There are really notable benefits for gaining an education in Germany - you can get a world-class education, pay fewer or no tuition fees in state universities.
And also experience the cultural life of a modern and colorful society.
And as a
student under 30 years of age, one of the obstacles you will likely face is the
question of health insurance, which can really be baffling for many people.
Health insurance in Germany is obligatory for all residents as well as students. However, reaching 30 years of age as a student brings a major shift in your life regarding eligibility, health insurance options, and costs.
Even if you
are a foreign student or someone who has just recently gotten on the academic
track to pursue further studies, this guide will help you find out what the
system works and, most importantly, what you can do to stay covered while not
going bankrupt at the same time.
1. Why Age 30 Is a Health Insurance Turning Point
According to German law, students that are either under the age of 30 or in their first 14 semesters of study are eligible for public student health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung – GKV).
This student plan is very affordable
with the government heavily subsidizing it, giving the user full access to
healthcare just for around €120 per month.
Upon your
30th birthday or when you have completed your 14th semester in university, you
will no longer receive the discounted student rate. The next decision is yours:
- You
may either stick to the optional public health insurance, for a
subscription that can be pricey (about €200-€250 per month).
- Or
you can choose the private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung –
PKV), that usually is a cheaper option but with a few pitfalls in
exchange.
2. Your Options as a 30+ Student
The first
thing we should consider is your main alternatives:
A. Voluntary
Public Health Insurance
You might be
able to still be a member of your public insurer (e.g., TK, AOK, DAK) via a voluntary
scheme, however, you must now pay the regular adult fee.
Pros:
- Complete
coverage
- Payment
made directly (no requirement to have the money ready before the doctor's
visits)
- Insurance
for pre-existing diseases
- It is
more practical to return to public system provided there is any change in
your status
Cons:
- A
good deal higher monthly premiums
- Student
discount is no longer available
B. Private
Health Insurance
Private
health insurance for students who are over 30 is a more affordable option for a
limited time, at least in this context
Some of the
popular ones are:
- MAWISTA
- Care
Concept
- EDUCARE24
(Dr-Walter)
- HanseMerkur
Student-specific
private health insurance from these companies starts as low as €30–€80 per
month, depending on your coverage level and personal health conditions.
Pros:
- Lower
monthly premiums
- Customized
plans for students
- English-speaking
customer service (with some providers)
- Often,
you stand a better chance of qualifying if you are in good health
Cons:
- The
patient must generally make the payment in advance and then get a refund
- Pre-existing
diseases are exempt from some plans
- Later,
you will find it hard to change back to public insurance.
- Some
areas have limited coverage, e.g., they only have dental and mental health
services.
C. Exemptions
or Foreign Insurance
If the
students are:
- Citizens
of the EU/EEA who have the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)
- Already
having a valid international insurance plan
- Those
individuals who are taking a language course or a preparatory program
(those without the right to public insurance)
There are
some situations that students may use foreign insurance or apply for an
exemption. However, not all universities or immigration offices
are
automatically to accept foreign plans. It is always important to check that
immigration or university officers officially recognize your plan in Germany.
3. Things to Have in Mind When Choosing
There are
some steps you should follow before deciding on a health insurance plan:
FactorPublic
InsurancePrivate InsuranceMonthly Cost~€200–€250€30–€100Coverage of
Pre-existing ConditionsYesIn some cases, noDoctor AccessUniversalAccessible
only to a few without a feeReimbursementDirect billingPay first, the company
will then reimburseDental/Mental HealthIncludedAvailability limitedLong-Term
ViabilityHighIf you make long-term reservations
Tip: If you plan to work in Germany after your studies, the public insurance system might be the right option for you when sharing the public insurance cost. You can always get back to (or stay in) the public system if your employer contributes future costs.
4. How to Apply
For Public
Health Insurance (Voluntary):
- Get
in touch with your public insurer and opt for the voluntary continuation.
- Prove
your enrollment and residence.
- Get a
response and a health card, which you can use for university/visa
purposes.
For Private
Health Insurance:
- Check
the offers from different health insurance providers online (e.g., by
consulting CHECK24 and the websites of different providers).
- Directly
send your application to an insurer.
- Hand
all the necessary personal information, student information, and passport
copy to get enrolled in the university.
- Get
the confirmation and digital insurance policy.
5. Visa and Enrollment Considerations
You will be
asked to present evidence of health insurance that is valid in order to:
- Register
at a university in Germany
- Apply
for a student visa or residence permit
Most
immigration offices and universities accept both public and recognized private
providers. Choose the best deal for you and your family, but ensure that the
chosen plan is legally compliant in Germany (look for BaFin-approved plans).
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Postponing
the arrangement of insurance to the last moment: This might get you
delayed with your enrollment or visa application.
- Opting
for the cheapest plan without sense: Economical plans could be connected
with inadequate coverage or unspecified restrictions.
- Trust
the fallacy that you can at any time switch back to public insurance: Once
you are on a private insurance plan, the issue of switching back becomes
complicated, especially if you are funding yourself or you are
freelancing.
7. Conclusion
Transitioning
from 29 to 30 as a student in Germany is not only about the education—but the
policies of your health insurance are also changing with it.
Remaining
covered with public insurance on a voluntary basis because of the possibility
you very well have the means to pay for it and you are a stable person might be
the best choice. However, in the case of you being the frugal and healthy sort,
student health insurance in the private sector is your cost-saving option.
Do not
neglect the future consequences, especially if you want to live in Germanyafter finishing your studies. Irrespective of your decision, it's advisable to
look for insurance well in advance to avoid any difficulties during the
changeover.