The German health care system has the reputation of being one of the best in the world. Germany has an extensive network of hospitals and doctors covering even the remotest areas. However, health care costs are high and among the most expensive in the world. There is no such thing as "free" treatment in Germany, not even in state hospitals. More than 90 percent of the population receives health care through the public health care insurance program. Membership in this program is compulsory for all those earning less than a periodically revised income ceiling. Nearly all of the remainder of the population receives health care via private insurance companies. Everyone, however, uses the same health care facilities. The average life expectancy for men is 76 years for men and 82 for women.