Health insurance for foreign students in Germany
It is essential that international students are covered by healthcare insurance before they move to Germany.
Healthcare cover is mandatory by law for all residents in Germany, even those staying for one semester. Students under 30 doing a degree can register for discounted public healthcare insurance, whilst others will need to look into alternative avenues for cover, such as standard public healthcare contributions or a private plan.
How much does student health insurance in Germany cost?
Students aged under 30 do not need to pay 7.3% social security contributions towards healthcare insurance, instead they pay a set (discounted) monthly amount of €120.34 (students under the age of 23) or of €125.21 (students aged 23 to 30) for long term care which covers both basic healthcare insurance and nursing care insurance. This amount is usually less than the cost of standard contributions based on earnings.
How much is public health insurance for international students in Germany?
Many people choosing to move to Germany to study worry about how much public health insurance for students will be when abroad in Germany. The good news for international students is that the discounted rate of €120.34 (students under the age of 23) or of €125.21 (students aged 23 to 30) applies equally to both international students and local German students.
Healthcare for foreign students in Germany: private or public?
All students are required to have healthcare insurance before they embark on their degree; this applies to both national and international students. International students will not be granted a student visa without proof of either public or private insurance (or insurance from their home country if this is applicable). Foreign nationals will need to ensure they are fully covered before they start, in order to gain a student visa.
Students over 30 are entitled to choose between public and private healthcare. Those looking for private healthcare options need to weigh up whether they are better off enrolling in the public system. This will usually depend on whether or not they are working alongside their studies.
How to get student health insurance in Germany?
German nationals can organize public health insurance easily, but international students will need to get this organised before they move. Expatrio offers students the chance to register for discounted student public healthcare insurance through TK, one of the biggest and most well-known providers in Germany. Our partnership with TK means you have access to the ongoing (including English-language) support offered by this provider. We can help you every step of the way, ensuring your healthcare cover is organised well before you arrive.