Douglas Olsen
Germany is known for its high-quality healthcare system, which offers equal treatment and easy access at moderate costs. As such, it is mandatory for all residents of Germany, including international students, to have health insurance. This is a requirement for a student visa, and those without valid insurance may be denied entry to the country. International students can choose between public and private health insurance, depending on their eligibility, age, and type of studies. While public health insurance is more affordable, private insurance offers more benefits, though at a higher cost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs health insurance? | All international students in Germany |
| When do they need it by? | Before enrolling at a university and applying for a student visa |
| What happens if they don't have it? | They may be denied entry to the country |
| What types of insurance are available? | Public and private health insurance |
| Who is eligible for public insurance? | Students under 30 pursuing a degree program |
| Who must buy private insurance? | Students over 30, PhD students, guest scientists, researchers, students with coverage from their home country, and those in non-regular degree programs |
| What is the cheapest public insurance? | TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) |
| What is the cheapest private insurance? | PROVISIT STUDENT by DR-WALTER |
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What You'll Learn
It's the law
Germany has a well-structured healthcare system that offers equal treatment and easy access at moderate costs. The country mandates that all residents, including international students, have some form of health insurance. This is required by law, and students must provide proof of their insurance policy before arriving in Germany.
International students must have health insurance to obtain a student visa. They will be asked to show valid insurance during their student visa application, and failure to do so may result in denial of entry to the country.
There are two types of health insurance in Germany: public and private. Most German residents are covered by statutory health insurance, which is more affordable for students. However, some categories of international students are not eligible for public insurance and must purchase private insurance. These include students over 30, PhD students, guest scientists, and researchers. Students with coverage from their home country may also need to purchase private insurance if their home country's insurance is not recognised in Germany.
Students can apply for health insurance in Germany by checking their eligibility, picking an insurance provider, and filling out an application form. They will then receive a Student Health Insurance Certificate, which is required for university enrollment and the visa application process.
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Eligibility for public insurance
Germany requires health insurance from international students because healthcare cover is mandatory by law for all residents in Germany, even those staying for one semester. International students will not be granted a student visa without proof of either public or private insurance (or insurance from their home country if applicable).
To be eligible for public insurance, international students must be enrolled in a degree programme, be under a certain age, and meet other requirements. The specific eligibility criteria vary depending on the insurance provider and the student's circumstances. However, here is a general overview of the factors that determine eligibility for public insurance:
- Age: Students under 30 are generally eligible for public insurance, while students over 30 may have to opt for private insurance.
- Programme of Study: Students enrolled in a regular degree programme are typically eligible for public insurance. On the other hand, those participating in preparatory courses, language courses, or non-degree programmes may not be eligible for public insurance and may need to purchase private insurance.
- Student Status: Eligibility may depend on whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time, their year of study, and their specific student status (e.g., exchange student, PhD student, guest scientist).
- Country of Origin: Students from certain countries with which Germany has social insurance agreements may be able to use their home country's health insurance in Germany. For example, this often applies to students from EU countries, the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), and other countries with reciprocal agreements.
- Health Status: In some cases, a student's health status or pre-existing medical conditions may impact their eligibility for public insurance. Private insurance companies may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions or charge higher premiums based on an individual's health history.
- Work Status: If an international student takes on a paid internship or part-time job during their studies, they may need to switch to a German insurance provider. Their home country's insurance may not be sufficient to cover them during this time.
It is important to note that eligibility requirements can vary, and students should refer to the specific requirements of their chosen insurance provider. Additionally, students can use online tools, such as the one provided by DR-WALTER in cooperation with TK-Techniker Krankenkasse, to determine their eligibility for public or private health insurance.
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Alternatives to public insurance
Germany requires international students to have health insurance because health insurance is mandatory for everyone in Germany, regardless of whether they are a student or not. International students will not be granted a student visa without proof of health insurance.
If you are not eligible for public health insurance in Germany, you will need to purchase private insurance. Private insurance is more expensive and offers more benefits. Some private insurance companies may not cover pre-existing conditions or may charge higher premiums based on an individual's health history.
- PROVISIT STUDENT by DR-WALTER: Starting from €79 per month, this plan is ideal for students over 29 years old and meets all regulatory requirements.
- EDUCARE24 by DR-WALTER: Designed for students who need to meet the requirements set by German authorities. You can purchase a plan for as little as €33 per month if you're attending a Studienkolleg (preparatory course), internship, summer university, or taking a language course in Germany.
- Expatrio's Value Package: Includes a Blocked Account, Travel Health Insurance, Public or Private Health Insurance, and a free German Bank Account. Expatrio also offers Health Insurance Plus plans and discounted student public healthcare insurance through TK, one of the biggest public health insurance providers in Germany.
- Otonnova: Special tariffs for students and digital services and customer support.
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Visa requirements
Germany requires all international students to have health insurance. This is mandatory by law and applies to anyone staying long-term in Germany, regardless of their student status. International students must prove they have equivalent health insurance coverage that meets German health insurance standards either by the time they register or, depending on their country of origin, by the time they apply for a visa.
To apply for a German student visa, you must schedule an appointment via the free online appointment system. You will need to submit your application in person and provide proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your studies (no less than 853.00 EUR per month). You can finance your stay through a scholarship or by opening a blocked bank account in Germany.
Citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the Republic of Korea, and EU citizens may apply for their residence permit after entering Germany without a visa. However, some German authorities require a prior visa application for these citizens due to an overload of residence permit applications. In cases where employment is intended to begin directly after arrival, a visa with a work permit must be issued in advance. Citizens of other countries must apply for a residence permit before entering Germany at a German Embassy or Consulate General.
Prospective student visas are valid for up to nine months, during which time you can apply for a place at a higher education institution or attend a language course. If you have already been accepted to a higher education institution, you can apply for a student visa. If you are still awaiting acceptance or need to complete an entrance exam, you can apply for a prospective student visa.
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Cost of insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all international students in Germany. This applies to everyone who stays long-term in Germany, regardless of whether they are students or not. International students will not be granted a student visa without proof of either public or private insurance (or insurance from their home country if this is applicable).
The cost of health insurance depends on the type of insurance coverage, the health insurance plan, and the provider. There are two types of health insurance in Germany: public healthcare contributions or a private healthcare plan. Public health insurance is usually more affordable for students, while private insurance has more benefits at a higher cost.
Public health insurance policies usually come at a discounted price for students. Students under the age of 23 can expect to pay around €120 per month, while students over 30 can expect to pay around €235 per month. The cheapest public health insurance plans start at €79 per month and increase depending on the provider and the policy purchased.
Private health insurance costs depend on the provider and tariff chosen, as well as the age and health status of the individual when signing up. The cheapest private insurance plans start at €33 per month and can go up to €139 per month for those over 30.
It is important to note that students pay cheaper health insurance premiums than other categories of residents in Germany. Additionally, international students may be able to keep their home country's health insurance if Germany has a social insurance agreement with their home country.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all international students in Germany.
Germany's healthcare system is designed to offer equal treatment and easy access at moderate costs. Every person in Germany is required by law to have health insurance.
There are two types of health insurance in Germany: public and private. International students may be eligible for either or both.
Eligibility depends on several factors, including age, student status, health status, and income. Students under 30 years old pursuing a degree are generally eligible for public insurance, while students over 30 or pursuing non-degree programmes may need to opt for private insurance.
International students can apply for health insurance online before arriving in Germany. They must show proof of their policy during their student visa application. Students can use tools like DR-WALTER's online consultation tool to determine their eligibility and choose an insurance provider.
