My experience with Universal health Care [View all]DFW
(54,358 posts)Although the posted top rate is 42% or 43% they heap all kinds of surcharges on so that the effective rate is 50% at best, and it kicks in at about 110,000 euros if not before. My daughter earns about that, and she's already in the 50% bracket.
The Germans do like their health care, although unlike some countries in Europe, there is not a universal health care program included in the tax rate. It is more of a patchwork system specific to your job and/or income. It is also a two-class system. There is second class ("Kassenpatient" , which means you are on some kind of large insurance program that picks up most bills, or first class ("privat" which means you pay up front and get reimbursed (you hope!) by your insurance provider. A lot of German tax money goes toward propping up Greece and other such "worthy" causes.
I could only wish we had Australia's tax rates (and health care system!) in Germany.