It is indeed a fun and eventful experience to travel to Germany for studies: culture, new friends, new places, parties and… practical matters.
The latter includes health insurance which is a very important issue in Germany. To begin with, the country’s suggestion of getting acquainted with the healthcare system and finding out how health insurance in Germany works is beneficial for acquiring highlights.
The write-up is all about giving you the ins and outs
regarding German health insurance – from its being necessary to the costs
involved, and from the available choices to the process of getting your
insurance contract.
Why is Health Insurance Mandatory in Germany?
The first thing brought forth and repeated several times to the students who came from abroad is the obligatory nature of health insurance in Germany.
The rule is
strict in this regard and quite clear in saying that everyone has to act in
good faith. Without this, a foreigner cannot study at a German university or
get a student visa.
Health insurance works in Germany through a system that allows the person in need to get medical help whenever he wants after the required fee is paid.
If you are
insured, you may not pay anything outright for doctors, drugs, or even if you
are hospitalized. From the students' perspective, they are protected which
means they can quite confidently concentrate and think less about the financial
aspects of healthcare coverage.
Types of Health Insurance for International Students
The following
are the two main systems of health insurance in Germany:
1. Public
Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung or GKV)
Based on
statistics, the majority of foreign students always choose public health insurance
first. It is quick as well as economical and it is usually right for people
between 18 to 30 years of age or for those who have not yet completed their
thirteenth semester of study.
ü Coverage:
In public insurance, one may want to go to a general practitioner,
mental-health professional, and a dental care specialist or get hospitalized,
buy prescription drugs, and other services for the payment of the public
insurance.
ü Cost: Fees
to be paid by students are generally set at €110 to €120 per month.
ü Providers:
AOK, TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), and Barmer are the most sought-after public
health insurance agencies.
2. Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung or PKV)
Private
health insurance is a must for some international students, especially those
who are over 30 years of age or who have completed more than 14 semesters.
ü Coverage:
Private insurance might be a great option because they could have the
possibility to get more customized plans with additional services like the
certainty of having a single room in the hospital or dental care.
ü Cost:
Private insurance is generally more expensive and monthly charges could vastly
differ based on the individual’s age, health condition, and the policy’s level
of coverage.
ü Eligibility:
Private insurance is only for those students who fulfill particular standards
and it might be more complicated to return to public insurance thereafter.
How to Get Health Insurance as an International Student
Step 1:
Choose Your Insurance Provider
As a student under 30 years old, who is also able to qualify for public insurance, the initial step is to go online and compare different service providers.
Most
German universities have partnerships with certain insurers, and via their
international offices, students can quickly find the recommendation providers.
Step 2: Get
Your Insurance Certificate (Versicherungsbescheinigung)
If you decide
on joining, the insurance institution you join will send you a confirmation of
the insurance. You must have that certificate with you to show that you are
already insured when you are going to finish the registration process at the
university.
Step 3: Keep
Your Insurance Active During Your Stay
It is crucial
that you maintain your health insurance throughout your studies. If your
insurance gets terminated, you may lose your student status and the right to
access healthcare completely.
What is Covered by Health Insurance in Germany?
Healthinsurance in Germany provides extensive cover that is not only limited to
emergency care:
ü Doctor
Visits: Appointments with general physicians and other specialists.
ü Hospital
Stays: Overnight stays at hospital, surgeries and medical treatments.
ü Medications:
Medicines (drugs) on a prescription and with a nominal charge or free cost.
ü Preventive
Care: Immunizations, screenings, and visits to the doctor for check-ups.
ü Mental
Health: Availability of therapists and psychiatrists.
ü Dental
Care: Simple dental services (advanced care may neccessitate extra cover).
Costs to Expect
- Standard
public health insurance for students is usually about €110-€120 per month.
- Opting
for a private insurance scheme can be from €80 to €400+ per month,
depending on the coverage you want.
- In
reality, there are students who, if they already have insurance from their
home country with sufficient coverage, may be exempt from the obligation
of compulsory student health insurance in Germany. This is, however, a
lengthy procedure entailing submission and ascertaining.
Tips for International Students
- Apply
in Advance: Get your health insurance done before coming to Germany so you
won't have to wait for the enrollment process.
- Always
be in possession of your insurance card and certificate: Never leave your
house without your insurance card and a certificate that legitimizes it.
- Reading
the details of services and coverages mentioned in the policy: It's
essential to understand which medical services are covered and how they
can be received
- Go to
Health Centres: At universities, you can find health support services that
help international students walk through the healthcare system.
- Seek
English Support: Some of the insurance companies have got helplines for
the English language, so if you don't understand the details, request.
Conclusion
The process
of getting health insurance in Germany as an international student may at first
be confusing, but it is a piece of cake if you have the right information.
Moreover, health insurance should not just be seen as a bureaucratic
hassle but as access to excellent health care services in Germany throughout
your studies.
To make an
educated choice, be it public or private, remember that having health insurance
lets you study confidently with all your health needs taken care of. Start your
research early, check the alternatives, and enjoy your time in Germany while
knowing that you have the assurance of good health coverage!