Health insurance for students in Germany
Are you planning to study in Germany? Then you need to know that having health insurance is mandatory to obtain your student visa. Without it, your entry into the country may be denied. Don't worry! We have prepared a comprehensive guide on how the German healthcare system works and what your insurance options are as an international student.
How does the German healthcare system work?
The German healthcare system is considered to be one of the best in Europe and requires that all residents have some form of health insurance. For those who plan study and work in Germany, it is essential to understand the differences between the public and private systems.
Germany offers two main health insurance options: the public (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV) and the privates (Private Krankenversicherung). The public system covers about 90% of the population, including international students under the age of 30. The quality of service is excellent in both systems, with the main difference being the payment model and coverage.
Types of health insurance for students
The type of insurance you can take out depends on a few important factors. Understand the characteristics of each option:
- Public Insurance (GKV):
- Required for students under 30
- Fixed monthly cost of approximately €140
- Comprehensive basic coverage
- Includes spouse and children at no additional cost
- Direct payment to doctors and hospitals
- No refund required
- Guaranteed acceptance regardless of pre-existing conditions
- Private insurance:
- Compulsory for students over 30
- Prices starting at €33 per month
- Personalized coverage
- Medical expenses reimbursement system
- Required health assessment
- Shorter waiting times for inquiries
- Possibility to choose specific doctors
What does the insurance cover?
The German healthcare system is renowned for its excellent coverage. In the case of public student insurance, you are entitled to virtually all necessary basic medical care. For students interested in taking a University abroad, it's important to know the detailed coverage.
Basic public insurance coverage includes:
- Medical appointments at general clinics and specialists
- Hospital admissions
- Prescription drugs (with a small co-payment fee)
- Emergency treatments
- Preventive exams
- Care during pregnancy
- Basic dental treatments
- Physical therapy (when prescribed)
Health insurance costs in Germany
Understand the costs of Health insurance is essential for planning your budget while studying in Germany. No public system, the amounts are standardized and based on a fixed student fee. The main public insurance companies, like Barmer, offer student plans for approximately €140 per month, with minor price variations between them.
In case two private insurance, prices may vary significantly depending on factors such as age, pre-existing health conditions, and coverage chosen. Os basic plans start at around €33 per month, but may exceed €100 for wider coverage. It is important to consider that in the private system you will have to pay for medical expenses in advance and request reimbursement later.
Details of the coverage
O German healthcare system offers comprehensive coverage, but it's important to know the specific details of each area. Na dentistry, public insurance covers basic treatments such as annual cleaning, simple restorations, and canal treatments. However, for more complex procedures such as implants or orthodontic appliances, there is a co-participation which can vary from 35% to 50% of the total amount.
In the area ophthalmological, regular appointments and medical treatments are covered, but the purchase of eyeglasses and contact lenses is generally not included in the basic plan. Exceptions are made for specific cases with a strong medical need. Some insurance companies offer discounts at partner opticians, which can help reduce these costs.
The German system also recognizes some alternative therapies, especially when prescribed by doctors. Treatments such as acupuncture for chronic pain, homeopathy, and physical therapy can be covered with medical prescription. However, it is important to check with your insurance company beforehand which alternative treatments are recognized and under what conditions.
Prescribed medications they generally have a small co-payment fee, which ranges from €5 to €10 per medication. There are exceptions for some specific medications and for people with low incomes or chronic illnesses. It is possible to reduce these costs by opting for generic medications, which are widely available and accepted in the German system.
Saving with your health insurance
There are several strategies to optimize your spending with Health in Germany. First, consider making a medical evaluation complete in your country before traveling, including dental and ophthalmological check-ups. This can help prevent unexpected expenses early on in your stay.
For continuous medications, you can ask the doctor to prescribe prescriptions for longer periods, thereby reducing the number of co-payments. Some pharmacies also offer loyalty programs that can generate discounts on products not covered by insurance.
In the case of private insurance, you can reduce the monthly amount by opting for a higher deductible or choosing a plan with more basic coverage, complemented by specific insurance only for areas that you really need, such as additional dental coverage.
How to take out your health insurance
To secure your health insurance in Germany, follow these essential steps:
- Determine your eligibility
- Check your age
- Confirm your student status
- Check the validity of your current insurance
- Check your country's international agreements
- Choose the type of insurance
- Public (if under 30)
- Private (if over 30 years old)
- Analyze your specific health needs
- Consider your monthly budget
- Select an insurance company
- Compare prices and coverage
- Check service in English
- Check the company's reputation
- Read reviews from other students
- Make the hire
- Gather the necessary documents
- Fill out the membership form
- Wait for confirmation and card
- Keep copies of all documentation
- Get the certificate
- Request proof of insurance
- Save a digital copy
- Use for visa and enrollment
- Always keep up to date
Special health insurance cases
Preparatory course students
If you are going to take a preparatory course before university, you will need to take out private insurance, as public insurance is only available to students already enrolled in a university.
Exchange students
Students from European Union countries can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) during their study period. Students from other countries will need to take out German insurance.
Language course students
Students enrolled only in language courses must opt for private insurance, regardless of their age. After starting a university course, they can switch to public insurance if they wish.
Useful vocabulary for emergencies
Memorize these essential German words for emergency situations:
- Krankenhaus (hospital)
- Arzt/Ärztin (doctor/doctor)
- Apotheke (pharmacy)
- Krankenwagen (ambulance)
- Notfall (emergency)
- Rezept (prescription)
- Versicherungskarte (insurance card)
- Schmerzen (pain)
Important numbers:
- 112: Ambulance and Fire Department
- 110: Police
- 116117: On-call medical service
Important tips about health insurance
- Take out insurance before traveling
- Always keep your insurance card with you
- Keep digital copies of all documents
- Learn some basic German phrases for emergencies
- Identify hospitals near your home
- Learn how to activate insurance in the event of an emergency
Be Easy
A Be Easy offers full support to fulfill your dream of studying in Germany. Our specialized team assists with the entire health insurance process, from choosing the best plan to the necessary visa documentation. We facilitate your adaptation with personalized guidance and ongoing support throughout your exchange experience. Contact us and discover how we can make your journey smoother and safer!
