TK German Health Insurance for International Students

TK German Health Insurance, or Techniker Krankenkasse, is one of the most popular public health insurance providers in Germany. It is also a great option for international students coming from all over the world to pursue their studies. In Germany, health insurance is not optional but a legal requirement for all residents and students. In this blog, we will explore the benefits, eligibility, and cost of TK German Health Insurance, so keep reading to learn everything you need to know.

What is TK German Health Insurance?

TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) is a public health insurance company in Germany. It’s one of the largest health insurance providers in the country and is particularly popular among students due to its competitive pricing and comprehensive coverage. 

What are the Benefits of TK German Health Insurance?

Here is a list of benefits an international student gets after taking TK German Health Insurance:

• Comprehensive coverage: The TK German Health insurance offers extensive coverage for various medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, dental care, and more.

• Global Coverage: The insurance also offers some coverage for medical emergencies while travelling abroad within the European Union.

• English Language support: It also offers customer service and information in English, making it accessible to international students and expats.

Apart from all these services, the TK German health insurance also provides additional benefits such as prenatal care, wellness programs, and mental health support.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for TK German Health Insurance?

To be eligible for TK German Health Insurance as an international student, you generally need to meet the following criteria:

• The student must be enrolled in a recognised university or higher education institution in Germany.
• One must be under the age of 30 years.
• The student must ensure that they are not engaged in full-time employment or self-employment. Part-time work is usually allowed.
• Finally, the student must not be eligible for any health insurance coverage from their home country or another country.

Also Read: Moving to Germany A Step-by-Step Guide

What Does TK German Health Insurance Cover?

The TK German health insurance covers a variety of benefits, which include:

• Medical treatments: The health insurance allows the student to receive treatments and consultations with professional health practitioners, including therapists and specialists.

• Hospital stays: With the help of this insurance, the student gets to stay at hospitals, opt for surgeries, and other related treatments. 

• Dental Care: One is also able to go through basic dental treatments such as regular checkups, fillings, and other dental procedures. Treatment for more extensive procedures might be limited 

• Medical aids and appliances: The insurance also covers necessary medical aids and appliances, such as prosthetics, hearing aids, and orthopaedic devices.

• Mental Health Treatment: Keeping in mind the gravity and importance of one’s mental health, with this insurance, one can also avail of basic treatments such as counselling sessions and therapy.

Additional Services under TK German Health Insurance

Wondering what more you can get with the TK German health insurance? Well, by paying an additional cost, the student can avail the following services:

• Sports medicine services
• Domestic services
• Alternative healing services
• Subsidies for visual aids
• Additional dental services

Also Read: Is Germany Safe for Indian Students?

What is the Cost of TK German Health Insurance?

Now, let us come to the main part — the cost of TK German health insurance. When opting for this health insurance, each student is required to pay a contribution fee. 

Take a look at the monthly contribution fees for students, along with statutory insurance cover, which is valid from 1 October 2024.

Monthly Contribution Breakdown	Health Insurance Fees	Long-Term Health Insurance Fees	Total Amount
From 23 years age of without a child	EUR 97,64	EUR 29,07	EUR 126,71
With at least 1 child	EUR 97,64	EUR 34,20	EUR 131,84
With 2 children under 25 years old	EUR 97,64	EUR 29,07	EUR 126,71
With 3 children under 25 years old	EUR 97,64	EUR 26,93	EUR 124,57
With 4 children under 25 years old	EUR 97,64	EUR 24,80	EUR 122,44
With at least 5 children under 25 years old	EUR 97,64	EUR 22,66	EUR 120,30
With at least 5 children under 25 years	EUR 97,64	EUR 20,52	EUR 118,16

How to Extend the TK German Health Insurance?

There are multiple reasons why you would like to extend your health insurance, some of which can be:

• Illness
• Birth of a child
• Disability
• Member of a committee or council of a higher education institution
• Basic military service or alternative community service
• Further Education

As we have mentioned above, the student must be below 30 years of age to be eligible for this insurance. Well, if you wish to extend the TK German Health insurance, you will be required to pay the regular contributions for voluntarily insured persons. This amount will be based on your income. If you have no income, then you will be required to pay  the minimum contribution, which is as follows:

Voluntarily Insured Students	Health Insurance	Long-term care insurance
From 23 years age of without a child	EUR 179,11	EUR 40,06
With at least 1 child	EUR 179,11	EUR 47,13
With 2 children under 25 years old	EUR 179,11	EUR 40,06
With 3 children under 25 years old	EUR 179,11	EUR 37,12
With 4 children under 25 years old	EUR 179,11	EUR 34,17
With at least 5 children under 25 years old	EUR 179,11	EUR 31,23
With at least 5 children under 25 years	EUR 179,11	EUR 28,28

One of the easiest ways to pay for health insurance is by setting up a Direct Debit Mandate with the company. They will then debit the contribution fees from your bank account every month. Otherwise, you have to pay the entire semester contribution in advance. 

To get a personalised calculator for your TK German health insurance, you can always visit the official website.

Also Read: Germany Business Visa for Indian Nationals 

TK German Health Insurance for PhD Students

If you are pursuing a PhD in Germany, completing your master’s Diploma degree program, or in the process of preparing for the state examination, then still insured as a student with TK German health insurance. Remember, this time, the cost of your health insurance with the providers will be relatively less.

Note: If you are being paid over EUR 250 during your PhD course, then you will be classed as ‘employed’ and not ‘student’. For this, you will fall under the employees’ category in terms of health insurance. You will also be required to pay for nursing care and social security, just like any other German worker.

How do I get TK German Health Insurance as an international student?

There are two primary ways to get TK German Health Insurance as an international student:

1. Through Your University:

• Check with Your University: Many universities in Germany have partnerships with TK and offer enrollment services for international students.
• University’s International Office: Contact your university’s international office for specific instructions and assistance with the enrollment process. They can provide you with the necessary forms and information.

2. Directly Through TK:

• Online Application: You can apply for TK health insurance online through their website.  To make your process faster, you can also download the TK application, which is available for both iPhone and Android smartphones.
• Required Documents: Be prepared to provide the necessary documents, such as your acceptance letter from the university, proof of enrollment, and passport details.
• Language Support: TK offers support in English, so you can easily navigate the application process.

Now that we have this German health insurance, what do we have to do after that? Let us look at it.

What is a TK eHealth Card?

After having taken the TK German health insurance, the company will send the TK eHealth card for you and your family members covered by your insurance by post about two weeks prior to the start of your insurance. Along with the card, the student will also receive a letter in advance asking to transmit a passport photo via the company’s upload service. After the submission of the photo, it may take up to four weeks for the card to be produced.

How Does TK eHealth Card Work?

As for its functioning, a small chip is embedded in the TK eHealth Card, which stores insurance data such as your full name, date of birth, address, and membership number. With the TK eHealth Card, doctors and therapists can directly settle service fees with the insurance provider.

For security purposes, the card also includes a photo of insured individuals aged 15 years and older, and it must be signed on the back.

Here is a short video that provides complete information about how the TK eHealth Card works:

Credits: Die Techniker

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