googleNewIconwhatsapp iconTwitterIconinstagramIcon
  1. Home
  2. Blogs
  3. STUDY-ABROAD
  4. Health Insurance For Students In Germany
STUDY-ABROAD

Health Insurance for Students in Germany: A Complete Guide

Since the trend of studying abroad is on the rise, it is important that students are familiar with all the requirements. So, if you are planning to study in any country, such as Germany, you must know about the health insurance for students in Germany. It is one of the most important requirements that every student must fulfill. Thus, if you want to know more about it, then this blog is the perfect page for you. Here, you will read about the types of student health insurance Germany with steps to apply for the same. 

Health Insurance for Students in Germany | Gradding.com

Table of Contents

Types of German Health Insurance for International Students

There are generally 2 types of student health insurance Germany, which are public and private. Read below for a detailed discussion of both types.

Public Insurance

  • Known as Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV
  • Generally, bachelor's and master's degree students under 30 are eligible for public health insurance at a discounted student rate.
  • Public health insurance in Germany offers comprehensive coverage of essential medical services, including:
  • Doctor visits
  • Hospital stays
  • Prescription medications
  • Basic dental treatments
  • Preventative care
  • Public health insurance for students is significantly subsidized, with monthly premiums around €110 per month.

Private Insurance

  • Known as Private Krankenversicherung - PKV
  • Here, students over 30 years of age are eligible for preparatory or language courses.
  • Private health insurance plans often offer broader coverage and faster access to specialized medical services, though the scope depends on the specific plan chosen.
  • While some student plans may start as low as €33 per month, the average cost can be around €119 (under 30) or €139 (over 30) per month, depending on the provider.

These are the 2 types of international student health insurance Germany that make you eligible to study there. Moreover, it is also important that you know the step-by-step guide to enroll in the German health insurance for international students. So, read about the same in the section below.

Know Which Insurance Type Is Best for You

Step-by-Step Guide to Enroll in German Health Insurance

Knowing about the health insurance for students in Germany requires being aware of the steps to enroll in it. So, read below to know about the online application process as well as the important documents that you require.

Online Application Process

The process for online student health insurance Germany involves:

  • Determine the eligibility for both available types of insurances.
  • There are several insurance providers, so it is important that you do proper research and choose the right provider. e.g., TK, Barmer, AOK
  • Collect and prepare all the important documents that you will require while applying for the health insurance. These documents include a passport, proof of residency, bank details, and many others.
  • Next step wants you to fill out the application either with the employer or you can directly apply for the same, depending on the type of insurance you are applying for. This step involves going through a health assessment.
  • In the end, you will receive your insurance card or policy certificate.

Documents Required

  • Valid ID/Passport
  • German Visa (if applicable)
  • Proof of German Residency (registration)
  • Proof of Enrollment (if applicable)
  • Proof of Income (or certificate of assistance)
  • Application Form
  • Banking Information (for payments)

These are the important documents and application process that you must know while applying for the online student health insurance Germany. Moreover, it is also important that you know how to choose the best student health insurance in Germany. So, read about the same in the next section.

How to Choose the Best Student Health Insurance in Germany?

Making the right choice for anything in your life is crucial. Likewise, choosing the best health insurance for students in Germany is equally important. Thus, some of the steps you must know are:

  • Determine eligibility: Decide if you qualify for public or private insurance based on your age, visa requirements, and other factors.
  • Compare costs and coverage: Evaluate the monthly premiums and the scope of coverage offered by different providers.
  • Look for student-friendly options: Many providers offer special tariffs for students, including those attending Studienkollegs or language courses.
  • Consider customer service: Choose a provider with good reviews and accessible English-speaking support.
  • Check university requirements: Ensure the chosen insurance meets the specific requirements for your university and visa.
  • Apply early: Get your insurance sorted before starting your studies to avoid any delays with university enrollment.

Coverage Comparison: Hospitals, Prescriptions, Dental

The online student health insurance Germany, whether public (GKV) or private (PKV), includes coverage for hospitals, prescriptions, and dental care, but the scope of coverage can differ significantly.

1. Hospital Coverage:

  • Public Health Insurance (GKV): Provides coverage for standard hospital care, including accommodation in multi-bed rooms.
  • Private Health Insurance (PKV): Often offers enhanced hospital conditions, such as access to private rooms and potentially shorter wait times for treatments.
  • Some PKV plans cover costs related to hospital stays, including accommodation, treatment, surgeries, and specialist consultations.

2. Prescription Medications:

  • Public Health Insurance (GKV): A portion of prescription medication costs is typically covered, but insured individuals usually have to pay a co-payment of around €5.00 - €10.00.
  • Private Health Insurance (PKV): Often covers prescribed medications, including brand-name and generic drugs, subject to policy-specific limits and conditions. There are typically no co-payments for those with PKV insurance.

3. Dental Care:

  • Public Health Insurance (GKV): Includes basic dental care, such as check-ups and standard fillings. However, advanced treatments like ceramic crowns, implants, or professional teeth cleanings are either partially reimbursed or not covered at all.
  • For dental prostheses, GKV typically reimburses 60% of the standard treatment cost, which can increase through a bonus system if patients maintain regular check-ups.

Top-Rated Insurers for Indian Students

Some of the top-rated insurers to provide international student health insurance Germany and especially for Indian students, are:

  • Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)
  • Ottonova
  • AOK
  • Barmer
  • DR-Walter
  • Feather Insurance
  • DAK Health
  • AXA
  • Allianz
  • Hallesche Krankenversicherung
  • HanseMerkur

These are the steps to apply for the international student health insurance with ease. Thus, if you plan to study in Germany, then go through these steps for sure. Also, go through the next section to know about some cheapest health insurance providers.

SourceURL:file:///home/user/Downloads/Health Insurance for Students in Germany.docx

study in Germany

Cheapest Health Insurance in Germany for Students

It is possible to find the cheapest health insurance in Germany for students. Some of the cheapest options are:

Health Insurance Provider

Health Insurance Contribution (€)

Long-Term Care Insurance Contribution (€)

Total Contribution per Month as of 2024 (€)

BKK firmus

95.08

34.20

129.28

hkk Krankenkasse

95.76

34.20

129.96

Audi BKK

95.93

34.20

130.13

Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)

97.64

34.20

131.84

HEK- Hanseatische Krankenkasse

98.50

34.20

132.70

R+V Betriebskrankenkasse

99.35

34.20

133.55

 

Want to Apply for German Health Insurance?

Conclusion

This was all about the health insurance for students in Germany. Here, you read about the two types of health insurance available, which are PKV and GKV. Apart from that, steps to enroll for the insurance are also mentioned above, which will help you avoid any mistakes in applying. And talking about the application process, it is also discussed above with the list of required documents. Also, the top insurance companies for Indian students are listed above to assist you in the same. If you still face any issues, reach out to our study abroad consultants and take their guidance in the process. So, call us today and complete all your eligibility steps step by step to study in Germany seamlessly.

Helpful Links

FAQs

Ques.1 What Are International Student Health Insurances?  

Ans. International student health insurance is a type of health coverage specifically designed for students studying outside their home country. It provides access to medical care while they are abroad, often required by their educational institution or visa regulations.

Ques.2 How to Get Health Insurance as a Student in Germany?

Ans. You'll need to choose a reputable insurer and complete an application, which can often be done online. Once approved and you've paid your premium, you'll receive a health insurance certificate. Finally, after arriving in Germany and finalizing your registration with your insurer, you'll get your health insurance card for use at doctor's visits and other medical services.

Ques.3 Which Health Insurance Is Best in Germany?

Ans. When determining the "best" health insurance in Germany for you as an international student, it's essential to consider your individual situation and needs. Consider the factors such as family involvement, coverage, and cost.

Ques.4 How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Germany?

Ans. In Germany, health insurance costs vary significantly based on whether you choose public (statutory) or private insurance, and your individual circumstances. Private insurance costs can range from €200 to over €500 per month, and potentially even higher for comprehensive plans. In GKV, the percentage of your gross monthly income is specifically 14.6% in 2024. This is split equally between the employee and the employer.

Ques.5 Is Healthcare Free in Germany?

Ans. Healthcare in Germany is not completely free, but it is highly subsidized and affordable for most residents.

study-abroad-offer
mostTrusted
Hand Picked Courses
Get Scholarship Assistance
Get Offer in 15 Days*
Finance/Loan Assistance

Gradding Blogs

Want to read more?

explore blogs

disclaimer:logos and other registered trademarks of universities used on this platform are held by their respective owners. Gradding does not claim ownership or association on them, and their use is purely for informational and illustrative purposes.

Copyrights ©2025 Gradding. All rights reserved.
Gradding Rated 4.7/5 based on 4470Reviews