Germany student health insurance guide: Eligibility, costs and coverage
Germany requires all international students to have health insurance before they can enrol at a university, making it one of the most important steps in the study-abroad process. Whether students choose public or private coverage depends on their age, academic programme and personal circumstances.
Health insurance is mandatory for everyone living in Germany for the long term, including international students. Universities generally require proof of valid health insurance before completing enrolment procedures.
Who can choose between public and private insurance?
Many international students are eligible to choose between public and private health insurance plans. Public insurers remain a common option, while private providers have become increasingly popular among some students because of lower premiums or different coverage options.
However, certain groups are generally not eligible for Germany's public health insurance system and must opt for private coverage. These include students over the age of 30, those enrolled in non-regular degree programmes, PhD students, guest scientists, researchers, and students who already have coverage from their home country.
How can students apply?
The process begins with selecting a health insurance provider. Germany has more than 100 public health insurance providers and over 30 private insurers.
Students must then complete an application form providing personal details, student status and payment information. After paying the insurance premium, the coverage becomes active. The insurer then issues a health insurance card, which students need when visiting doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers.
What does student health insurance cover?
German student health insurance typically covers a wide range of medical services.
These include doctor consultations, specialist appointments, medical examinations, hospital treatment, surgeries, prescription medicines and preventive healthcare such as vaccinations and health screenings.
Coverage also extends to emergency medical care, including ambulance services and emergency room treatment. Many plans also include mental health services, counselling sessions, and partial coverage for dental and vision care.
How much does it cost?
According to Germany Visa, student health insurance in Germany generally costs between €140 and €160 per month in 2026, depending on the type of coverage and individual circumstances.
Students benefit from lower insurance contributions compared with many other resident categories in Germany.
Which public insurers are among the cheapest?
Several public health insurance providers offer student plans with monthly contributions below €150.
As of 2026, TUI BKK offers one of the lowest monthly contributions at €144.67, followed by hkk Krankenkasse (€145.44), Audi BKK (€145.52), Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) (€146.29), and HEK-Hanseatische Krankenkasse (€148.00).
Are private plans cheaper?
Private health insurance plans can start from around €79 per month, although premiums vary depending on the provider, age, coverage level and individual profile.
Students considering private insurance should ensure that the policy is accepted for both university enrolment and visa purposes before signing up.
Why is health insurance important for students?
Beyond being a legal requirement, health insurance protects students from potentially high medical costs while studying abroad. Since access to healthcare services depends on having valid coverage, arranging health insurance is one of the first administrative steps international students should complete before beginning their studies in Germany.
For students planning to study in Germany, understanding the differences between public and private insurance, eligibility rules and costs can help avoid delays in enrolment and ensure access to healthcare throughout their stay.
Health insurance is mandatory for everyone living in Germany for the long term, including international students. Universities generally require proof of valid health insurance before completing enrolment procedures.
Who can choose between public and private insurance?
Many international students are eligible to choose between public and private health insurance plans. Public insurers remain a common option, while private providers have become increasingly popular among some students because of lower premiums or different coverage options.
However, certain groups are generally not eligible for Germany's public health insurance system and must opt for private coverage. These include students over the age of 30, those enrolled in non-regular degree programmes, PhD students, guest scientists, researchers, and students who already have coverage from their home country.
How can students apply?
The process begins with selecting a health insurance provider. Germany has more than 100 public health insurance providers and over 30 private insurers.
Students must then complete an application form providing personal details, student status and payment information. After paying the insurance premium, the coverage becomes active. The insurer then issues a health insurance card, which students need when visiting doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers.
What does student health insurance cover?
German student health insurance typically covers a wide range of medical services.
These include doctor consultations, specialist appointments, medical examinations, hospital treatment, surgeries, prescription medicines and preventive healthcare such as vaccinations and health screenings.
Coverage also extends to emergency medical care, including ambulance services and emergency room treatment. Many plans also include mental health services, counselling sessions, and partial coverage for dental and vision care.
How much does it cost?
According to Germany Visa, student health insurance in Germany generally costs between €140 and €160 per month in 2026, depending on the type of coverage and individual circumstances.
Students benefit from lower insurance contributions compared with many other resident categories in Germany.
Which public insurers are among the cheapest?
Several public health insurance providers offer student plans with monthly contributions below €150.
As of 2026, TUI BKK offers one of the lowest monthly contributions at €144.67, followed by hkk Krankenkasse (€145.44), Audi BKK (€145.52), Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) (€146.29), and HEK-Hanseatische Krankenkasse (€148.00).
Are private plans cheaper?
Private health insurance plans can start from around €79 per month, although premiums vary depending on the provider, age, coverage level and individual profile.
Students considering private insurance should ensure that the policy is accepted for both university enrolment and visa purposes before signing up.
Why is health insurance important for students?
Beyond being a legal requirement, health insurance protects students from potentially high medical costs while studying abroad. Since access to healthcare services depends on having valid coverage, arranging health insurance is one of the first administrative steps international students should complete before beginning their studies in Germany.
For students planning to study in Germany, understanding the differences between public and private insurance, eligibility rules and costs can help avoid delays in enrolment and ensure access to healthcare throughout their stay.
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