How does Barmer student health insurance work in Germany? Exclusive Be Easy partnership
Obtaining health insurance in Germany is not only a recommendation, but a mandatory legal requirement for anyone who wishes to live in the country. For students and professionals planning an international experience, understanding the German healthcare system and choosing the right insurance is a crucial step for study and work in Germany.
Why is health insurance mandatory to study in Germany?
For international students, having adequate health insurance in Germany is not just a matter of personal care - it's a fundamental requirement along with the blocked account for the entire exchange process. These are the two main documents required by the German authorities: while the blocked account proves that you have sufficient financial resources for your stay, the health insurance guarantees your medical protection. Without any of these documents, you are unable to finalize your university enrollment, obtain your student visa, or secure your residence permit.
This requirement exists because the German government prioritizes the safety and well-being of international students during their stay in the country. Imagine needing medical care in a foreign country without adequate protection - the costs can be extremely high and compromise your entire exchange experience. Therefore, health insurance, together with Blocked account, are considered as important documents as a passport or student visa, and are essential to ensure a safe and smooth experience during your studies in Germany.
Types of health insurance available
In Germany, there are basically two types of health insurance: public (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV) and private (private Krankenversicherung - PKV). For international students seeking an experience of University abroad, public insurance offers the best cost-benefit ratio, with comprehensive coverage and affordable prices.
Public Insurance (GKV):
- Income-based contributions
- Wide and standardized coverage
- Inclusion of dependents at no additional cost
- Guaranteed acceptance regardless of pre-existing conditions
Private Insurance (PKV):
- Contributions based on individual risk
- Personalized coverage
- More complex membership process
- Generally more expensive for students
Barmer: excellence in public health insurance
Barmer stands out as one of the largest and most respected public insurers in Germany, serving more than 8 million insured persons. With over a century of experience, the insurance company has built a solid reputation based on the quality of service and the breadth of its coverage. For exchange students, Barmer offers an important differential: every support structure designed especially for foreigners, including service in English and a simplified membership process.
The partnership between Be Easy and Barmer was created precisely to make life even easier for Brazilians who choose Germany as a study destination. This collaboration ensures that you have specialized support in Portuguese throughout the process, from the initial request to the use of the insurance on a daily basis.
Exclusive coverage and benefits
Barmer insurance offers truly comprehensive coverage, designed to guarantee total peace of mind for international students. Its main differential lies in the combination of traditional benefits with modern and digital services:
- Unlimited medical appointments with clinicians and specialists
- Hospital treatments without co-participation
- Prescription drugs with coverage of up to 100%
- Basic dental treatments included
- 24-hour telemedicine services in English
- Exclusive app for insurance management
- Coverage for emergencies across the European Union
- Rewards program that offers up to €150 annually
Streamlined membership process
To make life easier for international students, Barmer developed a fully digital and simplified membership process. The required documents are:
- Valid passport
- Proof of enrollment at the educational institution
- German residence registration (can be arranged upon arrival)
- Recent 3x4 photo
- German bank details (can also be provided upon arrival)
The approval process is fast, generally completed within 48 hours of submitting the complete documentation.
Using Barmer insurance on a daily basis
The practical experience of using Barmer insurance is surprisingly simple, even for those who don't speak German. Upon arrival in Germany, you will receive your electronic health card, which gives you access to the entire accredited network. With it, you can schedule appointments directly with doctors and specialists, without the need for prior authorization in most cases.
The Barmer app also offers features that make life much easier for international students, such as finding English-speaking doctors close to you, scheduling appointments online, and accessing all your documents and medical history digitally.
Multilingual support and expert assistance
Barmer's commitment to international students goes beyond traditional medical coverage:
- English-language call center available 24/7
- Dedicated advisors for international students
- Informational materials in several languages
- Regular webinars about the German healthcare system
- Assistance to find doctors who speak your language
- WhatsApp support for quick questions
Be Easy
A Be Easy is committed to making your experience in Germany smoother and safer. Our partnership with Barmer represents another important step in ensuring that you have all the necessary support during your international journey. Contact us today and discover how we can help you fulfill your dream of studying and working in Germany with the security of one of the best health insurance in the world.
