Germany has a well-developed healthcare system, but international students must understand how insurance, appointments, prescriptions, and medical payments work before beginning their studies. Health insurance is not optional: students generally need recognized coverage to enroll at a German university and maintain their legal residence.
Most degree-seeking students under 30 choose statutory health insurance because it provides broad coverage at a standardized student contribution. Private health insurance may suit certain students, but choosing it without understanding exclusions, deductibles, reimbursement procedures, and switching restrictions can create expensive problems later.
For Indian and other non-EU students, the process may involve two separate forms of coverage: temporary travel or incoming insurance for the journey and initial visa period, followed by comprehensive German health insurance for university enrollment and long-term residence.
This guide explains health insurance options, current student contributions, medical coverage, doctor appointments, prescriptions, emergency services, mental healthcare, and the practical steps international students should follow.
Healthcare for Students in Germany: Quick Overview
| Healthcare requirement | What students should know |
|---|---|
| Health insurance | Compulsory for students living and studying in Germany |
| University enrollment | The university normally requires electronic confirmation from a recognized insurer |
| Common option | Statutory student health insurance |
| Typical student insurance cost | Approximately €140–€150 per month, depending on the insurer and long-term care contribution |
| Private insurance | Available in certain cases but requires careful comparison |
| General doctor | Known as a Hausarzt |
| Specialist | Known as a Facharzt |
| Health insurance card | Presented at medical appointments |
| Non-life-threatening urgent care | Call 116117 |
| Life-threatening emergency | Call 112 |
| Prescription medicine | Usually obtained from an Apotheke |
| Hospital copayment | Statutorily insured adults generally pay €10 per day for up to 28 days per calendar year |
| Mental healthcare | Covered under statutory insurance when treatment requirements are met |
| Dental treatment | Basic medically necessary treatment is covered; advanced treatments may involve additional costs |
Health insurance contributions should be included in the student’s monthly budget. They are separate from semester contributions, rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory for Students in Germany?
Yes. Everyone residing in Germany must generally have valid health insurance. Students must normally provide proof of coverage before completing university enrollment.
For most students, the insurer sends confirmation directly to the university through Germany’s electronic reporting system. A printed policy document or travel insurance certificate may not be sufficient for enrollment.
Health insurance is also relevant at several other stages:
Applying for a German student visa
Entering Germany
Registering at a university
Applying for or extending a residence permit
Beginning a part-time job
Receiving treatment from doctors and hospitals
Completing university re-enrollment requirements
Students should avoid waiting until the final enrollment deadline to arrange coverage. If the university has not received the electronic notification, enrollment may be delayed even when the student has already applied for an insurance policy.
Who Needs German Student Health Insurance?
The correct insurance arrangement depends on the student’s nationality, age, academic status, employment, and existing coverage.
Degree-Seeking Students Under 30
Most students enrolled in a recognized bachelor’s or master’s degree program and under the age of 30 qualify for statutory student health insurance.
The student contribution is not calculated from ordinary student earnings. It is based on a standardized legal assessment amount, although each statutory health insurance fund can charge a different supplementary contribution.
Students Aged 30 or Older
The discounted statutory student rate normally ends around age 30. Extensions may be granted in certain circumstances, such as:
Illness or disability
Caring for family members
Raising children
Completing required preparatory education
Delayed admission caused by circumstances recognized under insurance rules
Certain forms of voluntary or public service
An extension is not automatic. The student must provide evidence, and the insurer decides whether the circumstances qualify.
Students who do not receive an extension may be able to continue as voluntarily insured members of a statutory fund. However, voluntary contributions are considerably higher than the discounted student rate. Private insurance may also be available, depending on age, health history, and policy conditions.
Language Course Students
Students attending only a preparatory language course are not always eligible for discounted statutory student insurance. They may require private or incoming health insurance until they enter a qualifying degree program.
A general language course and a university-integrated preparatory program can be treated differently. Students should ask both the university and insurer how their exact course is classified.
Studienkolleg Students
Insurance eligibility for Studienkolleg participants depends on the institution and enrollment status. Some participants qualify for statutory student insurance, while others need temporary private coverage.
The admission letter should be sent to the insurer so that it can determine the correct status.
Exchange Students
Exchange students from the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland, or a country covered by an applicable social security agreement may be able to use insurance from their home country.
Other exchange students generally need recognized German or international coverage that meets the university’s requirements.
Doctoral Students
Doctoral candidates are not always insured under ordinary student rules.
A doctoral candidate employed by a university is normally insured as an employee. A candidate financed through a scholarship may need voluntary statutory or private insurance. Enrollment as a doctoral student does not automatically guarantee access to the reduced student contribution.
Students With Part-Time Employment
A student can often keep student health insurance while working if studying remains the primary activity. Working more hours, taking certain forms of employment, or changing employment status can affect insurance classification.
Students should notify their insurer before starting a substantial job rather than relying only on information from the employer.
Statutory Health Insurance for Students
Statutory health insurance is called gesetzliche Krankenversicherung or GKV. Germany has multiple statutory health insurance funds, known as Krankenkassen.
The core benefits are defined by law, which means medically necessary coverage is broadly similar across statutory funds. Differences may include:
Supplementary contribution rates
English-language customer service
Mobile applications
Additional preventive benefits
Bonus programs
Coverage for certain vaccinations
Osteopathy or alternative-treatment allowances
Dental cleaning subsidies
Customer service locations
Support for international students
Students may generally choose from the statutory funds available in their place of residence or employment.
Advantages of Statutory Student Insurance
Statutory insurance is popular among international students because it normally offers:
Broad outpatient and hospital coverage
Direct billing through the health insurance card
Coverage for medically necessary treatment
Prescription medicine benefits
Preventive examinations
Access to mental healthcare under statutory rules
Pregnancy and maternity care
Basic dental treatment
Income-based contributions after student status ends
Potential family insurance under qualifying conditions
Less medical underwriting than private insurance
Doctors who treat statutory patients usually bill the health insurance fund directly. The student presents the electronic health card and normally does not pay the full consultation cost upfront.
Possible Limitations
Statutory insurance does not mean that every service is free. Students may still pay for:
Prescription copayments
Hospital copayments
Certain dental treatments
Professional dental cleaning
Glasses and contact lenses
Some alternative therapies
Private hospital rooms
Treatment by a specific senior physician
Non-covered travel vaccinations
Over-the-counter medicine
Services requested without medical necessity
Appointment availability may also vary by city and specialty.
Private Health Insurance for Students
Private health insurance is called private Krankenversicherung or PKV. It is based on a contract between the student and the insurance company.
Premiums and benefits may depend on:
Age
Health history
Policy coverage
Deductible
Length of coverage
Preexisting conditions
Reimbursement limits
Dental benefits
Hospital benefits
Geographic coverage
A low advertised monthly premium should not be the only reason to choose private insurance.
How Private Insurance Usually Works
With many private policies, the patient receives the medical bill and submits it to the insurer for reimbursement. Depending on the policy, the student may need to pay the provider before receiving reimbursement.
The insurer may reimburse the entire amount, only part of it, or nothing if the treatment falls outside the policy conditions.
Exemption From Statutory Insurance
A student who is subject to statutory student insurance may request an exemption in order to use eligible private coverage. The request generally must be submitted within three months of the beginning of compulsory student insurance.
This decision can be binding for the period of study or the relevant compulsory insurance status. A student who chooses private insurance may not be able to return to statutory student insurance simply because the private policy becomes expensive or inconvenient.
Before applying for an exemption, students should obtain written answers about:
Whether the policy is accepted for university enrollment
Whether the residence authority accepts the coverage
Deductibles and annual limits
Preexisting-condition exclusions
Mental health coverage
Pregnancy and maternity coverage
Prescription medicine limits
Dental coverage
Reimbursement procedures
Coverage during internships and part-time work
Cancellation conditions
Coverage after graduation
Possibility of joining statutory insurance later
Statutory vs. Private Health Insurance
| Factor | Statutory insurance | Private insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution | Standard student contribution plus insurer-specific supplementary amount | Based on policy, age, coverage, and risk |
| Medical underwriting | Generally not required for ordinary statutory membership | May include health questions or exclusions |
| Doctor billing | Usually direct through the insurance card | Student may receive and submit invoices |
| Preexisting conditions | Covered under statutory rules | May be excluded, limited, or priced differently |
| Family coverage | Qualifying dependents may be insured without an additional premium | Separate premium usually required for each person |
| Basic benefits | Defined primarily by law | Defined by the individual contract |
| Deductible | No general annual deductible for standard statutory benefits | Common in some policies |
| Switching | Students can generally change statutory funds subject to applicable rules | Returning to statutory insurance can be difficult |
| English support | Depends on the fund | Depends on the insurer |
| Best suited for | Most degree students under 30 | Students with a well-evaluated reason and suitable policy |
For most international degree students who qualify for the statutory student rate, statutory insurance is the simpler and more predictable option.
Health Insurance Costs for Students
Statutory student contributions consist of health insurance and long-term care insurance. The total varies according to the health insurance fund’s supplementary contribution and the student’s age, parental status, and number of qualifying children.
As one current example, the following TK student contributions are valid from January 1, 2026:
| Student category | Health insurance | Long-term care insurance | Total per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 23 without a child | €110.38 | €30.78 | €141.16 |
| Age 23 or older without a child | €110.38 | €35.91 | €146.29 |
| With at least one child | €110.38 | €30.78 | €141.16 |
| With two qualifying children under 25 | €110.38 | €28.64 | €139.02 |
These figures are an insurer-specific example rather than a universal price. Other statutory funds may charge different supplementary contributions.
Students should budget approximately €140–€150 per month for statutory student health and long-term care insurance, then confirm the exact contribution directly with their selected insurer.
Voluntary Statutory Insurance Costs
Students who no longer qualify for the reduced student rate may pay substantially more. The contribution for voluntary statutory membership is generally calculated using income rules and a minimum assessment basis.
Even a student with little or no income may therefore pay more than €250 per month when health and long-term care insurance are combined. The exact amount depends on the fund, income, age, and family status.
Private Insurance Costs
Private student policies can range from inexpensive limited plans to comprehensive policies costing several hundred euros per month.
A policy with a premium of €40 or €60 per month may not provide benefits comparable to statutory health insurance. It may instead be temporary incoming insurance with exclusions, waiting periods, low reimbursement limits, or restricted coverage.
Health Insurance for Indian Students
India does not participate in the European Health Insurance Card system. Indian students therefore normally need insurance specifically recognized in Germany.
The process commonly involves the following stages.
Before Traveling to Germany
The student may need travel or incoming health insurance covering the period from arrival until comprehensive German insurance begins.
This temporary policy is mainly intended to bridge the entry period. It should cover medical emergencies, unexpected illness, hospitalization, and repatriation according to the visa requirements applicable to the student.
Before University Enrollment
The student should apply to a German statutory fund or select eligible private insurance. If statutory insurance is chosen, the fund sends the required insurance-status notification electronically to the university.
A travel insurance certificate alone is normally not enough for long-term enrollment in a degree program.
After Arrival
The student may need to submit:
Passport
University admission or enrollment document
German address
Bank details
Passport photograph
Date of entry
Previous insurance information
Proof of age and family status, where relevant
The electronic health card is normally delivered after the application and identity requirements are completed.
For the Residence Permit
The local immigration authority may request evidence that the student has comprehensive health insurance. Students should carry both the insurance membership confirmation and any additional certificate requested by the authority.
The exact documentation may vary between cities.
EU and EEA Students Using the EHIC
Students who remain insured in another EU or EEA country may be able to use a valid European Health Insurance Card in Germany.
The EHIC provides access to medically necessary state-provided healthcare under the conditions applicable in Germany. However, it is not a universal replacement for every form of local insurance.
Students should check whether:
Their home-country insurance remains active for the entire study period
Their university accepts the EHIC-based exemption
They need confirmation from a German statutory fund
Part-time employment will change their insurance status
Planned treatment is covered
Private medical treatment is excluded
Repatriation or additional travel coverage is needed
Starting regular employment in Germany can change which country is responsible for the student’s social insurance. The student should inform both the home insurer and a German statutory fund.
How to Obtain Student Health Insurance
Step 1: Determine Your Insurance Status
Confirm whether you qualify for:
Statutory student insurance
Family insurance
EHIC-based coverage
Voluntary statutory insurance
Private insurance
Temporary incoming insurance
Age, course type, employment, nationality, and previous insurance can affect the answer.
Step 2: Compare Suitable Insurers
Compare total contributions, service quality, English support, additional benefits, and application procedures.
The cheapest supplementary contribution may save only a few euros per month. Reliable communication and clear support can be more valuable for a student unfamiliar with the German healthcare system.
Step 3: Submit the Application
The application commonly requires identification, university information, address details, and the expected start of studies.
Students applying before obtaining permanent accommodation should ask the insurer how to update the address after arrival.
Step 4: Give the University’s Reporting Information
The insurer may request the university’s institutional reporting number or sender number. The university usually provides instructions explaining which electronic notification is required.
Step 5: Confirm Electronic Notification
Ask the insurer whether the notification has been sent successfully. The university must also process it before enrollment can be completed.
Step 6: Arrange Contribution Payments
Monthly contributions are often collected through direct debit. Students should maintain enough money in the account and notify the insurer immediately if a payment fails.
Unpaid insurance contributions do not simply disappear. They can result in debt, reminders, restricted benefits, and problems when changing insurance status.
Step 7: Receive and Use the Health Card
The electronic health card, or elektronische Gesundheitskarte, contains insurance information. Present it when visiting a doctor, dentist, psychotherapist, or hospital that treats statutory patients.
What Does Statutory Student Insurance Cover?
Statutory insurance generally covers medically necessary care provided within the statutory system.
General Practitioner Visits
Students can visit a general practitioner or Hausarzt for common illnesses, infections, minor injuries, ongoing symptoms, vaccinations, and referrals.
The Hausarzt is often the best first contact when the student does not know which specialist is appropriate.
Specialist Treatment
Students can consult specialists such as:
Dermatologists
Orthopedists
Gynecologists
Ear, nose, and throat specialists
Ophthalmologists
Cardiologists
Neurologists
Psychiatrists
A referral is not legally required for every specialist appointment, but it may be requested by the practice or useful for coordinating treatment.
Hospital Care
Medically necessary inpatient and outpatient hospital services are generally covered. Statutorily insured adults normally pay a hospital copayment of €10 per day for no more than 28 days in a calendar year.
Optional services, such as a private room or treatment by a specific senior physician, are not automatically covered.
Prescription Medicine
Prescription medicine covered by statutory insurance normally requires a copayment of 10% of the price, with a minimum of €5 and a maximum of €10 per package. The copayment cannot exceed the actual cost of the medicine.
Some medicines are exempt from copayments. Students under 18 are generally exempt from statutory copayments.
Preventive Care
Coverage can include:
Vaccinations recommended under applicable rules
Health checkups
Cancer screening
Dental checkups
Pregnancy examinations
Early-detection services
Eligibility and frequency can depend on age, sex, medical history, and the individual service.
Pregnancy and Maternity Care
Statutory insurance generally covers medically necessary pregnancy care, prenatal examinations, childbirth, and postnatal services.
International students who are pregnant should contact their insurer and a gynecologist early. They should also ask the university about maternity protections, examination arrangements, and possible leave options.
Physiotherapy and Other Therapies
Medically prescribed physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy may be covered, but adult patients commonly pay a percentage of the treatment cost plus a fee for the prescription.
Students should confirm the expected copayment before treatment begins.
Services That May Not Be Fully Covered
Students should not assume that presenting an insurance card makes every medical service free.
Common additional expenses include:
| Service | Possible student expense |
|---|---|
| Prescription medicine | Usually €5–€10 per package under statutory rules |
| Over-the-counter medicine | Usually paid in full |
| Hospital stay | €10 per day, subject to the annual limit |
| Professional dental cleaning | Often paid privately |
| Dental crowns or dentures | Student may pay part of the cost |
| Adult glasses | Usually paid privately except in limited medical cases |
| Contact lenses | Usually paid privately |
| Private hospital room | Not included in standard statutory coverage |
| Cosmetic treatment | Normally not covered |
| Alternative treatments | Coverage depends on the insurer and service |
| Medical certificate | May involve a private fee when not a covered medical service |
| Travel vaccinations | Coverage varies by insurer and destination |
Before agreeing to a service marked as a private service or Individuelle Gesundheitsleistung, ask for the price in writing.
How to Visit a Doctor in Germany
Find a Suitable Practice
Students can search for practices through:
Their health insurance fund
The 116117 physician search service
University international offices
Local medical associations
Recommendations from other students
Search terms such as Hausarzt Englisch followed by the city name can help identify English-speaking doctors.
Make an Appointment
Many practices accept appointments by phone or online. When calling, state:
Your name
Whether you have statutory or private insurance
The reason for the appointment
Whether the problem is urgent
Your preferred language
A useful sentence is: “Ich bin gesetzlich versichert und brauche einen Termin.” This means, “I have statutory insurance and need an appointment.”
Bring the Necessary Documents
Bring:
Health insurance card
Passport or identification if requested
Referral, if applicable
List of current medicines
Previous medical records when relevant
Vaccination record
Payment method for private fees
If the health card has not arrived, ask the insurer for a temporary membership certificate.
During the Consultation
Describe symptoms clearly, including when they began, their severity, and any medicine already taken. Students can ask whether a recommended service is covered before accepting it.
Medical confidentiality applies in Germany. A doctor generally cannot share a student’s medical details with a university, employer, landlord, or family member without legal justification or the patient’s consent.
Emergency and Urgent Medical Care
Understanding the difference between 112, 116117, and an ordinary doctor’s appointment prevents delays and unnecessary emergency department use.
Call 112 for Life-Threatening Emergencies
Call 112 when immediate emergency assistance is required, including situations such as:
Severe breathing difficulty
Suspected heart attack
Suspected stroke
Unconsciousness
Severe bleeding
Serious accident
Life-threatening allergic reaction
Acute risk of suicide or serious self-harm
The emergency number works throughout Germany and the European Union.
When calling, provide the location, describe what happened, state how many people are affected, and remain on the line for further instructions.
Call 116117 for Urgent but Non-Life-Threatening Problems
The medical on-call service is available when ordinary practices are closed and the condition cannot reasonably wait until the next working day.
Examples may include:
High fever without immediate danger
Severe sore throat
Persistent vomiting
Pain requiring prompt medical assessment
Worsening infection
Acute urinary symptoms
A non-life-threatening illness during a weekend or holiday
Telephone assistance through 116117 is primarily provided in German. Students who are not comfortable speaking German may need help from a German-speaking friend.
Visit the Emergency Department When Appropriate
Hospital emergency departments are called Notaufnahme. They are intended for serious emergencies, not routine conditions that can be treated by a regular doctor.
Patients are assessed according to medical urgency rather than arrival time. A student with a less urgent condition may wait several hours.
Emergency Pharmacies
Most pharmacies are not open throughout the night. An emergency pharmacy service, or Apotheken-Notdienst, operates locally outside regular hours.
The nearest emergency pharmacy is usually displayed on pharmacy doors and can be found through official pharmacy search services.
Pharmacies and Prescriptions
A pharmacy is called an Apotheke. Prescription medicines are dispensed only through authorized pharmacies.
Germany uses different prescription arrangements, including electronic prescriptions. A statutory prescription may be accessed using the health insurance card or an approved application.
Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter Medicine
Prescription medicine requires authorization from a doctor. Over-the-counter products can be purchased directly but are usually not reimbursed for adults.
German pharmacies may use different brand names from those used in India or other countries. Students should know the generic name and active ingredient of any regular medicine.
Bringing Medicine From India
Students carrying regular medication should bring:
A doctor’s prescription
A medical letter explaining the condition
The generic names of the medicines
Medicine in its original packaging
Only a legally permitted personal-use quantity
Some controlled medicines require additional documentation. Students should verify customs and medication rules before traveling.
Dental Care for Students
Statutory health insurance covers medically necessary basic dental treatment, including routine examinations and standard treatment for dental disease.
However, students may pay additional amounts for:
Premium filling materials
Crowns
Bridges
Dentures
Implants
Professional cleaning
Cosmetic treatment
Orthodontic treatment outside covered conditions
For expensive dental work, ask the dentist for a written treatment and cost plan, known as a Heil- und Kostenplan. Submit it to the insurer before treatment begins.
Regular documented dental checkups can improve certain statutory subsidies for future dental prosthetic treatment.
Eye Care and Glasses
Routine glasses and contact lenses for adults are usually not fully covered by statutory insurance. Coverage may be available in limited cases involving significant visual impairment or specific medical conditions.
Students should budget separately for:
Eye examinations that are not covered
Frames
Lenses
Contact lenses
Lens solutions
Repairs or replacement
An ophthalmologist treats medical eye conditions, while an optician provides glasses and performs retail vision services.
Mental Healthcare for Students
International students may experience loneliness, academic pressure, cultural adjustment, financial stress, sleep problems, anxiety, or depression. Seeking support early is important.
Possible starting points include:
University psychological counseling
Studierendenwerk counseling
A Hausarzt
A statutory psychotherapist
A psychiatrist
Social counseling
Crisis services
University counseling is often free or low-cost and can be useful for short-term support. It may not replace long-term psychotherapy or psychiatric care.
Statutory insurance can cover approved psychotherapy, but students may need initial consultations and can face waiting periods. Students searching for therapy in English should contact several practices and ask their insurer or 116117 for assistance.
A person facing an immediate danger of suicide or serious self-harm should call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Sick Notes, Employment, and Missed Examinations
A medical certificate for employment is called an Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung. Employees must notify their employer promptly when they are unable to work, even when medical information is transmitted electronically.
University rules are separate from employment rules. Missing an examination may require:
Immediate notification to the examination office
A medical certificate
A specific university form
Confirmation that the student was unfit to take the examination
Submission within a strict deadline
A general doctor’s note may not satisfy the examination regulations. Students should check the rules before an emergency occurs.
Certificates issued only for administrative purposes may involve a private fee.
Health Insurance and Part-Time Jobs
Starting a job can affect health insurance, particularly when:
Working hours become substantial
Studies are no longer considered the primary activity
The student takes a semester off
The job becomes full-time
Several jobs are combined
Employment continues during semester breaks
The student reaches the age limit for student insurance
Income affects eligibility for family insurance
Under the working-student arrangement, eligible students generally pay pension insurance through employment but continue paying student health and long-term care insurance separately.
The 20-hour guideline during the lecture period is important, but exceptions and detailed rules apply. Students should provide the employment contract to their insurer for an official assessment.
Insurance During Internships
Insurance treatment depends on whether the internship is:
Mandatory or voluntary
Paid or unpaid
Completed before, during, or after the degree
Located in Germany or abroad
Part of the examination regulations
Combined with ordinary employment
A compulsory internship within the degree may be treated differently from a voluntary paid internship. Students should ask the insurer, employer, and university before signing the agreement.
Accident Insurance at University
Enrolled students are generally protected by statutory accident insurance during covered university activities and on direct routes to and from those activities.
Coverage may include:
Lectures
Seminars
Laboratory work
University examinations
Official university sports in qualifying circumstances
Direct travel between home and the university
Certain university-organized activities
Private leisure activities are not covered merely because the person is a student.
A university-related accident should be reported promptly to the university. The student should tell the treating doctor that the injury occurred during a university activity or covered commute.
Additional Insurance Students Should Consider
Personal Liability Insurance
Personal liability insurance, or Privathaftpflichtversicherung, is not generally compulsory but is highly recommended.
It can protect a student who accidentally causes injury or damages another person’s property. Examples include damaging a rented apartment, breaking an expensive item belonging to someone else, or causing an accident while cycling.
Students should check whether the policy includes:
Damage to rented property
Loss of keys
Bicycle-related liability
Internships
Study-related activities
Coverage outside Germany
Adequate coverage limits
Household Contents Insurance
Household contents insurance can cover belongings against risks such as fire, burglary, water damage, and storms, depending on the policy.
Students with few possessions may decide it is unnecessary, while those with expensive electronics or bicycles may find it useful.
Travel Health Insurance
German statutory insurance provides certain coverage in parts of Europe, but it may not cover all foreign treatment or medical repatriation.
Students traveling outside Germany should consider separate travel health insurance, especially for destinations outside the European region.
Common German Healthcare Terms
| German term | English meaning |
|---|---|
| Krankenversicherung | Health insurance |
| Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung | Statutory health insurance |
| Private Krankenversicherung | Private health insurance |
| Krankenkasse | Statutory health insurance fund |
| Gesundheitskarte | Health insurance card |
| Hausarzt | General practitioner or family doctor |
| Facharzt | Specialist |
| Ăśberweisung | Medical referral |
| Rezept | Prescription |
| Apotheke | Pharmacy |
| Notaufnahme | Emergency department |
| Bereitschaftsdienst | Medical on-call service |
| Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung | Certificate of incapacity for work |
| Krankschreibung | Sick note or medical leave certification |
| Zuzahlung | Statutory copayment |
| Selbstbeteiligung | Deductible |
| Vorsorgeuntersuchung | Preventive examination |
| Heil- und Kostenplan | Dental treatment and cost plan |
| Psychotherapie | Psychotherapy |
| Sprechstunde | Consultation hours |
Sample Monthly Healthcare Budget
| Expense | Suggested monthly provision |
|---|---|
| Statutory student insurance | €140–€150 |
| Over-the-counter medicine | €5–€15 |
| Prescription copayments | €0–€10 |
| Dental and vision reserve | €10–€25 |
| Personal liability insurance | €3–€8 |
| Travel health insurance | Varies by policy |
| Suggested healthcare-related budget | Approximately €160–€200 |
A student with chronic illness, regular prescriptions, private insurance, dental needs, or specialist equipment may require a higher budget.
How Students Can Reduce Healthcare Problems
Arrange recognized insurance before the enrollment deadline.
Confirm that the insurer has sent the electronic university notification.
Read all letters and emails from the insurer.
Keep contribution payments current.
Update the insurer after moving or changing banks.
Inform the insurer before beginning substantial employment.
Save copies of prescriptions, medical reports, and vaccination records.
Ask whether a service is statutory or private before treatment.
Request written estimates for dental and other expensive procedures.
Register with a local Hausarzt soon after moving.
Learn the difference between 112 and 116117.
Keep emergency information and medication details on the phone.
Seek mental health support before a problem becomes a crisis.
Check travel coverage before leaving Germany.
Common Mistakes International Students Make
Choosing the Cheapest Policy Without Checking Acceptance
An inexpensive incoming policy may meet a temporary visa requirement but fail to provide the coverage required for university enrollment or a long-term residence permit.
Confusing Travel Insurance With Student Health Insurance
Travel insurance is usually temporary and focused on unexpected events. Comprehensive health insurance is designed for ongoing residence and ordinary medical care.
Requesting a Statutory Exemption Too Quickly
The choice of private insurance can have long-term consequences. Students should compare the full contract before requesting an exemption.
Ignoring Insurance Letters
Letters may concern unpaid contributions, missing documents, changes in status, or deadlines. Ignoring them can lead to debt or restricted benefits.
Assuming All Treatment Is Free
Prescription copayments, private medical services, dental work, glasses, and administrative certificates can generate additional costs.
Going Directly to the Emergency Department for Routine Care
For non-life-threatening conditions, a Hausarzt or the 116117 service is usually more appropriate.
Failing to Report Employment
A change in working hours or job type can alter insurance status. Late reporting may result in retroactive contributions.
Missing University Examination Procedures
A student may have a genuine illness but still lose an examination attempt if the correct certificate is not submitted within the required deadline.
Healthcare Checklist for New Students
Before Departure
Determine whether you qualify for statutory student insurance.
Check visa health insurance requirements.
Arrange temporary coverage for the entry period if needed.
Apply for comprehensive German insurance.
Carry prescriptions and medical records.
Bring a vaccination record.
Verify rules for controlled medicines.
Save digital copies of important documents.
After Arrival
Complete the insurer’s identity and address requirements.
Confirm the university received electronic notification.
Arrange direct debit for monthly contributions.
Obtain the health insurance card.
Find a nearby Hausarzt and pharmacy.
Save 112 and 116117 in your phone.
Research the university’s counseling services.
Check the procedure for illness during examinations.
Consider personal liability and travel health insurance.
During the Degree
Pay contributions on time.
Update address and bank details.
Notify the insurer about employment and internships.
Attend preventive and dental checkups.
Keep copies of major medical records.
Review insurance status before turning 30.
Check coverage before studying or traveling abroad.
Clarify insurance arrangements before graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is healthcare free for students in Germany?
No. Students pay monthly health and long-term care insurance contributions. Statutory insurance covers many medically necessary services, but copayments and non-covered expenses still apply.
How much is student health insurance in Germany?
Most eligible students should budget approximately €140–€150 per month for statutory health and long-term care insurance. The exact amount depends on the insurance fund, age, parental status, and supplementary contribution.
Can international students use public health insurance?
Most international students under 30 who enroll in a qualifying degree program can apply for statutory student health insurance. Eligibility may differ for language students, doctoral candidates, students over 30, and participants in certain preparatory programs.
Can an Indian student use Indian health insurance in Germany?
Ordinary Indian health insurance is generally not accepted as a substitute for German student insurance. Indian students usually need temporary travel coverage for entry and recognized comprehensive insurance for enrollment and residence.
Is travel insurance enough for a German student visa?
Travel or incoming insurance may cover the entry period and may form part of the visa documentation. However, it normally does not replace comprehensive health insurance required for university enrollment and long-term residence.
Can I enroll at a German university without health insurance?
Normally, no. The university requires confirmation of valid insurance status or an approved exemption. The notification is generally sent electronically by a German statutory health insurance fund.
Should students choose statutory or private insurance?
Statutory insurance is usually the simpler option for eligible degree students. Private insurance may be appropriate in specific cases, but students must examine deductibles, exclusions, reimbursement limits, future costs, and switching restrictions.
Can I change from private to statutory insurance during my studies?
Not always. A student who requested exemption from compulsory statutory insurance may be unable to return during the same period of study or insurance status. Professional advice should be obtained before choosing private coverage.
Does student insurance cover dental treatment?
Statutory insurance covers medically necessary basic dental care. Premium materials, implants, professional cleaning, and advanced prosthetic treatment may require additional payment.
Does health insurance cover glasses?
Adult glasses and contact lenses are generally not covered except in limited medical situations. Most students should budget for them separately.
Is psychotherapy covered?
Statutory insurance can cover approved psychotherapy from eligible providers. Students may need preliminary consultations, and waiting periods can occur.
What should I do if I become sick at night or on a weekend?
For an urgent but non-life-threatening condition that cannot wait, contact 116117. For a life-threatening emergency, call 112.
Can I visit any doctor?
Statutorily insured students should use practices that accept statutory patients, known as Kassenpatienten. Private-only practices may charge the student directly.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
Not for every specialist, but some practices request one, and referrals can help coordinate treatment. Ask the specialist’s office when booking.
Does student insurance cover hospitalization?
Medically necessary hospital treatment is generally covered. Statutorily insured adults normally pay €10 per day for up to 28 days per calendar year.
What happens to my insurance if I work part-time?
Many students retain student insurance when studying remains their main activity. Working hours, income, and job type can affect the classification, so the insurer should review the employment contract.
What happens after I turn 30?
The reduced statutory student rate normally ends around age 30 unless an exception applies. The student may need voluntary statutory or private insurance, both of which can be more expensive.
Does university insurance cover accidents?
Statutory accident insurance generally covers qualifying university activities and direct commutes. It does not replace health insurance and does not normally cover private leisure activities.
Can my spouse or children receive coverage?
Qualifying family members may be included without an additional contribution under statutory family insurance if all legal conditions are satisfied. The insurer must assess income, residence, and family status.
Final Thoughts
Healthcare for students in Germany is reliable and comprehensive when the correct insurance is arranged. The most important step is selecting coverage that is valid not only for travel or a visa but also for university enrollment and long-term residence.
For most eligible international degree students under 30, statutory student insurance offers predictable contributions, broad benefits, and straightforward billing through the health card. Private insurance should be selected only after carefully examining the complete contract and understanding the consequences of leaving the statutory system.
Students should include insurance in their monthly budget, register with a local doctor, understand emergency numbers, and communicate with the insurer whenever their age, address, employment, course, or family situation changes. These simple preparations make it much easier to access medical care without unexpected administrative or financial problems.
