adminGerman Health Insurance for International Students: To truly enjoy your time as a student in Germany, you need to be prepared for essentials such as health insurance.
Health insurance is essential for ensuring that you have access to medical treatments and financial assistance when needed. Understanding your health insurance alternatives and how to obtain them can make your stay in Germany even more pleasurable and stress-free.
German Health Insurance for International Students
Yes, international students in Germany must have health insurance. Health insurance is required by law for all residents and citizens of Germany, including international and local students.
This criterion ensures that students have access to essential healthcare services and medical treatment throughout the country.
Students must either enroll in public health insurance or obtain comparable private health insurance coverage that meets German health insurance requirements.
How can students get health insurance?
Students in Germany have two major choices for obtaining health insurance:
Public Health Insurance. Most students, including overseas students under the age of 30, who are studying a regular degree program, are entitled to participate in the public health insurance system. Students can apply for public health insurance through one of Germany’s numerous statutory health insurance providers. They must submit the relevant documentation, including their university acceptance letter and a valid residency permit.
Private health insurance. Some international students may be ineligible for public health insurance or prefer private insurance for various reasons. Private health insurance is available for the following:
- Students over the age of thirty.
- Students seeking non-traditional degree programs.
- PhD students, guest scientists, and researchers.
- Students receive coverage from their nation.
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Please keep in mind that you must have health insurance before you can complete your university enrollment process. Obtaining insurance is one of the first things you must take before beginning your life as a foreign student in Germany.
How Can I Apply for Health Insurance?
Remember the following procedures to get health insurance in Germany as an international student:
- Understand eligibility. Determine whether you are eligible for public or private health insurance. This may vary depending on your situation, but students above the age of 30 are ineligible for public insurance.
- Select a health insurance provider. Investigate several health insurance carriers in Germany. Compare their perks, coverage, and costs to discover the one that best meets your needs.
- Complete the application form. Obtain an application form from your preferred health insurance company or apply online via their website. Complete the form accurately and supply all required information.
- Receive a health insurance certificate. If your application is approved, you will receive a health insurance certificate (Versicherungsbescheinigung) from the insurer. This credential is required for enrollment at the university.
- Pay the insurance premiums. Once you have received your health insurance certificate, you must pay the premiums. The payment process and frequency will vary depending on the insurance provider and plan you select.
Is health insurance free for students in Germany?
Health insurance is not free for students, but it is significantly subsidized so that all applicants can afford it. If you cannot pay your insurance, you can look into financial aid or speak with the German National Association for Student Affairs, who can advise you on what to do next in this case.
How Much Does Health Insurance for Students Cost?
The average monthly cost of student health insurance in Germany ranges from EUR 120 to EUR 200, depending on the type of insurance you qualify for (private or public) and your personal situation. It is crucial to highlight that students pay lower health insurance premiums than other German residents.
Can I use my home country’s health insurance in Germany as a student?
As an international student studying in Germany, you may be eligible to utilize your home country’s health insurance if Germany has a social insurance agreement with it or if your insurance company is recognized in Germany.
This mostly affects students from the following countries:
- EU member states/ European Economic Area
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Israel
- Morocco
- Macedonia
- Montenegro
- Serbia
- Tunisia
- Turkey
To establish eligibility, contact your home nation’s insurance provider. If you are from an EEA/EU country, you will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
However, if you have private health insurance from your home country, it may not be valid in Germany.
If you are recognized, you will be unable to transfer to German statutory health insurance while pursuing your degree.
Your insurance provider abroad will supply you with the relevant information on the recognized status.
Note: If you intend to undertake an internship, have a student work contract, or work as a student assistant while studying in Germany, you must have German health insurance, regardless of your home country’s insurance status.
What is covered by my student health insurance in Germany?
Coverage varies depending on the insurance type and supplemental benefits you select, but often includes the following:
Medical treatment. Both public and commercial health insurance policies typically cover medically necessary treatments, consultations with doctors, and specialists, and medical exams.
Inpatient hospitalizations, surgeries, and required medical procedures are typically covered.
Prescription medicines. Both types of insurance often cover prescription medications as prescribed by doctors.
Preventive care. Basic preventative care, such as immunizations and health checks, is typically included.
Emergency services. Coverage includes medical emergencies, ambulance services, and emergency room visits.
Mental health services. Coverage for mental health treatments and counseling sessions.
Dental treatment (partial). Public health insurance may cover basic dental care for students up to the age of 21, although private insurance may provide further dental coverage, depending on the plan.
Vision care (partial). Certain insurance policies may provide partial coverage for vision-related services.
Physical treatment. Provides coverage for physical therapy and rehabilitation treatments.
With a public health insurance firm, such as Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), you receive minimal mandatory coverage, but you can add supplemental insurance to address any gaps.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by student health insurance?
Public health insurance provides coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions, whereas private insurance may not. Private insurance firms may reject coverage for pre-existing conditions or charge higher premiums based on the individual’s medical history.
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