> whether a German who neglects to sign up for a new sickness fund after changing jobs Just for the record: There is nothing you have to do when switching jobs

> whether a German who neglects to sign up for a new sickness fund after changing jobs Just for the record: There is nothing you have to do when switching jobs in Germany - you just keep your previous health fund. There is a very small amount of people without health insurance but once you are in the system (which I think is fair to call "national healthcare system") you will find it very hard to leave even if you try.