Germany requires all students to have health insurance. Choose between public (GKV) and private coverage.
Last updated: March 2026
Best for: Students under 30 enrolled at a German university
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), AOK, Barmer, DAK, IKK classic — all offer the same base coverage at the same price. Total includes health insurance (~€85) plus long-term care insurance (~€35).
Learn moreBest for: Students over 30, language course students, PhD candidates
Flexible plans with varying coverage levels. Accepted for visa applications.
Learn moreBest for: Short-term stays, first weeks before permanent coverage
Temporary coverage for up to 5 years. Not sufficient for enrollment.
Learn more| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| GKV Student Rate | ~€120/month | Fixed rate for all public insurers, includes health (~€85/month) + long-term care insurance (~€35/month) |
| Private Insurance (Basic) | From €39/month | Varies by provider and coverage level |
| Private Insurance (Comprehensive) | €59–€120/month | Full coverage comparable to GKV with extras |
| Semester Contribution | €200–€400/semester | University fee (separate from insurance) — includes public transport ticket |
GKV Student Rate
~€120/month
Fixed rate for all public insurers, includes health (~€85/month) + long-term care insurance (~€35/month)
Private Insurance (Basic)
From €39/month
Varies by provider and coverage level
Private Insurance (Comprehensive)
€59–€120/month
Full coverage comparable to GKV with extras
Semester Contribution
€200–€400/semester
University fee (separate from insurance) — includes public transport ticket
Decide between public (GKV) or private health insurance based on your age, enrollment status, and needs.
Submit your application with university admission letter, passport, and enrollment certificate.
Get your insurance confirmation (Versicherungsbescheinigung) within 1–3 business days.
Submit your insurance certificate to your university to finalize enrollment.
Receive your electronic health card (eGK) by mail within 2–3 weeks.
Health insurance in Germany costs ~€120/month for public insurance (GKV) or from €39/month for private insurance (PKV). Health insurance is legally mandatory for all students in Germany — you cannot enroll at a university or obtain a student visa without it. As of 2026, over 400,000 international students study in Germany, all required to hold valid health insurance.
Germany operates a dual healthcare system with two types of insurance:
Public Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung / GKV): The standard choice for students under 30 enrolled in a degree program. All public insurers — TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK, IKK — offer the same base coverage at the same fixed price of ~€120/month (health + long-term care). No deductibles, no exclusions, full coverage from day one.
Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung / PKV): Required for students over 30, language course students, or PhD candidates who don’t qualify for GKV. Plans start from €39/month with varying coverage levels.
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