The self-employed and anyone earning more than 48,000 euros a year can opt for private health insurance. With private coverage, fees are no longer based on income but rather the type of coverage – private hospital rooms, comprehensive dental and vision, or reimbursement for natural or unconventional treatment methods. A deductible can also be built in to lower monthly premiums and an annual rebate is common for clients who rarely see a doctor. Although public and private patients see the same doctors, private patients have a more pleasant visit since the doctor is freed from government-mandated fee schedules. Still, pre-existing conditions as well as children and spouses can make monthly fees for private insurance hefty. The nursing-care insurance mandatory on public plans is also required under private insurance but is slightly cheaper. Employers aren’t required to contribute anything to employees covered by private plans but most will cough up a respectable amount.