What you’ll learn:
You’re thinking of doing a semester in Germany or even a full degree? Sounds great! …and probably also a little scary, as there are so many organisational things to consider. To make your start as smooth as possible, we’ll give you an overview of the different types of health insurance for international students in Germany. 😎 So you can focus on what really matters: your studies and your new life abroad.🌍
Before we dive right into it: you should know that in Germany students are required by law to have a health insurance. This applies to international students and exchange students as well.
Put simply, if you don’t have health insurance, you can’t enrol on one of our campuses. This is why before the start of your studies you are required to arrange the electronic proof of sufficient health insurance coverage.
Speaking of, Germany has two health insurance systems: public and private. But can international students get private health insurance? Yes, they can – and if you are over 30, private health insurance is typically your only option.
If you’re now wondering what the difference between the two of them is, here are some important facts at a glance.
Most students choose the public system because it offers comprehensive coverage with very little administrative effort for you:
💡This is the option chosen by around 90 % of students at German universities. You can expect to pay about € 150 per month. You will receive an insurance card that allows you to visit doctors or hospitals without paying upfront for most treatments, aside from small co-payments. Overall, this is typically considered to be the most economic option when it comes to health insurance in Germany for students – though the final choice is yours.
Private insurance can be an alternative, especially for students over 30 or those looking for specific additional benefits, but it follows different rules:
💡If this is your preferred insurance option, please keep in mind that you will need to pay for medical services in advance and submit your receipts for reimbursement afterwards. This can become costly and not all costs might be covered.
❗️ Please keep in mind: If you decide to opt for private health insurance, please note that switching back to the German public system is generally not possible.
Now you have an overview of both types of insurance, first step done!
If you are wondering how and when you can get coverage, we recommend contacting your chosen health insurance provider at least four weeks before the start of your studies. Be aware that you need to be covered for the full length of your studies.
💡To go about it, most health insurance providers handle the whole application process completely online. Of course, you can also call them or visit one of their offices if you are already in Germany to get all potential questions answered.
After getting a rough overview of both types of insurance and the key deadlines, an important remaining question is: how much does it cost? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer here, as it completely depends on your chosen provider. You should plan around € 150 per month.
Please keep in mind that this is the price for public healthcare insurance. For private insurance, you also need to set aside money in addition to the monthly fee, as you must pay medical bills upfront and are only reimbursed later, (please keep in mind that not all costs might be covered).
To wrap up, let’s clear up a common myth: “Do students get free healthcare in Germany?” The simple answer is: No. Students have to pay monthly contributions
It can be a lot to take in, especially if you are dealing with insurance for the first time. Gather as much information as possible, be thorough in your research, don’t be afraid to ask questions and pick what feels right for you.
✨And most importantly: enjoy your studies in Germany! Going abroad is surely something you will think back to for many years to come.
