Health Care and Transportation in Germany from a Cultural Perspective Research Paper

Health Care and Transportation in Germany from a Cultural Perspective - Research Paper Example Moreover, the elderly are given preference when it comes to treatment as they are they perceived to be more delicate. They believe that an individual’s health is of utter importance and paramedics must be professional enough in handling health-related cases. What’s more, a Drogerie or â€Å"drug store† does not sell medicines or drugs; it is more of a mart for detergents, toiletries, and beauty products. Since Germans are health conscious and value prevention more than cure, consumption of biskost (biologically-grown foods), natural foods, vitamins, herbal teas and health foods are encouraged (Wiltenburg, 182). They can be purchased from a Bioladen (small shops that stock highly nutritious foods rich in vitamins and other minerals) at reasonable prices. When one is in need of cure, recovery, or preventive medicine, they should visit a Kurort (a pharmacy in the American context; it stocks common drugs but the prescription is given). Germany enjoys a high level of healthcare with high life expectancy and low infant mortality rates. While working in Germany, one must comprehend the mix of the private and public health insurance (Expatica, N. pg). Employees are allowed to hold both private and public health insurance covers but must display the aptitude and capability to meet the cost of both covers. To obtain a residence visa, foreign inhabitants must provide substantiation of being under a public health insurance coverage. Noteworthy, Germany operates a government-sponsored â€Å"sickness fund† called Krankenkasse which provides coverage against most predominant ailments in the country, and employees are expected to subscribe to this fund and contribute accordingly (Herb, 2). All employees, whether insiders or outsiders are expected to honour contributions since violation is criminalized and indictable. Similarly, while Americans are familiar with pharmacies, managers in Germany are required to operate or be linked to an Apotheker which does not only provide drugs such as aspirin but also provides a considerable help to employees with a disorder (Herb, 2).  Ã‚