Every student in Germany needs health insurance. You cannot enrol at a university without proof of it, and the German mission will not issue a study visa without cover for your first weeks. The rules are simple once you see them laid out, but Indian students often buy the wrong policy, pay twice or miss the exemption step. This guide explains public and private cover, what it costs, the age-30 rule and the steps to follow, using statutory insurer and university pages read at the time of writing.
- TK, one of the large statutory insurers, currently lists a student rate of 141.16 euros a month for students under 23 without children and 146.29 euros from age 23
- Universities say travel insurance is enough for the visa and the first weeks, but not for enrolment
- Student rates generally end at 30 or after the 14th semester.
How Does Health Insurance in Germany for International Students Work?
Health insurance in Germany for international students is compulsory. Degree students under 30 normally join a statutory (public) insurer at a fixed student rate. Some students can use private insurance instead, but they then need an exemption from a statutory insurer. Your university checks your insurance status electronically before it lets you enrol.
Germany has two systems. Statutory health insurance, known as GKV, covers most residents, and benefits are set by law. Private health insurance, known as PKV, is sold by private companies, and the cover depends on the policy you buy. The University of Goettingen strongly recommends statutory cover for all students who can get it.
For enrolment, your insurer sends the university an electronic notice of your insurance status. Universities call it the M10 notice. Without it, enrolment is not possible. This is true even if you hold a private policy, because a statutory insurer must then report that you are exempt.
Germany student visa for Indian students: documents and feesRead →Should You Choose Public or Private Health Insurance as a Student?
Choose public insurance if you are a degree student under 30. It has a fixed student rate, covers pre-existing conditions and bills the doctor directly. Private insurance mainly suits students who cannot get the student rate, such as those over 30, language course students and preparatory course students. Once you go private, switching back is usually blocked.
| Point | Public (statutory, GKV) | Private (PKV) |
|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | Degree students under 30 | Students over 30, language and preparatory course students |
| Price | Fixed student rate set by law | Depends on age, health and the policy |
| Benefits | Set by law and almost the same at every insurer | Depend on the policy; basic plans can be thin |
| Paying the doctor | Insurer pays the doctor directly | You often pay first and claim back |
| Switching later | Possible | Usually not possible until your studies end |
The cheapest private plan can look attractive, but the University of Goettingen warns that basic private student contracts are often not enough for everyday cover. If you choose private cover, check what it excludes, such as dental care, pregnancy, psychotherapy or existing conditions, and whether your university accepts the insurer.
How Much Does Student Health Insurance Cost in Germany?
Statutory insurers charge students a standard rate linked to the BAfoeG maintenance figure, plus long-term care insurance and the insurer's own extra contribution. TK currently lists 141.16 euros a month in total for students under 23 without children and 146.29 euros from age 23. Other public insurers charge similar amounts.
| TK student rate (monthly, current table) | Health insurance | Long-term care | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 23 years, no children | 110.38 euros | 30.78 euros | 141.16 euros |
| From 23 years, no children | 110.38 euros | 35.91 euros | 146.29 euros |
| With at least 1 child | 110.38 euros | 30.78 euros | 141.16 euros |
The health part of the rate is the same at every statutory insurer, while the extra contribution differs slightly, so totals at AOK, Barmer or DAK will be close to TK's. TK says monthly direct debit is the easiest way to pay. Private premiums vary too much to quote one figure; ask each insurer for a written quote based on your age and health.
Budget for insurance on top of rent. Your blocked account releases a fixed amount each month, and insurance is one of the first regular costs taken from it.
Germany blocked account: amount and how to open oneRead →What Happens to Your Health Insurance When You Turn 30?
The cheap student rate generally ends when you turn 30 or after your 14th semester, whichever comes first. TK says it can extend student cover only in certain cases, such as illness, disability, childbirth or caring for a relative. After that you pay voluntary statutory contributions based on income, or switch to private insurance.
TK currently lists 220.03 euros a month as its voluntary health insurance contribution after student cover ends. Students who start a degree at 30 or older and were never publicly insured in Germany or the EU usually cannot join the student rate at all, so they need private cover. If you are close to 30, plan your insurance for the whole course before you apply.
Which Health Insurance Do You Need for the German Student Visa?
For the visa, you need cover from the day you arrive until your German student insurance starts. The University of Kassel says this usually means a policy for the first three months with cover of between 30,000 and 50,000 euros. Statutory student cover normally starts on 1 April or 1 October, with the semester.
This short policy is often called incoming or travel health insurance. Do not buy one for your whole stay unless your mission asks for it, because German statutory or approved private cover replaces it once you enrol. The University of Goettingen is clear that you cannot enrol with only a travel policy. Check the latest visa checklist of the German mission for your region before you buy.
How Do You Get Exempted from Statutory Health Insurance?
If you use private insurance, or insurance from home that matches German statutory cover, you must ask a statutory insurer for an exemption. You show your policy, the statutory insurer checks it and then reports to your university that you are not subject to statutory insurance. The exemption normally lasts for your whole course.
Only a statutory insurer can decide whether a private or foreign policy meets the German minimum. Indian travel or health policies rarely match it, so most Indian students join a statutory insurer instead. Think carefully before you apply for an exemption, because universities say you usually cannot return to statutory cover until your studies end.
How Do You Sign Up with a Public Health Insurer?
Pick a statutory insurer, such as TK, AOK, Barmer or DAK, and apply online, often from India. Send your admission letter and passport details, then set up a direct debit once you have a German account. The insurer sends the M10 notice to your university, and later posts your electronic health card.
- Get your admission letter and check your semester start date
- Buy incoming insurance for the visa and the weeks before the semester
- Apply to a statutory insurer online and choose student insurance
- Ask the insurer to send the M10 notice to your university
- Enrol, register your address and set up the monthly direct debit
- Carry your health card to every doctor or hospital visit
What Does Student Health Insurance Cover in Germany?
Statutory student insurance covers doctor and specialist visits, prescribed medicines with small co-payments, hospital care, emergencies, preventive check-ups, recommended vaccinations, pregnancy care, basic dental treatment and psychotherapy. The doctor bills the insurer directly, so you do not pay up front. Private plans vary, so read the list of exclusions carefully.
Cover usually includes long-term care insurance, which is part of the monthly total. Glasses, some dental work and non-essential treatment can involve extra costs, so ask your insurer before treatment. Keep the insurer's English helpline number in your phone.
Cost of living in Germany for Indian studentsRead →Which Other Insurance Should Students Consider in Germany?
Personal liability insurance is the main extra policy students take. The University of Kassel points out that anyone can be held liable for damage caused to other people in Germany and recommends private liability cover. It protects you if you accidentally damage a landlord's flat, a borrowed laptop or someone else's property.
Liability insurance is not compulsory, but many landlords like to see it. If you work alongside your studies, ask your insurer whether your job changes your status, because heavy working hours can affect the student rate. Your university's international office is the best place to ask before you sign anything.