Student Health Insurance Germany: Process, Plans & Types 2025

Student health insurance Germany is compulsory for all international students. It ensures that the students are insured in case of medical emergencies, doctor's visits, hospitalization, and preventive care. In its absence, students will not be able to obtain a visa and complete their enrolment in a university.

The cost of health insurance is not as high as in other nations. The public health insurance costs between about 129 and 151 months, and the private ones are 33-79 months. Students still below the age of 30 are entitled to obtain the public insurance at subsidized rates. Students in their second or third year must select individual coverage or those taking language and preparatory courses. 

What Is Student Health Insurance in Germany and Why Is It Required in 2025?

Student health insurance Germany is not mandatory for students. It is a legal obligation in German law, and all international students must adhere to it to study there. 

The following are the primary reasons why health insurance is obligatory:

• When applying for a German student visa, students must present valid health insurance evidence. This will deny visa applications.

• German universities demand a health insurance certificate before enrollment is guaranteed, and there is no way to commence studies without insurance coverage.

• It is illegal to be in Germany without health insurance, which may result in punishment.

• Most importantly, health insurance covers students in terms of money as it meets medical bills, which would otherwise be very costly. A brief hospitalization may be expensive, several thousand euros. 

Student Requirements for Health Insurance in Germany

All international students have to take the following steps before they begin their studies:

• Get travel health insurance to apply for the visa. This usually takes you through the initial weeks when you arrive.

• Use student health insurance to ensure yourself long-term (public or private, based on your qualifications).

• Provide insurance documentation to your institution's university admissions office before final enrollment.

• Always hold genuine insurance during the course of all your studies so that you are not in violation of the law. 

Also Read: Germany EU Blue Card Visa 

Uninsured Risks of Students in Germany

A lack of adequate health insurance may lead to severe outcomes:

• Denial of a visa even before coming to Germany.

• Failure to get admission to your university.

• The medical expenses would be high if you fall ill or require hospital attention, given that you would have to pay out of pocket. 

In simple terms, all you have to do is get health insurance, and you are all set to come in, learn, and live happily in Germany. 

What Are the Latest Types of Health Insurance Available for Students in Germany in 2025?

International students can choose from two main types of student health insurance Germany, depending on their age, course type, and eligibility. 

• Public (Statutory) Health Insurance- Is the most common choice for students under 30 enrolled in a regular degree program. It offers standardized benefits and affordable monthly premiums and is widely accepted across Germany.

• Private Health Insurance – This option is usually taken by students who do not qualify for public insurance, such as those over 30, PhD candidates, or students in language and preparatory courses. Private plans are more flexible and sometimes cheaper initially, but coverage and costs vary depending on the provider.

Who Qualifies for Current Public Health Insurance in Germany?

Public insurance is the most common choice for international student health insurance in Germany. It is designed to be affordable and widely accessible for young students pursuing recognized academic programs. 

You can get public insurance if you:

• Are under 30 years old.

• Are enrolled in a full-time degree program (Bachelor's or Master's).

• Have not studied for more than 14 semesters. 

Example: If you are 25 years old and doing a Master's in Berlin, you qualify for public student health insurance and can enjoy the reduced student rates.

Who Must Choose Private Health Insurance in 2025?

Certain groups have to be covered by private insurance under student health insurance Germany. This is because you should purchase individual insurance when you are:

• Over 30 years old.

• A PhD student.

• In a language course or Studienkolleg (preparatory course).

• An unemployed non-professional guest scientist or scholar.

• A student who is self-employed or a freelancer. 

Example: A 32-year-old student studying a German language course must select personal health insurance.

How Much is the Latest Cheapest Health Insurance in Germany for Students?

The cheapest health insurance in Germany for students offers affordable plans in both public and private categories, ensuring that every international student—under 30 in a degree program or over 30 in a preparatory or doctoral course—can find suitable coverage that fits their needs and budget. 

Also Read: Germany Researcher Visa

What Are the Current Most Affordable Public Insurance Options?

Here are the cheapest health insurance in Germany for students in 2025: 

How Much Does Private Insurance Cost for Students in 2025?

Many who cannot receive statutory student health insurance Germany commonly purchase private insurance because it begins at a relatively low cost.

• Educare24: Start at €33/month (suitable as a language course and preparatory student).

• Provisit Student (DR-WALTER): Costing: €79/month (students above 30).

• Care Student: Since 110/month (insurance up to the age of 39).

• MAWISTA Student: Personalized plans as low as €35+. 

The cost of the private insurance is cheap initially, but remember, with the lapse in age, the costs also rise.

What are the best Health Insurance plans in Germany for Students in 2025?

The best health insurance in Germany for students includes affordable and premium providers, allowing students to choose between budget-friendly plans with essential coverage or higher-end options offering extra services and broader benefits.

What Makes Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) Popular Among Current Students?

Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) is the best health insurance in Germany for students due to its reliability and student-friendly services.

• TK has over 11 million members and is well known for providing comprehensive English-language customer support, making it easier for non-German speakers to navigate healthcare services. Students also benefit from a 24/7 helpline and a mobile app that allows them to manage appointments, access digital insurance cards, and track claims easily.

• For international students, TK offers free travel insurance for visa applications, which helps simplify the process of arriving and settling in Germany. The monthly cost for TK is about €144.24, which includes long-term care insurance, making it a complete and convenient option for students who want peace of mind and reliable coverage throughout their studies.

Why Do Students Choose BARMER Insurance in 2025?

BARMER is another popular choice for international student health insurance Germany, well known for its student-friendly services and comprehensive coverage. In 2024, it was recognized by Focus Money Magazine for its excellence in health insurance services.

• BARMER offers a variety of perks for students, including bonus programs that can provide up to €150 per year for healthy lifestyle activities. The insurance also provides Teledoktor services for remote consultations, making it convenient for students to access medical advice from anywhere.

• Coverage extends to travel vaccines and preventive care, ensuring students are protected against both routine and unexpected health issues. Monthly premiums for BARMER range from €139 to €148, depending on the student’s age and circumstances, making it a competitive option alongside other public providers.

What Latest Private Providers Offer the Best Value?

Some private providers also offer affordable plans that specialize in student health insurance Germany.

• DR-WALTER (Provisit Student, Educare24) -One of the most reliable for international students, boasting of visa-compliant cover at affordable rates to students.

• MAWISTA Student - Personalized plans, which can be extended to up to 60 months, are suitable for long-term courses of study.

• Care Student- Personal insurance up to the age of 39, where students above 39 can have an alternative to affordable government insurance.

What Does Current Student Health Insurance Coverage for Germany Include in 2025?

Student health insurance Germany is expensive and is meant to cover most medical bills students face in Germany.

All insurance plans, both public and private, tend to cover:

• Doctor Visits - Patients visiting the general practitioners for a routine checkup or due to health issues.

• Specialist Treatments- Referral to dermatologists, gynecologists, orthopedists, and other specialists.

• Surgical Units and Nursing Homes- Inpatient treatment, surgery, and post-surgery.

• Emergency Services and Ambulance - On-call medical service and taking to hospitals.

• Prescription Drugs- Insurance for prescribed medications at pharmacies.

• Mental Health Care - Psychotherapy sessions and counseling.

• Simple Dental Services - Checkups, fillings, and preventive services.

• Preventive Care- Such as flu shots and travel vaccinations. 

Public student health insurance Germany has a standard of benefits that all students have. In contrast, private insurance can have an extra benefit in the form of prompt appointments, longer tooth covers, or personal hospital rooms based on the plan taken. 

Also Read: Living Expenses in Germany for Indian Students: Latest Guide

How Do You Apply for Student Health Insurance in Germany in 2025?

Applying for student health insurance Germany is straightforward. It can be completed online within a few steps, making it easy for international students to secure coverage before starting their studies.

What Latest Documents Do You Need to Apply?

To request student health insurance Germany, students must have some essential documents for a smooth application process. 

Basic requirements of student health insurance Germany include:

• Passport.

• Letter of admission or enrollment to the university.

• German bank account details.

• Residence registration (Anmeldung).

• Travel insurance (needed to apply for a visa). 

Other forms of documentation required in the instance of a private insurance application can include:

• An outcome health questionnaire.

• Evidence of ineligibility to public insurance (if a student is above 30). 

Being ready to submit all the documents helps students fill out the application quickly and secure insurance certificates before the visa and university admission.

How Long Does the Current Application Process Take?

Obtaining your student health insurance Germany is easier than going online. Students may look forward to the following:

• Online applications are typically done on the provider's website or application within a few minutes.

• Confirmation emails are usually within 24-48 hours- they provide you with evidence of coverage nearly instantly.

• The physical insurance card is mailed in approximately 510 working days, and can be presented at the doctors' clinics and pharmacies.

• University enrollment insurance certificates are commonly administered and released within 13 working days, so you can enroll in your course without further delays.

What Special Considerations Apply to Different Student Categories in 2025?

Not every student fits the same rules regarding student health insurance Germany. Coverage options and eligibility depend on factors like age, type of program (degree, preparatory, or language course), and nationality. For example, EU students may use their EHIC cards, while students over 30 or in non-degree courses must choose private insurance.

Can Latest EU Students Use Their Home Country Insurance?

EU/EEA students can use their EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) while studying in Germany.

• The card must be validated by a German public insurance provider such as TK or AOK before university enrollment.

• However, the EHIC may not cover all services in Germany, especially extras like specific dental treatments or mental health support. For this reason, many students choose to get additional German insurance for complete protection.

What Current Options Exist for Students Over 30?

Public student health insurance in Germany is not available, and they must depend on private insurance.

• They are not able to avail themselves of public insurance.

• They are expected to cover the costs privately to fulfill visa and enrollment procedures.

• There are options such as the Provisit Student plan, which begins at approximately €129 a month and provides 100 percent regulatory compliance and encompass care. 

Also Read: Top 8 Cheapest Cities in Germany For Study and Work

How Do You Switch Between Insurance Types During Studies in 2025?

Some rules are rigorous when switching to various types of student health insurance Germany. Students have to be aware of these rules before making their decision.

• Students who are qualified to access the free insurance offered by the government have the option to enroll in private insurance.

• It is a final decision in most situations and thus must not be easily made.

• The transition to public is challenging and only achievable in exceptional cases (i.e., the loss of eligibility to a private coverage).

• Students who are older than 30 years are allowed to stay on public insurance, provided they have it, but new students should take private insurance.

Select the plan carefully in the beginning since it influences the whole period of your study.

Conclusion

Student health insurance Germany is compulsory for all international students. Without it, you cannot obtain a visa or even enroll in a university. Public insurance costs are between 129 and 151/month, and private plans are as low as 33 and 79/month. The major ones are BKK firmus, hkk, TK, BARMER, and DR-Walter.

They both include doctor checkups, hospitalization, emergency, and prophylaxis. Public plans tend to be used by students under 30 years of age, whereas the older students, or the preparatory students, require private insurance services. Good coverage will guarantee a stress-free and secure study experience in Germany. 

Contact TerraTern for more information on student health insurance Germany.