Health Insurance for International Students in Germany
TL;DR
- Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. You cannot enrol at a university or receive a residence permit without proof of coverage.
- Most students under 30 qualify for statutory (public) student health insurance at around €120 to €145 per month, including nursing care insurance.
- Students over 30, those on language or preparatory courses, and PhD students usually need private health insurance instead.
- EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) but should check whether it provides enough coverage for the full duration of their studies.
- Once you choose public or private insurance, you cannot switch between the two during your studies.
- Set up your insurance before arriving in Germany — you will need the confirmation letter from day one.
Why Is Health Insurance Mandatory?
Germany requires every resident to have health insurance. This applies to all students, regardless of nationality or how long they plan to stay. The law does not make exceptions.
You will need proof of valid health insurance at two critical moments:
- University enrolment (Immatrikulation): your university will not complete your registration without it
- Residence permit application: the Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde) requires it when you apply for or extend your residence permit
Without insurance, neither process moves forward. This is not a formality you can sort out later.
Do not arrive in Germany without insurance, even temporarily. If you need medical care before your policy is active, you will have to pay out of pocket, and German hospital bills add up fast.
Public vs Private: Which Type Do You Need?
Germany has two parallel health insurance systems: statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, or GKV) and private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung, or PKV). As an international student, which one you can or should choose depends on your age, your course type, and your country of origin.
Statutory (Public) Student Insurance
This is the standard option for most degree-seeking students under 30. Public insurance is regulated by the government, which means every provider (called a Krankenkasse) charges the same student rate and covers the same core benefits.
Who qualifies:
- Students enrolled in a recognised degree course at a German university
- Under 30 years old at the start of studies
- Not enrolled in a language course or Studienkolleg only
What it costs (2025/2026):
| Component | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Health insurance (KV) | ~€90 to €105 |
| Nursing care insurance (PV) | ~€31 to €36 |
| Total | ~€120 to €145 |
The KV rate consists of a fixed base amount (€87.38 as of WS 2024/2025) plus a supplementary contribution (Zusatzbeitrag) that varies by insurer — averaging around 2.9% in 2026. The PV rate depends on whether you have children (lower rate) or are childless and over 23 (higher rate).
What it covers:
- Doctor visits (general practitioners and specialists)
- Hospital stays
- Prescription medications (with small co-pays)
- Mental health treatment
- Basic dental care
- Preventive check-ups and vaccinations
Popular public insurers for students:
- TK (Techniker Krankenkasse): widely used by international students, with English-language support and a good online portal
- AOK: Germany's largest public insurer, with regional branches in every state
- BARMER and DAK-Gesundheit: also common choices with student-friendly services
All public insurers charge the same student rate. The differences are minor: some offer slightly better digital tools, English support, or bonus programmes for healthy behaviour.
TK and AOK are the most popular choices among international students. Both have experience dealing with foreign qualifications and visa-related paperwork. If you are unsure, either is a safe pick.
Private Health Insurance
Private insurance is offered by commercial companies and is priced individually based on your age, health, and the coverage level you choose. For students, there are special tariffs with lower premiums.
Who needs private insurance:
- Students over 30 who can no longer access the public student rate
- Students on language courses or preparatory courses (Studienkolleg) who are not yet enrolled in a degree programme
- PhD students and visiting researchers (in many cases)
- Students who opt out of public insurance at the start of their studies (more on this below)
What it costs:
- Student tariffs from private insurers typically range from €30 to €150 per month, depending on coverage level
- Basic "expat" or incoming student plans can be cheaper but may offer limited coverage
- Comprehensive private plans that match public insurance benefits cost roughly €80 to €150 per month
Popular private insurers for students:
- DR-WALTER (EDUCARE24 tariff)
- HanseMerkur (Young Travel tariff)
- ottonova (fully digital, three tariff levels)
- Feather (English-language broker for expat and student plans)
- Advigon/UNION (recommended by the German National Association for Student Affairs)
Not all private insurance plans are accepted by every university or Foreigners' Office. Before signing up, confirm with your university's enrolment office that your chosen plan meets their requirements. Basic travel insurance is almost never sufficient.
Quick Comparison
| Public (GKV) | Private (PKV) | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Degree students under 30 | Anyone (required for over-30, language courses, PhDs) |
| Monthly cost | €120 to €145 (fixed) | €30 to €150 (varies by plan) |
| Coverage | Standardised, comprehensive | Varies by tariff |
| Accepted everywhere? | Yes | Check with your university first |
| Switch possible? | Cannot switch to private during studies | Cannot switch to public during studies |
Special Cases
EU/EEA Students
If you hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from an EU or EEA country, you are covered for necessary medical treatment in Germany. Your university will accept this as proof of insurance for enrolment.
However, the EHIC has limits:
- It covers medically necessary care during a temporary stay — not planned or elective treatments you travel to receive
- It is not designed for long-term residence; if you settle in Germany as a degree student, an EHIC may not be sufficient
- While EHIC users receive the same statutory benefits as German-insured patients for necessary care, the temporary-stay scope means it is not a full substitute for German student insurance
Many EU students start with the EHIC and later switch to German statutory insurance for better coverage. If you plan to stay for your full degree, getting German public insurance is often the smarter long-term choice.
Students Over 30
Once you turn 30, you lose access to the discounted public student rate. Your options are:
- Voluntary public insurance: you can stay with your public insurer, but at the standard (non-student) rate, which is significantly more expensive — often €200 or more per month
- Private insurance: student-oriented private plans are usually cheaper than voluntary public insurance for this age group
Most students over 30 find private insurance to be the better deal.
Language and Preparatory Course Students
If you are attending a German language course or a Studienkolleg and are not yet enrolled in a degree programme, you cannot join statutory health insurance. You must take out private insurance.
Once you complete the preparatory course and enrol in a degree programme, you become subject to compulsory statutory insurance (Versicherungspflicht) if you are under 30 — unless you actively apply for a permanent exemption (Befreiung) to stay privately insured.
Students with Scholarships
Some scholarships include health insurance as part of the funding package. DAAD scholarships, for example, often come with a combined health, accident, and liability insurance policy. Check your scholarship terms carefully — if insurance is included, you may not need to arrange your own.
How to Get Insured: Step by Step
If You Choose Public Insurance
- Pick a Krankenkasse. Compare TK, AOK, BARMER, or DAK online. Most allow you to apply digitally in English.
- Apply online. You will need your passport, university admission letter, and a German address (your future address is fine for the initial application).
- Receive your membership confirmation. The Krankenkasse sends you an electronic confirmation (Mitgliedsbescheinigung) that you present to your university.
- Enrol at your university. Upload or submit the insurance confirmation during the enrolment process.
- Receive your insurance card. After arriving and registering your address, you will get a physical health insurance card (Gesundheitskarte) by post.
If You Choose Private Insurance
- Choose a provider and tariff. Compare plans from DR-WALTER, HanseMerkur, ottonova, Feather, or others. Look at coverage scope, not just price.
- Apply online. Most providers offer quick digital sign-up. You may need to answer basic health questions.
- Get an exemption from public insurance. If you are under 30 and eligible for public insurance but choose private instead, you must formally request an exemption (Befreiung) from public insurance at a Krankenkasse. This is irreversible for the duration of your studies.
- Submit proof to your university. Provide the private insurance certificate and the public insurance exemption letter.
The exemption from public insurance is permanent for your current course of study. Once you opt for private insurance and get the exemption, you cannot switch back to public insurance until you leave the student status (for example, by graduating or starting full-time work). Think carefully before choosing private if you are eligible for public.
What Does Insurance Actually Cover?
German statutory health insurance is comprehensive by international standards. Here is what you can expect:
- GP and specialist visits: fully covered, no referral needed for most specialists
- Hospital treatment: covered, with a co-pay of €10 per day for up to 28 days per year
- Prescription medication: covered, with a co-pay of €5 to €10 per prescription
- Mental health: psychotherapy and psychiatric treatment are covered, but waiting times can be long (weeks to months)
- Dental: basic treatment is covered; cosmetic or advanced procedures (crowns, implants) require significant out-of-pocket payment
- Preventive care: check-ups, cancer screenings, and standard vaccinations are fully covered
- Maternity care: fully covered, including prenatal care and delivery
Private insurance coverage varies by plan. Cheaper tariffs may exclude mental health, limit dental, or cap the number of covered doctor visits. Always read the fine print.
German public insurance covers you across the entire EU for temporary stays (using the EHIC issued by your German insurer). This is useful for weekend trips and semester breaks.
How Much Should You Budget?
Health insurance is a fixed monthly cost. Here is how it fits into your overall budget:
| Situation | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Public insurance (under 30) | €120 to €145 |
| Private student tariff (under 30) | €30 to €150 |
| Voluntary public (over 30) | €200+ |
| Private (over 30) | €80 to €200 |
For most students under 30, the monthly cost is around €120 to €145 with public insurance. This is already factored into the blocked account minimum of €992 per month and the cost of living estimates for Germany.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Arriving without insurance. Even a gap of a few days can cause problems with your enrolment or residence permit. Have your policy active from day one.
- Using travel insurance as a substitute. Basic travel or backpacker insurance is not accepted by universities or the Foreigners' Office. You need a policy that meets German standards.
- Choosing private insurance just because it is cheaper. Low-cost private plans may seem attractive, but they often have limited coverage. If something serious happens, you could face large bills. And remember: once you opt out of public, you cannot go back during your studies.
- Ignoring the age-30 deadline. If you are approaching 30, make sure you are enrolled in public insurance before your birthday. After that, the discounted student rate is gone.
- Not registering your address. Your insurer needs your German address to send your health card. Register at the local residents' office (Bürgeramt) as soon as you move in.
FAQ
Can I study in Germany without health insurance?
No. Health insurance is a legal requirement. Your university will not complete your enrolment without proof of coverage, and the Foreigners' Office will not issue your residence permit.
How much does student health insurance cost per month?
Public (statutory) student insurance costs around €120 to €145 per month, including nursing care insurance. Private student tariffs range from €30 to €150 depending on the provider and coverage level.
Can I use my home country's insurance in Germany?
EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for enrolment. Students from other countries generally cannot — most non-EU insurance policies are not recognised by German universities. You will need to get a German-compliant policy.
What happens if I turn 30 during my studies?
You lose access to the discounted public student rate. You can stay on voluntary public insurance at a higher rate (€200+ per month) or switch to private insurance. Most students over 30 find private insurance more affordable.
Can I switch from private to public insurance during my studies?
No. If you formally opted out of public insurance (got an exemption), you cannot switch back for the duration of your current studies. This is one of the most important decisions to get right at the start.
Do I need insurance during a gap semester or leave of absence?
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents of Germany, not just active students. Even during a leave of absence, you must maintain coverage.
Is dental care covered?
Basic dental treatment (fillings, extractions, check-ups) is covered by public insurance. Cosmetic treatments, crowns, and implants are mostly out of pocket. If dental care is important to you, consider a supplementary dental insurance plan (Zahnzusatzversicherung) for around €10 to €20 per month.
Where do I find an English-speaking doctor?
Most larger cities have doctors who speak English. Your university's international office can often provide a list. You can also search on platforms like Doctolib or Jameda and filter by language.
