Health insurance for international students in Germany

Health insurance in Germany for international students is mandatory as it is required by the law. They can pay a discounted health insurance of 106.39 Euros monthly for long-term insurance that will cover both health and nursing care insurance. Public health insurance in Germany comes at a discounted rate of 105.05 Euros.For students enrolling in preparatory courses, they need to enroll in private health care insurance.After completion and acceptance by a German University, they can sign for public health insurance to study in Germany.

For the duration of their enrolment, the majority of institutions and colleges mandate that international and study-abroad students receive a minimum level of medical coverage. While some universities offer their own alternatives for student insurance, others do not mandate that they purchase university-sponsored insurance as long as they purchase an insurance plan that is equivalent to or better than what the university requires. It's crucial to check your visa requirements before acquiring coverage because your host country can also demand insurance for visitors.

Note: Without proof of health care insurance international student's VISA is not granted.

Differences between public and private health insurance providers

Public and private health insurance providers differ from one another. German health insurance categories are compared

  • Medical treatment

Basic dental treatment is included in the statutory health insurance's coverage of general medical requirements. Only private insurance companies give coverage for more specialized medical treatments.

  • Costs

Since the state controls the premium rate for public health insurance, it is far less expensive than private health insurance. Every policyholder's private health insurance premium is unique and depends on their age, health, and benefits package, which means that rates can rise relatively quickly.

  • Protection for dependents

Private health insurance often exclusively covers the policyholder, whereas public health insurance may additionally cover your spouse, children, or other dependents.

  • Travel protection

Usually, private health insurance offers broader regional coverage.

The online process for health insurance in Germany

You must choose an insurance plan by getting in touch with one of the public health insurance providers (Krankenkassen), before or after you arrive in Germany to begin your studies. When you contact the organization, they will let you about the process, cost, and paperwork you need to submit.

  • Many of them also include an online application process, like TK public health insurance:
  • To understand what kind of health insurance you require, use the online consultation tool created by TK and DR-Walter.
  • You'll be taken to the website for online applications.

Cost of health insurance in Germany as a foreign student

In Germany, you pay between 14.6% and 15.6% of your gross income toward public health insurance (for instance, you pay 7.3% and your employer matches the remaining 7.3%). Based on your wage, you must contribute a minimum of €180 per month and a maximum of about €400 per month, regardless of future pay rises. Private insurance costs vary widely since they depend on factors including your age if you have pre-existing diseases, how much insurance you want, the deductible, and whether you have dependents. There is no set cost for private insurance. These variables may result in noticeably different price tags.

How to apply?

For students enrolling in preparatory courses, they need to enroll for private health care insurance and after completion and acceptance by a German University,

In order to sign up for student health insurance:

  • Passport Copy
  • Bank Account Information of German Bank
  • Evidence of enrolment in order to sign up for student health insurance (University Admission Letter)

You're looking for health insurance because you'll shortly be relocating to Germany. BARMER enjoys the confidence of about 9 million members. There are other reasons for you to follow suit as well:

  • Free choice of physician and facility: In the event of illness, BARMER members are free to select any accredited physician or facility.
  • A 24-hour English service Hotline: You can reach our English-speaking consultants by phone whenever you need help or have questions. We are delighted to help you at any time.
  • Sick pay: BARMER is there for you if an illness or injury prevents you from working for an extended length of time.
  • Free family health insurance: No matter how big your family is, BARMER only requires one payment. This implies that your children, as well as your spouse or partner, are co-insured at no additional cost.
  • Digital: The BARMER App lets you manage your health insurance online: From any location, you can download your health insurance certificate, update your personal information, complete forms, and upload illness notes.

How much does public health insurance cost in Germany for foreign students?

Many people who decide to relocate to Germany to further their studies are concerned about the cost of public health insurance for students while they are studying there. The good news for international students is that both foreign students and native German students are eligible for the discounted fee of €105.05 (students under the age of 23) or €106.93 (students between the ages of 23 and 30).

Which type of healthcare is available to international students in Germany?

Before beginning their degree program, all students, both domestic and foreign, are obliged to have health insurance. International students without evidence of either public or private insurance will not be issued a student visa (or insurance from their home country if this is applicable). To obtain a student visa, foreign nationals must make sure they are completely covered before they begin.

Over 30 students have the right to select between public and private healthcare. People looking for private healthcare must decide whether they would be better off signing up for the public system. Whether or not they are working while they are studying will typically determine this.

How can I get health insurance for students in Germany?

Public health insurance can be easily arranged for German citizens, but prior to moving, overseas students must do the same. Students can sign up for discounted student public health insurance with TK, one of the biggest and most reputable suppliers in Germany, through Expatrio. You have access to ongoing (including English-language) support provided by this supplier thanks to our connection with TK. We can assist you at every stage and make sure your health insurance is set up before you get there.

German exchange students' health insurance

Law also mandates that foreign exchange students who are residing in Germany as part of an Erasmus program have health insurance. It is occasionally possible to rely on cover from your EHIC for the duration of the exchange because the period of an exchange might be as short as one semester. Those doing exchange courses as part of a degree are qualified for public health insurance at the student discount rate, unlike those taking preparatory or language courses.