Types of Health Insurance for Students in Germany
Public Health Insurance
Public health insurance in Germany offers extensive coverage, including GP visits, maternity care, inpatient/outpatient treatment, and basic dental. Premiums range from 122 to 135 Euros including Germany's mandatory long-term nurse care insurance. While not as cheap as travel insurance, opting for public insurance is the most risk-free choice because it offers the most flexibility if your future circumstances change. For example, if you get married, public health insurance allows you to insure your spouse and other dependents for free and also meets the requirements of the job-seeker visa if you wish to stay in Germany and seek employment after your studies. This decision needs to be made when you first arrive in Germany as you won't be permitted to swap from travel insurance to German public or private health insurance later if you change your mind.
Students under 30 in German undergraduate or master's programs are automatically enrolled in the public health insurance scheme unless they can show proof of existing statutory European health insurance. To opt out of public insurance, students must request an exemption within 3 months of commencing their studies; otherwise face potential dual insurance fees.
One of the most highly regarded public health insurance providers for International students in Germany is Teckniker Krankenkasse (TK). TK is the largest statutory fund in Germany and offers great customer-service in English, coverage without limitations if you have pre-existing conditions and students receive the same range of benefits as millions of other non-student, TK policy holders in Germany.
Application is quick and easy and you receive your certificate and proof of registration directly after submitting the online form.
Buy TK Student Health Insurance
Private health insurance
If you are an international student who is over 30 years old, pursuing post-graduate studies, is self-employed or a scholarship recipient who does not hold a German employment contract, you will not qualify for public health insurance and will need to mandatorily obtain private health insurance.
Comprehensive private health insurance in Germany ranges from 110 to 300 Euros. Private insurance offers perks like advanced dental care, priority treatment, and tailored benefits. Potenial drawbacks of private health insurance is that application requires a medical assessment and a permanent decision to opt out of public coverage during studies. Unlike public health insurance, dependents can not be included under one policy. So, if you have children or a spouse that does not earn an income, this could become costly as each dependent will need to be insured separately.
If you don't meet the eligibility requirements for public health insurance as a student and wish to explore private health insurance options, it's advised that you speak with an indepent broker like us here at KLforExpats who can find the most suitable private options for your individual needs.
In Germany, brokers are required to offer advice for free and will be able to provide quotes from different health insurance providers so that you can compare your choices and make an informed decision.
Contact Us for Private Health Insurance Advice
Traps to Avoid When Buying Student Health Insurance
⚠️ Although tempting, low-cost private health insurance options priced at 35-60 Euros might look like a bargain hunter's dream, but such plans often turn out to be basic travel insurance. While universities might accept these insurance options for enrollment, they could lead to complications later on, especially if you plan to stay in Germany post-studies. Travel insurance won't suffice for a job-seeking visa, potentially leaving you with hefty backpayments, limited coverage and inability to show your employer that you have adequate insurance recognised by German law. If you don't opt for public or private health insurance from a German health insurance provider when you first arrive in Germany, it is often very difficult to reverse the decision down the line.
FAQs: Student Health Insurance
Is health insurance compulsory for students in Germany?
Yes, health insurance is compulsory for all individuals living in Germany. Without health insurance, you will not be able to enroll into university or work with German employers.
Why work with an independent advisor instead of buying health insurance online or directly from a provider?
Choosing the right health insurance can be a complex and daunting exercise. We believe it's important to make an educated, well-informed decision before locking into a health insurance contract. By working with an independent broker such as KLforExpats, you receive a range of coverage options from a selection of top providers, whilst getting unbiased advice. When you go directly to a health insurance provider, you will only be advised on the plans they offer which can be limiting.
What is long-term nurse care insurance?
Approximately 3.3 million people in Germany are dependent on permanent care due to illness or injury. Since ongoing and sustained care results in a heavy strain on the resources of the German healthcare system, all residents in Germany pay obligatorily long-term nurse care insurance. Obligatory long-term nurse care insurance (Pflegepflichtversicherung) is included in all public and private health insurance plans. It is mandatory and usually costs between 27-33 Euros in addition to your standard contribution. All students need to pay Pflegepflichtversicherung unless their parents are members of the German statutory scheme.
Can I switch health insurance providers in Germany?
Yes, you are allowed to switch health insurance providers in Germany but you should be mindful that many providers require you to stay insured for a minimum of one year. As a student, if you wish to switch from one public provider to another, that should not be an issue provided you fill the minimum required duration. If you wish to switch from public to private health insurance during your studies, remember that you must have first opted for an exemption out of the public system within 3 months of commencing your studies. It's best to speak to your broker directly to clarify what's required in your situation.
Can I insure my family as a student?
If you have public health insurance during your studies, your family can be insured under your policy too, provided they don't earn any income.
If you are privately insured, your family can be privately insured as well, but they will not be included in your fund so will incur extra contributions per family member. This can become quite expensive so many families opt for public insurance as it's more affordable.
Can I use existing health insurance from my home country?
The only students that are exempt from the need to obtain German health insurance are those from EU Member Countries as well as the following countries: Iceland, Norway, Serbia, Liechtenstein, Morocco, Switzerland, Tunisia, Israel, Turkey, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
These individuals may use their home country's health insurance. Once a student job is started, individuals will be required to switch to German health insurance regardless of the country they are from.
How can I make sure that I choose the right coverage?
Health insurance is for life so we invite our clients to do their own research and seek the support of an independent advisor like us to help answer any questions before making a decision. Most providers operate in German, which is why working with an English-speaking advisor can help with understanding contracts and reading the fine print.
When choosing health insurance, consider factors such as cost, the kind of benefits you want included in your coverage, and the level of support and customer service you want to have access to. Not all insurance providers offer customer support in English, which is something to consider if you're still brushing up on your German!
Ready to finally get clarity on your health insurance?