Health Insurance for International Students in Germany (2026): Public vs Private

Why you can't skip this

Health insurance in Germany is legally mandatory. You need proof of coverage for:

Your student visa application

University enrollment (Immatrikulation)

Opening some bank accounts and renting flats

No insurance = no enrollment. It's that simple.

Public vs private: the 30-second answer

If you're under 30 and enrolled in a degree program → choose public (gesetzliche) insurance. It costs about €120–135/month at the student rate, covers virtually everything (doctor visits, hospital, most medications, mental health), and every provider charges nearly the same.

The big public providers popular with international students:

• TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) — most English-friendly service
• AOK — largest network of local offices
• Barmer and DAK — comparable coverage

Honestly: coverage differences are minimal. Pick one with English support and enroll online before you travel — you'll get the confirmation your university needs.

When you need private insurance instead

• Over 30 years old at enrollment → public student rate no longer available; you'll pay the higher voluntary public rate (~€220+/month) or take private insurance
• Language course / Studienkolleg students → often not eligible for public student insurance; you need private coverage (e.g. incoming-student tariffs from €30–70/month) until you enroll in a degree program
• PhD candidates without employment contract → case-by-case

⚠️ Cheap "incoming" private plans are fine for a visa and a language course, but they cover less and pre-existing conditions are usually excluded. Switch to public insurance as soon as you're eligible.

What it costs in your monthly budget

The student rate is set by law, so "shopping around" between public providers saves you almost nothing — service language matters more.

How to enroll (15 minutes)

Apply online with TK/AOK/Barmer — passport + admission letter is enough

Receive your membership confirmation (Mitgliedsbescheinigung) by email

The provider reports your coverage electronically to your university

After arrival, you'll get your physical insurance card (eGK) by post

Do this before your visa appointment — the embassy wants proof of coverage from day one in Germany. Travel insurance for the first days is often bundled free.

Health insurance and your part-time job

If you work a Werkstudent job within 20 hours/week during the semester, you keep your cheap student insurance. Exceed the limit regularly and you're reclassified as an employee — with full social contributions. Check the impact on your net pay with the salary calculator.

FAQ

Is insurance included in the semester fee?

No. The semester contribution covers administration and transport — health insurance is separate.

Can I use insurance from my home country?

Only EU EHIC cards and a few treaty countries qualify. Insurance from India, Pakistan, Nigeria etc. is not accepted for enrollment.

What about my spouse and kids?

Public insurance offers free family coverage for dependents without income — a huge advantage over private plans.

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Planning your total budget? Read the full cost of studying in Germany breakdown.