Health Insurance for Students in Germany

Q: Can I use my home country insurance in Germany?

EU/EEA students with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may be exempt from German insurance for the duration of their studies. Non-EU students must obtain German health insurance — either public (GKV, ~€141/month) or private (from €28/month). Your home country insurance is generally not accepted for university enrollment or visa applications unless you hold an EHIC.

Q: What happens if I turn 30 during my studies in Germany?

Once you turn 30, you lose eligibility for the subsidized GKV student rate (~€141/month). You can stay in GKV until the end of the current semester. After that, you have two options: switch to private health insurance (from €28/month) or apply for voluntary GKV membership at the standard rate (~€240–€260/month). Most students over 30 choose private insurance due to the lower cost.

Q: Is dental care covered by German student health insurance?

Yes, basic dental care is fully covered by GKV (public health insurance) at no additional cost. This includes check-ups, fillings, and basic treatments. For extras like professional cleaning (~€80-120 per session), orthodontics, or premium crowns, you would need supplementary dental insurance, which costs approximately €10-25/month.

Q: How do I see a doctor in Germany as an international student?

Find a doctor (Arzt) near you using the Jameda or Doctolib platforms, call to make an appointment, and bring your insurance card (eGK for GKV members). No referral is needed for most specialists in Germany. With GKV, doctor visits are fully covered with no co-payment. Emergency rooms (Notaufnahme) are available 24/7 at hospitals for urgent care.

Q: Can I work while on student insurance in Germany?

Yes. International students in Germany can work up to 520 hours per year (equivalent to 120 full days or 240 half days) without affecting their student insurance status. Mini-jobs paying up to €538/month are also permitted. Working beyond these limits requires switching to regular employee insurance, which is more expensive. Your GKV student rate of ~€141/month remains valid as long as you stay within these limits.

Germany requires all students to have health insurance. Choose between public (GKV) and private coverage.

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Last updated: March 2026

Insurance Requirements

Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Germany
Proof of insurance required for university enrollment (Immatrikulation)
Required for student visa and residence permit applications
Students under 30 can join public health insurance (GKV)
Students over 30 or in preparatory courses may need private insurance

Available Insurance Options

Public Health Insurance (GKV)

~€141/month

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).

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Private Health Insurance

From €28/month

Best for: Students over 30, language course students, PhD candidates

Flexible plans with varying coverage levels. Accepted for visa applications.

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Travel Health Insurance

From €1/day

Best for: Short-term stays, first weeks before permanent coverage

Temporary coverage for up to 5 years. Not sufficient for enrollment.

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Cost Overview

Item	Cost	Details
GKV Student Rate	~€141/month	2026 base rate plus each Kasse's Zusatzbeitrag (TK/AOK Bayern €141.16, DAK €145.52, BARMER €146.29)
Private Insurance (Basic)	From €28/month	Varies by provider and coverage level
Private Insurance (Comprehensive)	€59–€140/month	Full coverage comparable to GKV with extras
Semester Contribution	€200–€400/semester	University fee (separate from insurance) — includes public transport ticket

Item

GKV Student Rate

Cost

~€141/month

Details

2026 base rate plus each Kasse's Zusatzbeitrag (TK/AOK Bayern €141.16, DAK €145.52, BARMER €146.29)

Item

Private Insurance (Basic)

Cost

From €28/month

Details

Varies by provider and coverage level

Item

Private Insurance (Comprehensive)

Cost

€59–€140/month

Details

Full coverage comparable to GKV with extras

Item

Semester Contribution

Cost

€200–€400/semester

Details

University fee (separate from insurance) — includes public transport ticket

Visa & Insurance Requirements

Valid health insurance certificate required for visa application
Insurance must cover the entire duration of your stay
Minimum coverage: €30,000 for medical expenses
GKV confirmation letter accepted by all German embassies
Private insurance must meet specific embassy requirements

How to Get Insured

Choose Your Insurance Type

Decide between public (GKV) or private health insurance based on your age, enrollment status, and needs.

Apply Online

Submit your application with university admission letter, passport, and enrollment certificate.

Receive Your Certificate

Get your insurance confirmation (Versicherungsbescheinigung) within 1–3 business days.

Complete University Enrollment

Submit your insurance certificate to your university to finalize enrollment.

Get Your Insurance Card

Receive your electronic health card (eGK) by mail within 2–3 weeks.

🧮 See what public health insurance will cost you each month

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How Much Does Student Health Insurance Cost in Germany?

Health insurance in Germany costs ~€141/month for public insurance (GKV) or from €28/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.

What Are the Two Types of Health Insurance in Germany?

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 ~€141/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 €28/month with varying coverage levels.

Why Do 400,000+ International Students Choose Germany?

Tuition-free education at most public universities (only ~€200-400 semester fee)
Same healthcare access as German citizens through the student GKV rate
Heavily subsidized insurance — the student GKV rate is roughly half the standard rate
Semester ticket included — public transport in your city at no extra cost
Post-study work visa — 18-month job-seeking visa after graduation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my home country insurance in Germany?

What happens if I turn 30 during my studies in Germany?

Is dental care covered by German student health insurance?

How do I see a doctor in Germany as an international student?

Can I work while on student insurance in Germany?

Helpful Resources

Tools & Guides for Germany

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Health Insurance for Students in Germany

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