Public vs. Private Health Insurance in Germany: What Internationals Should Know
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If you’re an international student in Germany, choosing the right Health Insurance is essential for your German student visa, university enrollment, and overall well-being. Germany requires Health Insurance for internationals in Germany and anyone else who is a resident, so selecting the right provider is crucial. Both Public Health Insurance (like our partner TK) and Private Health Insurance (our partner ottonova) are great options in Germany. Want to know which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.
1. Eligibility: Who Can Get What?
- Public Health Insurance: Available for students under 30 or employees.
- Private Health Insurance: Open to students, especially those over 30 or in preparatory courses (who don’t qualify for Public Health Insurance). Also ideal for employes who are seeking premium healthcare services.
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2. Cost: How Much Will You Pay?
- Public Health Insurance (TK): Monthly premiums are fixed for students (~€140/month) and increase after age 30. For employees, your contributions are calculated based on your salary.
- Private Health Insurance (ottonova): Premiums vary based on age and health status, often making it a cost-effective option for younger, healthy students compared to Public Health Insurance. Students can save between €200 and €1,420 annually! Learn more here.
3. How Do I Get Reimbursed or Pay for Medical Care in Germany?
Public Health Insurance
Uses a direct billing system, meaning you don’t pay upfront for doctor visits - your insurer covers the majority of the cost directly.- Pharmacies: You pay a small co-payment, and your public insurer covers the rest.
- Doctor Visits: Present your health card, and doctors bill your public insurer directly.
- Hospital Stays: Most costs are covered, but there’s a small daily fee (~€10 per day, up to 28 days per year).
Private Health Insurance
Operates on a reimbursement model—you pay upfront for medical services and submit claims for reimbursement.
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Pharmacies: Pay for medications and get reimbursed after submitting receipts.
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Doctor Visits: Pay the bill, upload it via an app or send to your insurer, and receive reimbursement quickly.
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Hospital Stays: Depending on the policy, hospital costs can be billed directly or reimbursed after payment.
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4. Medical Access & Treatment
- Public Health Insurance: Access to all doctors that accept Public Health Insurance. Specialist appointments may have long wait times.
- Private Health Insurance: Priority access to private doctors and specialists, often leading to faster appointments and high-quality care.
5. Hospital & Dental Benefits
- Public Health Insurance: Standard hospital rooms, basic dental coverage.
- Private Health Insurance: Semi- private rooms, more comprehensive dental coverage, and additional services.
6. Flexibility & Switching
- Public Health Insurance: Stays valid as long as you remain a student and under 30. You can swap to another public provider after 12 months, but must give a notice period.
- Private Health Insurance: Switching from Private to Public Health Insurance is possible in specific cases, such as after your studies end or if you earn less than €73,800 (as of 2025). Private Health Insurance allows for long-term benefits and premium healthcare experiences.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Public and Private Health Insurance are great options for internationals in Germany and are offered as part of the Expatrio Value Package to eligible customers.
- Private Health Insurance via ottonova is a great choice if you want more affordable rates for students, faster access to specialists, enhanced hospital conditions, personalized service, and global coverage.
- Public Health Insurance via TK is a popular choice if you prefer a stable, income-based plan with family coverage.
Regardless of your choice, having Health Insurance in Germany is mandatory for all international students. Whether you need Health Insurance for a German student visa or are comparing options as an international student in Germany, make sure to choose the plan that best suits your needs.
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