If you are considering following studies in Germany, choosing the correct health insurance becomes vital not only from a legal perspective but also for your health.
It's a labyrinthine process exploring the German healthcare system, especially for a foreign student. Students in Germany can have a look at the health insurance options that are in effect in the country as of 2025 in the outlined details.
Grasping the Student Health Insurance Requirements
Every student inGermany is obliged to show their health insurance when joining a university.
The type of insurance needed always hinges on the person's nationality, age,
and job status among other factors.
- EU/EEA
Students: An EU or EEA native will have a chance to use the health
insurance they have from the home country until it is still valid in the
territory of Germany. Usually, you must have a European Health Insurance
Card (EHIC) and a certificate showing that you shall not be subject to the
German mandatory health insurance. This document can either be brought or
you can apply for it from any of the statutory health insurance providers
in Germany.
- Non-EU
Students: Students who come from countries that have no social security
agreement with Germany must get hold of health insurance that complies
with the German standard. It may constitute statutory health insurance as
well as private health insurance.
Why the Public Health Insurance Fund (GKV) is Suitable for Students
Ordinary health insurance is the choice for most students. Not only is it cheap, but it also
offers students all-around coverage, which includes:
ü access to a doctor
ü hospital care
ü meds under a doctor's prescription
ü Preventive care
ü Urgent care
As of 2024, the
average monthly premium for students will range from €130 to €150, depending on
the operator and your case. Some of the cheapest companies mentioned here are:
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
They recommend
themselves as providers that guarantee the maintenance of a student's good
health and are happy to help
Private Health Insurance for Students
There is private
health insurance, which is a perfect option, especially for students over 30,
postgraduates, or those with particular work situations. The private insurance
companies can offer further benefits, for instance,:
ü Quicker access to specialists
ü Private hospital rooms
ü Extra dental coverage
But with private insurance, the compensation may be substantially bigger, reaching a figure of €100 – €300 per month for the insurance.
When you choose private insurance, it
should be kept in mind that you cannot switch back to the statutory insurance
in the process of your studies.
Exemptions from Statutory Health Insurance
Among other
things, students can claim an exemption from mandatory statutory health
insurance if they are:
ü Over 30 years old
ü Postgraduate students
ü Self-employed students
ü Students with private health insurance
in line with the minimum standards of the German statutory health insurance
If you want to be
exempt from insurance, you need to prepare the evidence of the protection of
the same level and submit the application for an exemption to a statutory
health insurance provider in Germany.
International Student Health Insurance Providers
The following
suppliers cater to international students only:
ü Swisscare: They are offering plans
that start from €22/month and include such expenses as medical treatments,
following a medical necessity, emergency assistance, and repatriation. Their
offers are Geman-ensured and perfectly made for students, interns, and
researchers.
ü STU Insurance: They work together with
top insurers like Allianz and DAK to give international students the opportunity
to construct and likewise purchase the plans that are flexible and fit the
needs of students in terms of coverage and cost. They guarantee
hospitalization, outpatient care, and emergency services.
ü DAK-Gesundheit: A statutory healthinsurance provider that offers student health insurance. They provide support
in English language for obtaining the necessary M10 notification required for
university enrollment.
Choosing the Right Health Insurance
When you are
selecting the right health insurance in Germany, please consider the following:
ü Eligibility: Make sure that the plan
is appropriate to your specific health needs, according to your age,
nationality, and employment status besides.
ü Coverage: Be sure that the insurance
not only covers general emergency medical services but in addition also doctor
visits, hospital stays, and emergency care.
ü Cost: Cost out of your own pocket can
be constrained by a good match between the level of the premiums and the range
of benefits offered.
Conclusion
Securing the right health insurance is crucial for your studies in Germany.
Whether you choose statutory or private insurance, ensure that it meets German standards and provides comprehensive coverage.
By understanding your options and
requirements, you can focus on your studies with peace of mind, knowing you're
protected in case of illness or injury.