When you are thinking of going to school in Germany, you must first of all get your health insurance done.
Health insurance is a requirement for anyone who wants to study in Germany and finding a cover that is affordable yet doesn't compromise the quality of health services is the top priority, especially when money is limited.
In this article we are going to present from which of the health insurance providers students can get cheap health insurance in Germany as of 2025, describing both public and private insurance, so that you are able to make a smart choice.
Why Health Insurance Is Essential for Students in Germany
The healthcare system in Germany requires all students to be insured before they are allowed to enrol at a university.
There is a health insurance policy that will pay the costs of treatment and the stay in the hospital, as well as for medication and preventive measures, to secure the student health safety in case of getting ill or injured.
As an EU/EEA or an international student, whether the insurance plan is for your age and status, there are always provided special insurance packages that are suitable to you and, also, some of the insurance companies may try to reach you by suggesting monthly premium rates that are affordable, especially for students.
Affordable Public Health Insurance Providers for Students
Most students below 30 can get cheaper coverage from public (statutory) health insurance. The monthly premiums, usually, are fixed and low instead of the private insurance which is not affordable in some cases.
Below are some of the most economical and well-liked public health insurance providers for students in Germany:
ü BKK firmus – €129.28/month
ü hkk Krankenkasse—€129.96/month
ü Audi BKK—€130.13/month
ü Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)—€131.84/month
ü HEK—Hanseatische Krankenkasse—€132.70/month
ü BARMER—€146.29 to €151.42/month depending on your age and family status
These health insurers offer health insurance plans that cover many medical expenses, including a visit to the doctor, hospitalization, medicine, and preventive services. Moreover, a lot of them also have customer service in English which is convenient for foreign students who are still becoming accustomed to life in Germany.
Private Health Insurance: The Best Choice
Though public insurance is more popular, private health insurance still presents an opportunity for certain students, e.g. those over 30, postgraduates, or those with certain job situations.
Private plans usually come with added benefits like a faster appointment with a specialist or private hospital rooms but can also sometimes cost more.
If you are eligible, below are some cheap private health insurance plans for students that have been made available to you:
- DR-WALTER EDUCARE24 – Starting at €33/mo
- MAWISTA Student – Starting at €33/mo
- Care Concept Student – Starting at €28/mo
- Hanse Merkur – Starting at €24.50/mo
These are the plans which are normally used for the basic medical operations and to meet visa requirements in Germany, so these are certainly a good replacement for international students who do not want the public healthinsurance or are not covered by it.
Things to Think About in the Process of Selecting a Student Health Insurance
Selecting the proper health insurance is a very individual choice as it depends on your personal situation. Here are the most effective variables that should be part of the decision-making process:
ü Eligibility: A number of plans are not open to students over 30 or part-time students in state-recognized universities.
ü Coverage: Check that the plan includes doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and emergency services.
ü Language Support: Consider providers that make available English-speaking help for non-German speakers.
ü Cost: Compare the monthly premiums and any deductibles or co-payments.
ü Compliance: Ensure that the plan satisfies both the regulations of the university and the visa requirement.
Final Thoughts
Health insurance is an essential aspect of the student life in Germany, making it possible for students to be safe and secure.
Public health insurancepolicies such as BKK firmus and hkk Krankenkasse are within the financial reach of most students and provide them with broad coverage.
The alternative of DR-WALTER EDUCARE24 and Hanse Merkur in the private sector has been specially designed for international student needs and is also advantageous for several categories of students.