Health Insurance for International Students in Germany

Here’s the short version: everyone in Germany has to have health insurance, including students. No insurance, no enrolment—and no visa. So it’s not something you can skip. The good news: once you know the basics, it’s pretty straightforward. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Health Insurance is Mandatory

German law doesn’t mess around on this. For you as a student it means: the uni will ask for proof before they enrol you, and the visa office will ask for it before they give you the visa. You also need it for things like registering at the Bürgeramt. So get it sorted early and keep the confirmations safe.

Public vs Private Insurance

Public health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung)

This is the default for most “classic” students. Providers like TK, AOK, Barmer, and DAK-Gesundheit offer student tariffs. If you’re under 30 and in your first degree (Bachelor or first Master) at a state-recognised uni, you’re usually required to be in public insurance. It’s around €120–135 per month (check current rates). Coverage is broad—doctor, hospital, prescriptions—and if you have a spouse or kids without income, they can often be covered with you at no extra cost.

Private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung)

This is for people who aren’t in the “under 30, first degree” box—e.g. you’re over 30, doing a second Master’s, in a prep or language course, or a PhD. Cost depends on age and plan; sometimes it’s cheaper, sometimes not. Coverage can be more “comfort” (e.g. single room in hospital), but the contract must meet visa and uni requirements. Your uni and the public insurers can tell you whether you’re allowed to go private or not.

Before You Arrive: Travel / Entry Insurance

For the visa, you need proof of insurance that’s valid from your date of entry. Two common approaches:

• Short-term student plans from providers like DR-WALTER or Mawista. They’re accepted for the visa and often for the first months until you switch to a German public or private plan.
• Public insurer from abroad – Some (e.g. TK, AOK) let you sign up from overseas with a start date when you land. Ask them directly.

Either way, double-check with the embassy and your university that your chosen plan is accepted. Saves nasty surprises later.

After Enrolment: Switching or Staying

If you started with a travel/entry plan, you’ll usually switch to a proper German plan once you’re enrolled. The uni and the public insurer can walk you through it.

If you’re already in public insurance, you stay in the student tariff until you turn 30 or finish your first degree (rules vary a bit). After that you might need to move to a different tariff or go private.

Keep every confirmation letter and payment proof. You’ll need them for the visa, the uni, and later for the Ausländerbehörde when you extend your residence permit.

What to Prepare

For the visa: A letter or certificate from the insurer saying you’re covered from your entry date.
For enrolment: Same proof; some unis want a specific form (e.g. “Bescheinigung”) from a public insurer if you’re in the public system.
After arrival: Register with the insurer, pay on time, and keep your documents for any future visa extension.

Get the right coverage at the right time and you’ll sail through the bureaucratic bits. YourWeg can help you plan your timeline so visa and enrolment deadlines don’t creep up on you.