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Health insurance in Germany also known as Krankenversicherung in the German language is mandatory for everyone to have as per the law, even if you are planning to study in Germany. German health insurance can be divided into two: public and private, both having different eligibility criteria. Not only this, the country has always been on the top be it in education, medical facilities or job opportunities. In fact, Germany’s position as a pioneer in delivering top-notch medical services was further cemented in 2022 when it placed fourth overall in the World Index of Healthcare Innovation. To find out more information about health insurance, types of insurance, and cost of the insurance then make sure you continue reading the blog.
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Types of Health Insurance for International Students in Germany
There are two types of health insurance for international students in Germany from which they can choose either of them. Let us look at each one of them in detail.
Public Health Insurance
One can opt for public health insurance in Germany if they are under 30 years of age and are studying a degree program, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The cost of a basic public health policy ranges between EUR 130 to EUR 150 per month. Remember that this cost mostly depends on factors such as age, whether or not you have children, and mainly the provider.
Below is the list of how much students pay for public health insurance in Germany:
| Health Insurance Provider | Health Insurance Contribution | Nursing Care Insurance Contribution | Total/Month |
| Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) | EUR 97,64 | EUR 34,20 | EUR 131,84 |
| BKK ProVita | EUR 100,12 | EUR 34,20 | EUR 134,32 |
| HEK – Hanseatische Krankenkasse | EUR 98,50 | EUR 34,20 | EUR 132,70 |
| KKH Kaufmännische Krankenkasse | EUR 115,43 | EUR 34,20 | EUR 149,63 |
| BKK firmus | EUR 95,08 | EUR 34,20 | EUR 129,28 |
To provide you with all the basics about public health insurance, we have compiled this image, which provides you with all the information.
How to Extend Public Health Insurance?
If you become ineligible to be a part of public health insurance in Germany, i.e., you turn 30 years old and still need the insurance, then there are many companies out there that can extend your plan but voluntarily. This means that you will no longer be able to take the benefits of student discount rates.
Private Health Insurance
On the other hand, private health insurance in Germany is for all those who are above the age of 30 years, enrolled in non-degree programs, or PhD students. Speaking of the cost, private health insurance is costlier as compared to public health insurance. The cost is based on your age, health condition, and chosen coverage level.
However, with several providers out there, one can purchase plans for as little as EUR 33 per month.
Below is a rough estimate of the cost of private health insurance in Germany which one can take up:
| Monthly Costs | Health and Long-Term Care Insurance |
| Up to 29 years | EUR 79 |
| Up to 59 years | EUR 129 |
Note: The above-mentioned prices are not fixed and will vary from each person, depending on the package they choose and requirements.
You can also refer to this image which provides all the information about private health insurance in Germany:
Also Read: TK German Health Insurance for International Students
| Fun Fact:Did you know that one of the oldest national health insurance programs in the world is in Germany? Yes, and Germany’s health insurance system was established in 1883. It was established under the direction of Otto von Bismarck, a well-known German public figure. |
How to Get Health Insurance for International Students in Germany?
In Germany, everyone must get health insurance which can be either private or public. Therefore, one must make sure to buy the same before moving abroad to Germany. Having health insurance is also mandatory by law to get a Germany student visa and for enrolling in a university. One of the most well-known health insurance which one can refer to is the TK health insurance.
Here is the process to get health insurance in Germany which you must follow:
- Conduct thorough research and pick out an insurance provider (company).
- Complete the application form by visiting their official website.
- To activate your insurance, you must pay your premium, a.k.a. your monthly payment.
- Finally, once you are all set make sure you collect your health insurance card which you must keep with you at all times and use it at the time of an emergency.
Take a look at some of the best health insurance companies in Germany for you:
| Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) | AOK |
| DR-Walter | Barmer |
| Feather Insurance | HanseMerkur |
| Allianz | AXA |
There are several categories of students who require specific kinds of health insurance. Let us find out.
Health Insurance for Preparatory Course Students
Often, students are asked to attend a preparatory course ahead of their degree which usually lasts around one year. This is because a school leaving certificate from a certain country is not being accepted by the German university, so the admission department asks students to do the same via a short course. This a great opportunity for students to learn the German language which will help them live in Germany full-time.
One must note that all those enrolled in the preparatory course are not eligible to enroll in public health insurance but are still required to have coverage under German law. This means that one will have to register for private insurance during this duration.
Upon completion of the course, one can switch to either healthcare insurance.
Health Insurance for Exchange Students
Students who have arrived in Germany on the Erasmus program are also required to have proper healthcare insurance by law. All those on exchange programs as part of a degree are eligible for public health insurance at the student discount rate.
Health Insurance for Language Students
Taking up a language course in German can be a great way of integrating yourself into German society where the course can be as little as one year. Just like preparatory courses, those taking language courses are not eligible for public health insurance and will need to look for a private health insurance policy.
Health Insurance for Guest Scientists
All guest scientists and guest researchers are also required to have health insurance as mandatory in German law, regardless of how short their stay is. Everyone in this category must research and look for the best plan which will be suitable for them.
All those who come from an EU or EEA country with an agreement with Germany may be covered with an EHIC card, depending on the duration of their stay.
Health Insurance for PhD Students
Similar to all the other students, PhD students are also required by the law to have health insurance for the duration they are living in Germany.
Since most of the PhD students are aged above 30 years, they do not qualify for the discounted public healthcare rate for students. In this case, the situation with PhD students is different as some of them are employed.
PhD Students employed by the Students
PhD students are immediately enrolled in the public healthcare system if they work for the institution as research assistants or professors. It is unlikely that PhD students earning above the threshold will allow them to choose private health insurance.
PhD Students not employed by the Students
In Germany, a large number of PhD students do not have jobs in their universities. Those under 30 years old can sign up for student health insurance at a reduced rate. While people over 30 have two options: they can either enrol in this voluntary public healthcare program or purchase a private plan. They are no longer able to use the public health insurance for students.
Also Read: Medical Universities in Germany
German Health Insurance Coverage for International Students
When searching for insurance, make sure you choose the right plan which covers all the aspects. Generally, health insurance covers all the basic needs such as visits to doctor appointments, hospital stays, basic dental care and more but there are more that you must look for.
Here are all the basic needs that you must look for when choosing health insurance in Germany.
Also Read: Education System in Germany
Cheapest Health Insurance in Germany for Students
Here is the list of the cheapest health insurance in Germany for international students which is as follows:
| Health Insurance Provider | Health Insurance Contribution | Long-Term Care Insurance Contribution | Total Contribution per Month as of 2024 |
| Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) | EUR 97.64 | EUR 34.20 | EUR 131.84 |
| HEK- Hanseatische Krankenkasse | EUR 98.50 | EUR 34.20 | EUR 132.70 |
| Audi BKK | EUR 95.93 | EUR 34.20 | EUR 130.13 |
| BKK firmus | EUR 95.08 | EUR 34.20 | EUR 129.28 |
| hkk Krankenkasse | EUR 95.76 | EUR 34.20 | EUR 129.96 |
Quick Reads on Germany here!
FAQs
The cost of health insurance in Germany for international students varies between EUR 130 and EUR 150 per month. Before purchasing any policy, a student must check out the eligibility, and pricing as per their needs.
Yes, Indian health insurance is valid in Germany as long as the Indian insurance provider is recognised in Germany and the coverage is enough to support the medical costs of Germany.
Switching or terminating health insurance in Germany depends on the reason for doing so. If you wish to simply terminate the insurance then you can bring it up with the insurance company. To switch to another insurance policy, you must be eligible for the same.
An EHIC card, or European Health Insurance Card, is a free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom.
So this was all about the “Health insurance for international students in Germany.” Want regular updates on study-abroad universities? Then make sure to subscribe to Leverage Edu today!
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