BARMER

BARMER costs €146.29/month for students under 23 (or with children) and €151.42/month for students 23+ without children. Breakdown: €87.38 base health insurance + €28.13 Zusatzbeitrag (3.29%) + €30.78 nursing care (or €35.91 if childless and 23+). That's about €5/month more than TK.

Teledoktor is BARMER's free 24/7 telemedicine service. You can consult doctors via video for minor illnesses, prescription renewals, skin checks, and second opinions before operations — no appointment needed. Especially useful for students with busy schedules.

Yes, BARMER covers full psychotherapy as required by law. Additionally, BARMER includes the 7Mind mindfulness app for free (12 months) and offers online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs — going beyond basic GKV requirements. Completing 7Mind courses earns bonus points too.

Yes, if you are under 30 and enrolled in a degree program at a German university. Sign up within 3 months of enrollment. BARMER offers an English website (barmer.de/en) and a dedicated English hotline for international students.

BARMER costs about €5/month (€61/year) more than TK. It's worth it if you value 24/7 telemedicine (Teledoktor), mental health extras (free 7Mind app, online CBT), or 100% travel vaccination coverage. If English 24/7 support and lower price are priorities, TK is the better choice.