Health Insurance Requirements for International Students in Germany
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If you are planning to study abroad, then chances are you have come across the requirement of health insurance. Like many countries abroad, Health Insurance is mandatory for students planning to study in Germany. This is applicable to one and all. With no such norm in India, students are often left wondering what this is about and how to go about it.
If you are an international student planning to study in Germany, understanding health insurance is very important. In Germany, every person must have health insurance, and this includes students from other countries. Health insurance helps cover the costs of medical care if you get sick or have an accident. It ensures that you can receive treatment without worrying about high bills.
Before you arrive in Germany, you need to know what type of health insurance you will need. There are two main types: statutory health insurance and private health insurance. Statutory health insurance is usually cheaper and covers most medical needs, while private health insurance may offer more benefits but can be more expensive. Some students from certain countries may be able to use their home country’s health insurance if it meets German standards. However, if you plan to work or do a paid internship in Germany, you will need to get German health insurance.
- Why Health Insurance is Important in Germany
- 🩺 Types of Health Insurance for Students in Germany
- Where Can You Get Student Health Insurance?
- Choosing the Right Health Insurance
- DAAD Health Insurance Options
- What To Do If You Get Sick in Germany
Why Health Insurance is Important in Germany
In Germany, healthcare is expensive, and without insurance, you may end up paying huge bills. That’s why the German government has made health insurance compulsory for students. With German health insurance, you don’t have to worry about doctor visits, hospital costs, or emergency treatment. The insurance company will pay for it, so you can focus on your studies without stress.
🩺 Types of Health Insurance for Students in Germany
Healthcare is expensive abroad, and in Germany, health insurance is mandatory for students staying 2–4 years. While it may not be compulsory for language or short-term courses, it's always a smart idea to be insured.
For international students from outside the EU, there are two main options:
🏥 Statutory Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung)
- This is the most common type for students
- Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescribed medicines
- Costs approx. €120–130/month for students under 30
🔒 Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung)
- May offer broader benefits and flexibility
- Often more expensive with upfront payments
- Less common among students due to higher costs
Note: EU students with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may use that instead.
Public Health Insurance from Germany
Germany as a country requires mandatory health cover to all falling under the fixed income slab of €50,000 per annum. This Public Insurance has tied up with various agencies to provide highly subsidized Student Health Cover to International Students as well. On average, Public Health Insurance costs you about €80 per month.
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The public health insurance for students covers all aspects of health care for a student that can be foreseen. Also, the cost mentioned above is valid till about the student reaches the age of 30 or completes the 14th Semester at the University. Beyond that, the cost per month doubles to about €160 per month.
Private Insurance from Germany
There are many private providers as well, and students have the option of taking up these policies. While some universities might insist on the Public Health Insurance, many others might accept private insurance as well. The students are, however, advised to carefully go through the cover provided. Often, there is a minimum level of insurance that is required, and it is always better to check that with the University.
Private Insurance from Home Country
A lot of private insurances offered in India are recognized in Germany across different divisions of health care. These are much cheaper as well and offer a whole lot of benefits and ease to the students. In case a student is opting for this path, it is important to let the university know of it well in advance.
Insurance from Germany vs Home Country
Needless to say, buying insurance from India is hassle-free, and the insurance providers clearly specify the range of services covered in the same. However, if given a choice, the students are recommended to opt for Public Insurance. A subsidized rate, the public health insurance promises the widest coverage and is recognized not only in Germany but also across the European Union. This might not be the case for the health insurance policy bought at the home country.
Where Can You Get Student Health Insurance?
Students can always contact the University’s international office to provide the number of the health insurance provider. Once they arrive in Germany, students are required to contact a German health insurance provider and have them issue a letter certifying that they are insured. This is mandatory for the students’ admission. Students can also get in touch with DAAD in India or reach out to the student councils (Studentenwerk) of the university they are planning to enrol in. (There is usually one for a region.)These organizations have special packages that include accommodation in student halls of residence, meal tickets as well as health insurance coverage.
For domestic markets, ICICI Lombard offers Health Insurance for students planning to study in Germany.
Do You Need New Health Insurance?
Some international students can keep their home country’s health insurance if it meets German standards. This usually applies to students from EU countries. If your home insurance is valid, you will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and a certificate from your home insurance provider. However, if you are doing a paid internship or part-time job in Germany, you must get German health insurance.
Choosing the Right Health Insurance
If your current health insurance isn’t accepted in Germany, you need to get a new plan when you arrive or when applying for your visa. If you are under 30, statutory health insurance will be cheaper. If you turn 30 while studying, you will have to pay a higher rate. When choosing an insurance provider, consider what they cover and how much they charge. You can also check if local student services offer packages that include accommodation and health insurance.
When selecting an insurance plan, think about:
- Your age (under or over 30)
- Your university rules
- What is covered (doctor, hospital, medicine, mental health, etc)
- If you want to work or do an internship later
- Cost per month and paperwork needed
DAAD Health Insurance Options
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers affordable health insurance for specific groups of international students. If you are part of a DAAD program or scholarship, they may handle your health insurance for you. So if you got selected in a DAAD-funded course, ask them for details. They will guide you and sometimes even arrange your insurance.
What To Do If You Get Sick in Germany
If you feel unwell in Germany, start by visiting a general practitioner (GP). They can help with common illnesses and refer you to specialists if needed. Most visits to the GP and specialists are covered by statutory health insurance. For emergencies, call 112 for immediate help or go to a hospital. If it’s urgent but not life-threatening, call 116 117 for on-call doctors or find an emergency clinic ("Bereitschaftspraxis") nearby.
Having health insurance is essential for international students in Germany. Make sure to understand your options and choose the right plan before arriving.
Yes, Schiller International University Germany accepts IELTS exam as a part of English language requirement. SIU Germany offers admissions for international students on a rolling basis. International students whose native language is not English, must submit proof of English proficiency at SIU Germany. Schiller International University Germany also accepts English language test such as PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo, and more. International students must meet the minimum English test score requirement at SIU Germany that are listed below
Test | UG | PG |
|---|---|---|
TOEFL iBT | Minimum score of 80 | Minimum score of 89 |
IELTS | Minimum score of 6.0 | Minimum score of 6.0 (MBA and MBA International Business require 6.5 or equivalent) |
Duolingo | Minimum score of 95 | Minimum score of 105 |
PTE | GSE score of 59 or higher | GSE score of 67 or higher |
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A GRE score of 320 is considered very good for universities in Germany. Most top German universities typically require a GRE score of 315+ for competitive programs. A score of 320 would put you in a strong position for admission and potentially for scholarship opportunities.