• Study in Germany
Health Insurance in Germany for International Students
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- Health insurance is necessary for all residents, including international students, which means you must have health insurance to study in Germany.
- You can choose from public and private health insurance options for comprehensive coverage.
- Both public and private health insurance in Germany cover essential medical needs, but you may have to explore more for specifics about dental, vision and pre-existing health conditions.
Table of Contents
- • Why do Students Need Health Insurance in Germany?
- • Eligibility for Health Insurance in Germany (Public & Private)
- • How to Apply for a Health Insurance in Germany?
- • Is Health Insurance Free in Germany?
- • Cost of Health Insurance in Germany for International Students
- • Health Insurance Coverage in Germany
- • Is it possible to Switch or Terminate Health Insurance?
Do you know that Germany has one of the world's oldest national health insurance systems? That's right, and the health insurance system of Germany dates back to 1883. It was founded under the guidance of Otto von Bismarck, a rather famous public figure from Germany. This long-standing commitment to healthcare accessibility is one major reason why studying in Germany consistently ranks high in global healthcare rankings. And to keep the streak going, Germany requires all its citizens to have health insurance.
Why do Students Need Health Insurance in Germany?
Eligibility for Health Insurance in Germany (Public & Private)
For Public Health Insurance, you must:
- Be under the age of 30
- Be pursuing a regular degree program
- Submit the letter of acceptance from the university
For Private Health Insurance, you must:
- You are over the age of 30
- You will be pursuing a non-regular degree program
- You are there as a PhD student, Guest Scientist, or Researcher
How to Apply for a Health Insurance in Germany?
Check your eligibility | First, you must determine whether you are eligible for private or public health insurance. |
Choose a health insurance provider | There are many health insurance providers that you can choose from, so do in-depth research on which providers offer the maximum benefits. For starters, you can compare the coverage, costs and benefits to find the provider that meets your expectations. |
Fill out the application form | Once you decide which provider to choose, you can apply online at their website. Make sure to provide accurate information while applying. |
Get your health insurance certificate | Once your application gets approved, you will receive a health insurance certificate from your provider. Keep in mind that you will be asked to show this certificate to enrol at the university of your choice. |
Pay insurance premiums | As per the rules, you will be asked to pay the insurance premiums upon getting a health insurance certificate. The amount and frequency will depend on the plan and provider you choose. |
Is Health Insurance Free in Germany?
Factors | How it affects affordability |
Age | Public insurance is generally only available for students under the age of 30, leaving private health insurance as the only option for students over 30. Therefore, private health insurance can be more expensive for older students. |
Health Status | Having a pre-existing health condition dramatically affects the eligibility and cost of the health insurance plan. |
Coverage Level | A health insurance plan with more coverage is ought to cost you more than the regular one. |
These are just some general factors, and you may have to deal with other factors as well, depending on your health insurance provider. The cost also varies for different health insurance providers, but how much does it cost to have health insurance in Germany? Let's figure out.
Cost of Health Insurance in Germany for International Students
Health Insurance Providers | Health Insurance Contribution (€) Per Month |
BKK firmus | 90.29 |
BKK Gildemeister Seidensticker | 100-120 |
HKK Krankenkasse | 90.94 |
IKK gesund plus | 95.09 |
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) | 92.73 |
Audi BKK | 91.11 |
You will also find many options for private health insurance providers. Some schemes start from as low as €90, but the cost increases depending on your chosen provider and insurance policy.
Health Insurance Coverage in Germany
Type | Description |
Medical treatment | Ensure your health insurance covers all the medically necessary treatments, doctor visits, specialists, and medical exams. |
Hospital stays | Your insurance must cover inpatient hospital stays, surgeries, and necessary medical procedures. |
Prescription medications | Students often overlook prescriptions and drug coverage when deciding on health insurance, so make sure yours covers prescription medications. |
Preventive care | Coverage of preventive services like vaccination and health screenings is also important. |
Emergency services | Look for a plan offering coverage for medical emergencies, ambulance services and emergency room visits. |
Mental health services | Coverage for mental health treatments and counselling sessions. |
Dental care | Many health insurance companies provide partial dental coverage. For example, public health insurance may cover basic dental care for students up to age 21. On the other hand, private health insurance may also cover additional dental coverage with extra charges, which you can learn about by reading your health insurance plan. |
Vision care | A health insurance plan covering partial or complete vision care is a plus. |
Physical therapy | If possible, look for insurance that also covers physical therapy and rehabilitation services. |
Is it possible to Switch or Terminate Health Insurance?
Scenario | Resolution |
You wish to switch your public health insurance to private health insurance. | If you have qualified for public health insurance, you may be able to switch to private health insurance after a certain period. But beware: as there is no going back to it, it is nearly impossible to switch back to public health insurance. You can only switch back to public insurance if you meet all the eligibility criteria again. |
You wish to terminate your health insurance. | Although most students settle in Germany, but if you do wish to return to your country, you can terminate your health insurance. The process is simple; all you have to do is bring it to your insurance company's attention, and they will terminate the insurance. To be on the safer side, you must ask them to provide proof of your health insurance's termination. There's another scenario where you may need to terminate your health insurance- while changing insurance. You don't actually have to manually terminate the existing plan though, as the new provider typically communicates with the old insurance company. |
Conclusion
And with this, you have secured an essential piece for a successful and worry-free studying adventure in Germany. Remember, health insurance is a necessity, not a requirement. Moreover, it is an investment for your own well-being that may grant you access to high-quality healthcare, peace of mind, and freedom to focus on your academic journey.
Now, with your health covered and your excitement building, Germany awaits! Make the most of your time, enjoy new things, embrace the new culture, and get ready to go on an unforgettable voyage. Canam is here as your trusted navigator to help you sail through the storm (application processes) effortlessly. Contact the team of study abroad consultants at Canam to get more details about health insurance in Germany for international students.
FAQ
- Check Eligibility to determine if you qualify for public or private insurance based on age and program type.
- Explore different providers and plans within your chosen category (public or private). Look for factors like coverage details, cost, and customer service reputation.
- Apply for the chosen insurance online.
- Once the application is approved, you must pay the monthly premiums according to your chosen plan.
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