If you are an international student who is going to be in Germany for studying, then you need to consider the health insurance cost as a very important part of your preparation.
Health insurance in Germany is not just a critical part, but also a legal obligation for all students, and that means health insurance is necessary to ensure you have medical care throughout the entire period of your studies. However, what is the exact cost?
What are the options? And how can you manage your budget? In this article, we will provide you with a detailed breakdown of all the health insurance costs for international students in Germany.
Why Health Insurance Is a Must for Students in Germany?
The public health system in Germany is by far one of the most efficient and accessible systems around the globe. The government ensures that everyone who lives in the country is provided with the necessary medical care without facing any financial problems.
In Germany, primarily based on the “residence principle,” health insurance is a fundamental right.The state then requires every resident, including students, to have health insurance.
The meaning of this for international students is they are required to show proof of valid health insurance as a precondition to enrolling in a German university or getting a student visa.
This requirement prevents students from getting into debt because of their medical expenses, and at the same time, it ascertains that they can use the healthcare services that they need during their studies.
Types of Health Insurance for International Students
In the area of health insurance in Germany, we know that international students mostly go to one of two types:
1. Public Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV)
The public health insurance system is the most popular way for international students to get health insurance. It is well-organized, it is trustworthy and it has a wide range of healthcare services.
ü Who is qualified to apply? Students below the age of 30 and those that have not done more than 14 semesters of study are the ones that are eligible.
ü What is included in the plan? That would be trips to doctor's visits, staying in the hospital, buying drugs at the pharmacy, getting mental health services as well as getting the basic dental treatment done.
ü Normal monthly fee: You would need to pay about €110 to €120 for that plan.
ü What is the reason for opting for it? It is not expensive and it offers a wide range of benefits that cover everything. It is also one of the most widely recognized insurances that are accepted by all the healthcare providers in Germany.
2. Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung - PKV)
Private health insurance is something that may be required by or be of benefit to certain students:
ü Who would find it necessary? Students who are beyond 30 years of age, those who have already completed more than 14 semesters, or students from such countries where a private plan is a must.
ü The things which are contained in it? Public insurance and some offers to individualize and possibly the provision of a single or multi-bed hospital room or a dental care service.
ü The average cost per month: Depending on your age, health situation, and the coverage purchased, it is between €80 and €400 or even more.
ü Things to take into account: This insurance alternative might be more expensive and require more paperwork. Rejoining the public insurance may not be an easy task and maybe be impossible.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost for International Students in Germany?
Public Health Insurance Costs
The majority of international students opt for public health insurance due to its low cost and its sensible benefits coverage. The rates for students are partially covered by the government to ensure the health system's affordability to everyone.
- Average monthly premium: The funds necessary usually fall within the range of €110 and €120 each month.
- What's in the basket of services? This will usually include primary care visits, referrals to specialists, hospitalization, and medication, which are all free of charge, as long as you are within the expected treatments, preventive health care, and a number of mental health services.
- Extra expenses: Very little; they are usually limited to a small co-payment for some poisons or the cheapest dental treatments, though these amounts are also low.
We would like to note that only private health insurance is regulated by the government, so the prices may not differ significantly across service providers, and,
the selection of the healthcare service provider and the ease of it have more weight than the pricing aspect of the policy. It is also quite possible to receive excellent customer service and quick and easy insurance enrollment irrespective of the higher costs!
Private Health Insurance Costs
It is important to understand that private insurance costs are individual and depend on many personal factors:
ü Age: Health insurance plan rates increase with age as the older students pay higher premiums.
ü Health status: There are three reasons the existence of pre-existing conditions might trigger a higher premium, denial, or simply not allowing the applicant to participate in the insurance pool.
ü Coverage level: Policy with a higher extent of coverage, including benefits such as dental service or private hospital rooms, cost more.
Can I Transfer My Health Insurance from Abroad?
Certain international students might have health insurance from their home country that might be considered in Germany. However, this is unlikely, and dispensations are given only if the insurance satisfies the requirements of the German sickness fund.
Before you bet on your health insurance from your home country, make sure to receive the approval of the university or persons-in-charge in the German health sector; otherwise, you will have to take out German health insurance.
Money for Health Insurance and Living Costs
Health insurance is not a variable cost and that is the amount of money which should be added to your budget every month together with the cost of rent, food, transportation, and study materials.
This is a simple breakdown of monthly costs you should factor in:
ExpenseEstimated Monthly Cost (EUR)Public Health Insurance€110 – €120Private Health Insurance€80 – €400+Rent (varies by city)€300 – €700Food and groceries€150 – €250Transportation€30 – €100Study materials€20 – €50
If you include health insurance costs in your monthly budget, you can make your budget clear and also make sure that you fulfill the requirements of the university and visa.
How to Get Health Insurance in Germany?
ü Choose Your Provider: If you qualify for public insurance, make your initial contacts with well-known, most-used insurance companies via the internet.
ü Sign Up Early: Make insurance arrangements before setting foot in Germany to sidestep the nuisance of university registration.
ü Get Your Insurance Certificate, Versicherungsbescheinigung: The registration at the university will require this certificate.
ü Ensure Your Insurance Policy is Always Valid: Fulfill the legal and university requirements of staying for a longer duration through holding your coverage continuously.
Many universities have international offices or student services which are always there to assist you in understanding the process and even collaborate with insurance providers to make enrollment a smooth one.
Summing Up
It is important for an international student in Germany to be able to understand the insurance value in order to know the cost of healthcare. With compulsory coverage, there is no choice but, luckily, the price is low and the access is good.