Student Health Insurance in Germany: Public vs Private Guide 2024
Understanding the German healthcare system is crucial for your successful stay. In Germany, public health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) costs approximately €120-€130 per month for students, while private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung, PKV) can range from €30-€150 monthly, depending on coverage and individual factors.
In this blog, you will get to know about public vs private student health insurance in Germany.
- Why do Students Need Health Insurance in Germany?
- What is Public Health Insurance?
- What is Private Health Insurance?
- Eligibility for Health Insurance in Germany
- What Should Be Included In Health Insurance?
- Popular German Insurance Providers:
- Cost of Public Health Providers In Germany
- Cost of Private Health Providers In Germany
- How to Apply for Health Insurance in Germany?
- Key Takeaways By AdmitX
- FAQs
Why do Students Need Health Insurance in Germany?
Here’s a detailed look at to why student health insurance in Germany is required:
- Legal Requirements: German law mandates health insurance for all residents, including students. This legislation ensures that everyone in the country has access to necessary medical care without facing financial hardship.
- Visa Application Process: For international students, health insurance plays a crucial role in the visa application process. German embassies and consulates require proof of adequate health coverage before issuing a student visa.
- University Enrollment Requirement: German universities make health insurance verification a mandatory part of the enrollment process. You must provide a special insurance certificate (Versicherungsbescheinigung) to complete your registration.
- Access to Healthcare Services: Having student health insurance in Germany gives you immediate access to world-class healthcare system.
- Financial Protection: Medical treatments in Germany can be extremely expensive without insurance. A single hospital stay could cost thousands of euros, and specialised treatments can be even more costly.
What is Public Health Insurance?
Public health insurance is a government-backed health plan that provides coverage to residents regardless of their income or health status. It operates on a solidarity principle, where everyone contributes to ensure everyone has access to necessary medical care.
While this plan covers essential medical care, it may not include all preventive services like checkups and screenings, especially for younger individuals. If you desire additional coverage or specific treatments, you’ll need to pay for those out of pocket.
What is Private Health Insurance?
Private health insurance in Germany is offered by two main types of companies:
- Joint-stock companies (AG): These are owned by shareholders who receive the company’s profits. Policyholders do not share in these profits.
- Mutual insurance companies (VVaG): These are owned by their members, and any profits are distributed among them. Their primary focus is on serving the interests of their policyholders.
Unlike public health insurance, the cost of private student health insurance in Germany depends on your age and health at the time of enrollment. Younger and healthier individuals typically pay lower premiums. Private plans often offer more flexibility and customisation, allowing you to choose additional coverage for a higher premium.
To qualify for private student health insurance in Germany, you must meet specific criteria. You must be a civil servant, self-employed, a student, or an employee earning over €69,300 annually.
Eligibility for Health Insurance in Germany
Before finalising your enrollment in a German university, you’ll need to choose between public and private health insurance. Each option for student health insurance in Germany has specific eligibility criteria:
Public Health Insurance:
- Age: Under 30
- Enrollment: Regular degree program
- Proof: Letter of acceptance from the university
Private Health Insurance:
- Age: Over 30
- Enrollment: Non-regular degree program, PhD, guest scientist, or researcher
What Should Be Included In Health Insurance?
Enrolling in student health insurance in Germany is mandatory for international students. Here’s a breakdown of the essential coverages you should prioritize when choosing a plan:
- In-patient hospital care: This covers all costs associated with hospitalization, including your room, board, and necessary medical services.
- Out-patient care: This covers visits to doctors, specialists, and therapists for both diagnosis and treatment.
- Medical check-ups: This ensures preventative care is covered, such as routine annual physical exams.
- Cost of medications: Your plan should cover the cost of prescribed medications needed for treatment.
- Dental care: Dental coverage can vary depending on the plan, but some level of basic dental care is often included.
Emergency/Ambulance services: This covers the cost of emergency medical care and ambulance transportation in case of urgent situations.
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Popular German Insurance Providers:
Public Health Insurance Providers In Germany:
- Barmer
- DAK health
- HEK – Hanseatic Health Insurance
- HKK health insurance
- KKH commercial health insurance company
- KNIGHTSHAFT
- Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)
Resources for Finding Private Insurance Providers:
- Krankenkasse.de (Official website for health insurance in Germany) lists nearly 40 private health insurance companies.
- Examples of private providers:
- Allianz private health insurance
- ARAG health insurance
- AXA health insurance
- General health insurance
- DKV – German Health Insurance
- ERGO health insurance
- LVM health insurance
- Munich Health Insurance Association
- Vigo health insurance
DAAD Insurance: (Specifically for DAAD scholarship recipients)
- Offers a combined package covering health, accident, and personal liability.
- Available for trainees, students, and academics coming to Germany.
- Information provided in the “Letter of Award” for scholarship holders.
- Coverage lasts for the duration of the scholarship.
Cost of Public Health Providers In Germany
Here is the cost of best public health insurance in germany for international students:
| Health Insurance Company | Cost |
|---|---|
| Salus BKK | €135,18 |
| TK | €112 |
| BIG directly healthy | €135,69 |
| IKK healthy plus | €160.30 |
| DAK Health | €101,92 |
| BARMER | €120.06 |
Cost of Private Health Providers In Germany
The average cost of private health insurance in germany can vary significantly depending on several factors, including your age, health condition, chosen coverage level, and the specific insurance provider.
| Health Insurance Company | Cost |
|---|---|
| Allianz | €150 |
| AXA | €120 |
| DKV | €130 |
| HanseMerkur | €140 |
| Ottonova | €100 |
How to Apply for Health Insurance in Germany?
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Determine if you qualify for public or private insurance based on age, program type, and visa status. |
| Choose a Provider | Research different insurance providers to compare coverage, costs, and additional benefits. |
| Apply for Insurance | Complete the application form provided by your chosen provider, ensuring accurate information. |
| Receive Health Insurance Certificate | Upon approval, you'll receive a certificate essential for university enrollment. |
| Pay Premiums | Pay the required premiums as per your policy terms. |
Key Takeaways By AdmitX
Once students choose Private insurance, they are not allowed to shift to public insurance. So even if it is expensive, most students go for public health insurance. Students should choose a provider who provides customer support in English. From the public providers, TK and Barmer provide the best support in English
To maximise your chances of securing a place at your dream university, consider consulting with AdmitX early in the application process. Their expert guidance can help you navigate the complexities of the application process and increase your chances of success.
FAQs
Can I use my existing insurance from my home country in Germany?
Most international insurance policies aren’t accepted in Germany. EU students with European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) might be covered, but non-EU students must obtain German insurance. Check with your university’s international office for verification of acceptable insurance providers.
What's the difference in cost between public and private insurance for students?
Public insurance costs approximately €120-130 monthly with standardized coverage across providers. Private insurance ranges from €30-150 monthly, with rates based on age, health, and chosen coverage. While private insurance may be cheaper initially, public insurance often provides more comprehensive benefits.
Can I switch from private to public insurance during my studies?
Switching from private to public insurance is rarely possible during your studies without a qualifying life event. However, moving from public to private insurance is easier. Choose your initial insurance type carefully as it will likely be your coverage throughout your study period.
What happens to my insurance when I do an internship or work part-time?
Mandatory internships are covered under student insurance. For part-time work, you can keep student insurance if you work under 20 hours weekly and earn below €485 monthly. Always inform your provider about work status changes.
Does student health insurance cover trips back to my home country?
Public insurance covers EU/EEA countries only. For travel outside the EU, including home country visits, you’ll need additional travel insurance. Private insurance coverage varies by policy – check your plan details and consider supplemental travel coverage if needed.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
