I’m part of a revolutionary system – Artabana.

Artaban is The Fourth Wise Man and the eponym for the association. Artabana is a solidary group, a supportitive institution in the health care sector. And that’s where the revolution begins. I’m living this revolution so to say for more than 3 years now. And it feels good to be a (little) revolutionist, even if it’s just a small part or specific part of my life. But we all have to start somewhere.

We have written laws in Germany (whether good or bad is not the case) that tell you: You must have a health insurance. You have be covered by insurance, private or statutory. I’m running my own business for more than 10 years now, every self-employed worker in Germany has to chose a private health insurance. Some are cheap, some are really expensive, depending on your needs. As an self-employed worker you can’t have a statutory health insurance, never, by law. Due to some events (one of my doctors fucked up some bills, it wasn’t even my fault or on purpose) my insurance resigned my contract. Wow. I was not covered by an insurance. I thought I’m gonna die. No kidding. That’s the feeling you get when you lose your health insurance. Society teached us to be insured against everything, whether you need it or not. But that’s not the point.

I was standing there: As a self-employed worker you can’t have a statutory health insurance and none of the private insurances was willing to sign a contract with me. They all communicate among each other, a huge circle jerk. If you get kicked your chances are pretty much 0 to get a new one. I’m too old (please don’t laugh, that’s a real reason) or just too risky for the insurance because of your history and what could be, they run danger to have to pay for you, that’s actually the most hilarious thing ever. An insurance that is afraid to pay for you in case you get sick. Long story short: I wanted an insurance but couldn’t find one to sign me. But you have to be insured by law. Catch-22. The world is crazy sometimes. Isn’t it.

Pablo Picasso once said:

„I do not seek. I find.“

So there’s no such thing as coincidence, even if some people try to tell you. So, „I stumbled upon“ Artabana, a friend told me about it and I gave it a try. What else could I do.

It had to be that way. So I thought „let the things flow and don’t fight them, there’s always a reason.“

I was invited to their monthly meetings and soon became a full-time member, I’m the youngest one in our group (37). We’re a group of 6 people now, 4 women and 2 men (me included).

We all have different backgrounds, different jobs, different views of life, different tastes, very natural. It’s a very interesting potpourri.

Artabana is DECENTRALIZED.

I know you’ll like it. :)

Artabana consists of many of these little groups. 5 – 12 people on average, all over Germany.

Right now Artabana has about 2000 members, officially. There are about 1000 additional people who join meetings and support the association, they’re just not listed as full-time members. So we have round about 3000 members currently. It’s organized subsidiary. Everything what can be done on a lower level does not have to be regulated on a higher level.

Every local group is a stand-alone group, self-reliant. Like a regular incorporated association.

These little local groups build regional alliances to support each other in case of financial needs.

Let me explain you how it works and why it is so wonderful:

Each group (local group) can decide about the amount they think is adequate. It’s a soliditary contribution. This can be different within the single local groups.

An example:

Each of us in the group pays his/her soliditary contribution / month

60 % of that amount go to you private fund

20% of that amount go to the group fund (our own group)

20% of that amount go to the regional funds

Numbers are figurative but I think it's easier for you to get a feeling for it:

Scenario 1: I don’t have to go to the doctor for a full year. The funds accumulate month by month, I don’t loose anything just because I didn’t spend it. My private jar/fund grows.

Scenario 2: Let’s assume I visit the dentist: The bill is € 250,-. I use my private funds to pay the bill. Pretty easy. That’s why I have my „jar“, that’s how we call it.

Scenario 3: I have a car accident and have to go to the hospital. The bill is € 5000,-. I don’t have so much in my private jar. I only have € 1500,- left. The group will cover the missing amount using the group fund.

Scenario 4: I have a car accident and have to go to the hospital. The bill is € 15.000,-. I don’t have so much in my private jar. I only have € 1500,- left. The group only has about € 7000,- in the group jar. The group makes a request and is asking the „regional alliance“ for help. The regional jar will cover the missing amount.

And just in case the regional jar is not enough you can make a request and ask other regional alliances for help.

If that’s still not enough (that will never ever happen) the Artabana Germany funds will be used to cover the costs.

WE SUPPORT EACH OTHER.

WE TAKE CARE OF OUR HEALTH – IT’S IN OUR VERY OWN HANDS.

And everything is based on TRUST.

You have to find the right people to make that even possible. But there’s one thing of sure: The law of ressonance. Birds of a feather flock together. Like I said, there’s no such thing as coincidence. And I’m happy that I had to chose this way.

And yes, even in times of envy and anger, there’s is trust among a few to build something new.

Artabana:

mutual assistance in case of illness
therapeutic freedom
decentralized organization
Increased confidence through community building
Motivation on healthy lifestyles
voluntary self-government

It’s like heaven. At least for this part of my life. I feel free. And responsible for myself. I'm living a little revolution.

I can do whatever I want now when it comes to medical or clinical treatments, therapeutic freedom which I believe is best for me, my body and my health. And health is all we have.

Plus I’m surrounded by extraordinary people. It’s very inspiring in every way. And we’re growing.

And once again just to make it clear: No religious background , no political background, no cult. People tend to make a cult out of everything which is against the „usual things“. We’re just free thinkers and treat our health with respect.

The only real problem we have in Germany is: It’s not easy to resign your health insurance. They won’t let you go without a proof of your „next“ insurance. And Artabana is not accepted by law as an alternative to statutory or private insurances. You need to trick them or find a very understanding responsible official. But there are many well-informed Artabana members to help you find a way.

I’m just scratching the surface here, there’s much more to talk about. I just wanted to tell you about it, to show you that there is something like Artabana.

Maybe some of you want to give a look, here’s the link: http://www.artabana.net

Sorry it’s only available in German language, maybe google’s auto translate does its job :)

Is there anything like Artabana in your country? Please tell me, I’d be very interested to hear about it.

I wish you all a healthy life. Take responsibility for yourself if you can.

Don’t let others decide about your health.

All the best.