Insurance UpdateGerman Health Insurance for International Students: To truly enjoy your time as a student in Germany, you need to be prepared for essentials such as health insurance.
Health insurance is essential for ensuring that you have access to medical treatments and financial assistance when needed.
Understanding your health insurance alternatives and how to obtain them can make your stay in Germany even more pleasurable and stress-free.
Is health insurance mandatory for international students?
In Germany, international students must have health insurance. In reality, you will be unable to obtain a student visa or a residence permit unless you have health insurance.
Under German law, all legal residents must be covered by the healthcare system. German healthcare is carefully regulated and well-regarded for its quality.
Having health insurance makes it easier to get care and avoid large medical expenditures. Going to the doctor in Germany without insurance costs between €30 and €60 for a simple consultation.
While this may not sound like much in theory, it is only the cost of a simple consultation, which means that other fees may pile up, resulting in exorbitant medical bills that are often unsustainable on a student’s budget.
The fact that health insurance is required in Germany for overseas students should be viewed as a benefit rather than a burden.
How can students get health insurance?
Students in Germany have two major choices for obtaining health insurance:
- Public Health Insurance: Most students, including overseas students under the age of 30, who are studying a regular degree program, are entitled to participate in the public health insurance system. Students can apply for public health insurance through one of Germany’s numerous statutory health insurance providers. They must submit the relevant documentation, including their university acceptance letter and a valid residency permit.
- Private health insurance: Some international students may be ineligible for public health insurance or prefer private insurance for various reasons. Private health insurance is available for the following:
- Students over the age of thirty.
- Students seeking non-traditional degree programs.
- PhD students, guest scientists, and researchers.
- Students receive coverage from their nation.
Please keep in mind that you must have health insurance before you can complete your university enrollment process.
Obtaining insurance is one of the first things you must do before beginning your life as a foreign student in Germany.
How Can I Apply for Health Insurance?
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Understand eligibility: Determine if you qualify for public or private health insurance. This may differ based on your situation, however, students above the age of 30 are not eligible for public insurance. You can use this online tool, created by DR-WALTER in partnership with TK – Techniker Krankenkasse, to determine whether you are eligible for public or private health insurance.
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Choose a health insurance provider: Investigate many health insurance companies in Germany. Compare their benefits, coverage, and costs to find the one that best suits your needs.
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Complete the application form: Obtain an application form from your desired health insurance provider, or apply online through their website. Fill out the form correctly and provide all required information.
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Receive your health insurance certificate: If your application is granted, the insurer will issue you a health insurance certificate. This qualification is required for enrollment at the university.
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Pay your insurance premiums: After you have your health insurance certificate, you must pay the premiums. Payment methods and frequency will vary depending on the insurance provider and plan you choose.
What Does Private Health Insurance in Germany Cover?
Private health insurance in Germany covers the same services as public (statutory) health insurance, including GP appointments, in-hospital treatment, outpatient treatments, dental treatment, procedures, and maternity care.
One distinction is that private health insurance allows you to add additional benefits, such as advanced dental care or other advantages, based on your specific circumstances and needs.
As a result, many persons qualified for public health insurance combine some private insurance with their current policy.
Is Health Insurance Free for Students in Germany?
Health insurance is not free for students, but it is significantly subsidized so that all applicants can afford it.
If you are unable to pay your insurance, you can apply for financial aid or contact the German National Association for Student Affairs, which can advise you on what to do next.
How much does health insurance for students cost?
The average monthly cost of student health insurance in Germany ranges from EUR 120 to EUR 200, depending on the type of insurance you qualify for (private or public) and your situation. It is crucial to highlight that students pay lower health insurance premiums than other German residents.
Can I use my home country’s health insurance in Germany as a student?
As an international student studying in Germany, you may be eligible to utilize your home country’s health insurance if Germany has a social insurance agreement with it or if your insurance company is recognized in Germany.
This mostly affects students in the following countries:
EU member states/ European Economic Area
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Israel
- Morocco
- Macedonia
- Montenegro
- Serbia
- Tunisia
- Turkey
To establish eligibility, contact your home nation’s insurance provider. If you are from an EEA/EU country, you will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
However, if you have private health insurance from your home country, it may not be valid in Germany.
If you are recognized, you will be unable to transfer to German statutory health insurance while pursuing your degree.
Your insurance provider abroad will supply you with the relevant information on the recognized status.
Note: If you intend to undertake an internship, have a student work contract, or work as a student assistant while studying in Germany, you must have German health insurance, regardless of your home country’s insurance status.
What exactly is covered by my student health insurance in Germany?
Coverage varies depending on the insurance type and supplementary benefits you select, but it typically includes the following:
- Medical treatment: Both public and commercial health insurance policies typically cover medically necessary treatments, consultations with doctors, and specialists, and medical exams.
- Inpatient stays, surgeries, and necessary medical procedures are commonly covered.
- Prescription medicines: Both types of insurance often cover prescription medications as prescribed by doctors.
- Preventive care: Basic preventative care such as immunizations and health checks are typically included.
- Emergency services: Coverage includes medical emergencies, ambulance services, and emergency room visits.
- Mental health services: Coverage for mental health treatments and counseling sessions.
- Dental treatment (partial): Public health insurance may cover basic dental care for students up to the age of 21, although private insurance may provide further dental coverage, depending on the plan.
- Vision care (partial): Certain insurance policies may provide partial coverage for vision-related services.
- Physical treatment: Provides coverage for physical therapy and rehabilitation treatments.
With a public health insurance firm, such as Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), you receive minimal mandatory coverage needs, but you can add supplemental insurance to address any gaps.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by student health insurance?
Public health insurance provides coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions, whereas private insurance may not.
Private insurance companies may deny coverage for pre-existing conditions or charge higher premiums depending on an individual’s medical history.
Can I switch between public and private health insurance throughout my stay in Germany?
If you are eligible for public health insurance (e.g., under 30 and enrolled in a regular degree program), you may be able to transfer to private health insurance after a set amount of time (typically 12 months).
During your degree program in Germany, you will most likely be unable to return to public health insurance.
If you have private health insurance, transferring to public health insurance is typically more difficult.
You can only return to public health insurance in certain conditions, such as when you become eligible for it again (for example, if you change your degree program or reach the public insurance eligibility limit of 30 years old).
How Do I Terminate My Health Insurance Coverage When Leaving Germany?
To end your health insurance coverage when you finish your studies, simply notify your insurance carrier, and they will advise you on what measures to take next. In most circumstances, if you contact your insurance company, they will terminate your contract, and you can obtain documentation of termination.
Conclusion: Is Health Insurance Required for the German Student Visa?
Yes, if you require a visa to travel to Germany, you must also show proof of health insurance. Health insurance providers in Germany recognize that health insurance is critical for students requiring a visa, therefore they customize their plans to be as accessible and economical as possible.
Such is the case with DR-WALTER and Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), who have partnered to provide one month of free private insurance before studies (to be used for visa applications) as well as public insurance when studies begin!
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