Germany requires all students in Germany to have insurance, including foreign students, guest researchers, and language course students. Proof of health insurance is also an important requirement during your student visa and university enrolment process. International students in Germany enrolled in a degree programme in most cases are eligible to obtain low-cost public insurance. If you are in a hurry, use this online checker to see if you meet the conditions:
In our guide below, we’ve covered everything you need to know about choosing the right plan for the nature of your stay and your condition.
Table of Contents
Health Insurance For Foreign Students In Germany
Foreign students in Germany are required to have health insurance during their studies, by German law. You need proof of health insurance to get enrolled at a German university and to get your student visa. Students can get either the compulsory insurance or private health insurance.
The good thing about being fully insured is the peace of mind, knowing that if you happen to have health problems, you can go visit the doctor and get hospital services knowing that you won’t have to pay the large medical bills out of your pocket.
There are two types of health insurance in Germany:
- The compulsory health insurance (public)
- Private health insurance.
All students are required to have an insurance plan in Germany, but depending on where you come from, you might be eligible to use the plan you already have in your home country. You should consult your university’s international office for more details.
Even if you have basic coverage, many students also get additional health insurance plans that cover specific conditions and are customized for them. There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to health-related issues.
All international students in Germany are required to have insurance during their stay. In fact,you can’t enroll in university or get your student visaif you don’t have proper coverage.
For international students in Germany,to significantly increase your chances of getting your student visayou need proof of a suitable insurance plan for students.
We recommend all students to choose a combination of public and private health insurance for best coverage such as the GERMAN STUDENT INSURANCE by DR-WALTER combination.
Health insurance for language course students in Germany
Are you planning to learn the German language in Germany? The German law requires you to have health insurance.
Many students choose Germany as the country to learn the German language because it’s the language’s origin country, you get to have conversations with native German speakers, enjoy the culture and more.
Some of the most reputable language schools offer language learning courses and programs that require you to stay for a few weeks or months in Germany, and because you’re essentially going to live there, the German law requires you to have insurance.
Depending on your health conditions, you may choose a plan that is tailored to you. These days you can compare private insurance plans and get one customized for you online. Keep in mind that as a language student in Germany you won’t be able to get a public health insurance plan.
There are plans available for foreign students who are staying in Germany to learn the language or study at university. Most international students need a visa to come to Germany and attend a language course.
To increase your chance of getting a visa successfully, you need a comprehensive health insurance plan.
One company that offers affordable health insurance plans tailored for language students that you can easily and quickly buy online isDR-WALTER.
Health insurance for preparatory course students
Do you need to take a preparatory course before you start university in Germany? You must have health insurance.
Many German universities require you to enroll in a preparatory course and pass the final test before you can begin studying and attending lectures in the normal university program. This depends on your education and in some cases, preparatory courses are not required.
If the international office of the university you’re planning to study in has instructed you to come to Germany to first take a prep course, they surely mentioned you need to have health insurance in addition to the rest of the required application documents.
The German law requires you to have insurance, and you can pick a private plandepending on your needs. You can’t get insured under the public health insurance plan as a preparatory course student.
Some companies have custom-tailored plans for foreign students and can have you covered for the full duration of your preparatory course, with the option of extending your insurance in case you stay in Germany to continue your studies.
If the international office of the university you’re planning to study in has instructed you to come to Germany to first take a prep course such as the Studienkolleg, they probably mentioned you need to have health insurance in addition to the rest of the required application documents.
You can’t get insured under the public insurance system as a preparatory course student.
Some companies have custom-tailored plans for foreign students and can have you covered for the full duration of your preparatory course, with the option of extending your insurance in case you stay in Germany to continue your studies.
What’s more important is that you can compare plans and get your insurance online before you even set foot in Germany, companies such as DR-WALTER have an online application process that takes very little time to complete and get your health insurance confirmation.
To increase your chances of getting your student visa it’s best if you get your health insurance proof at a reputable provider such as DR-WALTER.
Health insurance for exchange students
You must have health insurance to stay in Germany as an exchange student.
If you’re going to study in Germany for a semester or a year, as an exchange student or with programs such as Erasmus, you’re going to need a proper insurance plan.
Because the law requires everyone in Germany to have health insurance you’re going to need to get a plan that complies with this law. If you’re from an EU country, chances are your current plan is sufficient, but it’s best if you consult with the international office of your university.
In Germany, you have two options, one is the public insurance that everyone gets but only covers basic health-related problems, and the second option is private insurance that can be customized depending on your needs.
The majority of exchange students in Germany choose a private insurance plan customized for them because they are more comprehensive in terms of coverage.
If you want to have peace of mind and know that you’re not going to pay large medical bills when you get sick in Germany, it’s recommended that you get yourself a plan tailored for international students.
A comprehensive health insurance plan increases your chances of getting your student visa. One of the German health insurance companies most exhange students choose isDR-WALTER.
Health insurance for guest workers and guest scientists
Are you going to stay in Germany as a guest researcher or scientist? You are required to have health insurance when you come to Germany.
Germany is one of the countries that welcome thousands of guest workers, researchers, and scientists. The duration of your stay, of course, depends on the work you will be doing, but also the period of time your visa has been granted.
One thing you are required to have if you’re coming to Germany to work as a researcher or guest scientist is an insuranceplan.
If you come from an EEA country or a country that has a social security agreement with Germany, you might be eligible to use the insurance policy you already have in your home country.
If you are from a non-EU country and you’re planning to stay in Germany for a longer period of time, you will need to get the compulsory health insurance from licensed insurance companies in Germany.
We recommend you get yourself a plan tailored for guest scientists and researchers such asGERMAN STUDENT INSURANCE by DR-WALTER.
Health insurance for International Ph.D. Students/Candidates in Germany
Most Ph.D. students should get private health insurance plans. As a foreigner, you cannot take out statutory insurance if you have reached the age of 30 or have started the 14th semester of your studies in Germany.
Only a few of doctoral students are allowed to continue with more reasonable insurance rates, as a gesture of goodwill, depending on whether they have reached their 30th birthday yet or their 14th semester (you should count from the first semester of studies).
Private insurance providers offer a variety of services that are not covered by statutory health insurance providers. They can also offer coverage or reimbursements for private rooms, surgeons, dental implants, private doctors, and other medical possibilities.
The good thing about Ph.D. students is that their risk is not highly calculated as they are still young and in good health, therefore pay less for getting into private health insurance schemes. Otherwise, the monthly rate would have been automatically higher; as older persons are considered more risk-prone and possibly to become chronically ill.
To enroll at a German university, you must first present the proof of current insurance plan in Germany or an international policy that is also accepted in Germany. Otherwise, enrollment is impossible!
For international PhD students in Germany, we recommend you choose the tariff GERMAN STUDENT INSURANCE by DR-WALTER, for which you can easily apply online.
International Doctoral Candidates Receiving Scholarships
Nowadays, scholarships are considered tax-free allowances or student salaries/earnings. Therefore, Ph.D. students must all be health insured in Germany, and whether they get statutory or private insurance also depends on the amount of money they earn annually or of their scholarship.
Ph.D. Candidates that receive scholarships or who are based in Germany to write their dissertation independently are not subject to compulsory insurance. These students are eligible either to become voluntary members of a public insurance scheme or get any private insurance option.
Unemployed Ph.D. students that have prolonged their studies can take outprivate insurance for the duration of their doctoral studies.
Doctoral Students as University Staff Members
Doctoral students, that are also University staff members, are insured as employees in the statutory insurance schemes due to their annual payrolls being below the threshold that could have enabled private health insurance options.
The annual payroll limit changes from year to year and is determined by the ‘Beitragsbemessungsgrenze’. However, in 2015, the threshold was 54,900€.
Ph.D. academic staff working at the university and needing to pay social security fees are automatically covered by the statutory policies.
Ph.D. students employed as research assistants at a university or other higher education institutions are covered by social security – therefore, statutory health insurance is obligatory.
Health insurance for Refugees in Germany
According to UNHCR statistics, by the middle of 2021 there were nearly 1.24 million refugees and 233,000 asylum seekers in Germany. This is a significant increase from the previous year, when Germany reported over 1.21 million refugees; and a drastic increase from 2015, when Germany reported just over 316,000 refugees.
The refugee numbers have increased in 2022, with hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees arriving in Germany since the war started in Ukraine.
These refugees mostly come from areas of conflict like Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan and because of this a large number of them are either injured or have some kind of illness. For their physical and mental health, having a proper medical and psychological treatment is more than crucial.
As already stated, the health insurance in Germany is mandatory for everyone residing in Germany. This includes refugees seeking asylum in Germany, regardless of their citizenship status.
But, there are some rules and limitations a refugee in Germany should be aware of when deciding to get insurance. First, one must know that the refugees have fewer benefits than legally insured citizens in Germany. However, current legal regulations allow treating specific cases to further extend if needed.
Below we’ve provided all the information refugees must have prior to seeking insurance in Germany:
Where can I get health insurance as a refugee in Germany?
It all begins with knowing where to make a request for seeking health insurance. The first place the refugee needs to address his/her health issues as a refugee is the immigrant center where he/she is registered.
There are specific officials and sections that deal with the health issues of the refugees accommodated there. A refugee is supposed to undergo regular medical check-ups to come up with a conclusion about his health situation. If needed, the team of medicals at the reception center may require the subject to undergo further analyzes to examine their health problems into more details.
What benefits does The German Health Insurance for Refugees cover?
The German Health insurance for Refugees covers fewer medical services than normally insured citizens. As a refugee, an individual can request regular medical checkups and basic medical assistance. Further intervention can only be given if the medical team assess that there is an emergency to act.
Common medical services refugees in Germany can seek:
- Regular medical check-ups
- Medical treatment for acute illnesses
- Nursing and medical treatment for pregnant women (including remedies)
- Medical assistance for women who just gave birth (including remedies)
Can I get statutory health insurance like permanent residents in Germany?
15 months from the first day at the immigrants’ reception center, the refugee is eligible to seek statutory insurance in Germany. To a certain degree, the refugees will get the same benefits as German residents, however, there will still be limitations.
From the very first day in the migrants’ camp, everyone is obligated to undergo regular checkups to see if their health is at acceptable limits. These medical checkups are usually a routine at refugee camps so the refugees’ health is known at any time. This is very important because there are many individuals that have an unknown medical background and may impose a threat to the community.
After a refugee lives in Germany for this period of time he/she is entitled to the German insurance and social assistance scheme. Similar to other insured citizens, refugees must share a percentage of their earnings to cover their health insurance. Currently, the social grants to refugees are around 4,800 per year, or slightly over 400 per month and 2% of this income must be allotted to paying health insurance.
What is the Gesundheitskarte?
The Gesundheitskarte is an electronic insurance card. This chip-card allows the patient to go directly to the doctor without even visiting a social services department to take a medical certificate or ask for permission beforehand.
After 15 months of residing in Germany, refugees can get this insurance card.
Note that the new medical reform that introduced the Gesundheitskarte is not available in every Federal state.
Which German Federal States give health insurance cards to refugees?
As mentioned, not every German state offers health care insurance cards to refugees. Below is the exact list of German states that do and do not offer such cards to their immigrants
These states have implemented the health insurance card for refugees
- Bremen
- Berlin
- Hamburg
- Schleswig-Holstein
Partially implemented
- Brandenburg
- Rheinland-Pfalz
- Nordrhein-Westfalen
- Niedersachsen
In implementation
- Thuringen
In political process:
- Hessen
- Sachsen-Anhalt
Denied
- Bavaria
- Sachsen
- Baden-Wurttemberg
- Mecklenburg- Vorpommern
Should refugee students seek health insurance in Germany?
Just like for normal students in Germany, health insurance is also mandatory for refugee students who want to attend university. This applies only to students who are under 30 years of age and haven’t finished their 14th semester.
Also, refugee students carry the same monthly premium as other students. Currently, a student’s contribution is66.33 euros.
But students in Germany are also assigned to another type of insurance, the long-term care insurance. As students with equal rights, the refugee students are obligated to pursue it as well.
The application process is easier if the applicant has a well-defined civil status (for example a refugee in protection or an asylum seeker). However, a student can still initiate an admission process, but additional requirements and restrictions may be applied.
To a larger degree, this depends on the university’s own policy, so we suggest you contact them in person for details.
In general, if a refugee aims to enroll at a German university, they will be required to show these documents:
- Qualification degree
- Proof of health insurance
- An official notice if there’s a restricted number of programs the students are eligible to apply for
- Personal information
Make sure you have completed your documents as required otherwise the admission committee of your university will deny your application. Also, the refugee’s qualification obtained back in their home country are mostly counted, but it may occur that the university requests another route to assess the applicant’s suitability.
What if the refugee has an acute illness and needs urgent medical interventions?
Insurance providers in Germany are allowed to offer medical help to immigrants to the extent the law allows them.
Health insurance plans for refugees cover only basic medical needs, but if there’s an emergency there are exemptions. Fortunately, the current legal regulations are shown to be very flexible, giving the immigrants an opportunity to seek more specific medical aid if needed.
Does every German state offer health insurance for refugees?
Unfortunately, some German federal states don’t offer health insurance services at all.
Individual states that comprise the country of Germany set their refugee health insurance policy on their own. Until now, the majority of the German federal states have accepted such health insurance schemes for foreigners residing in the country with a specific status.
The German federal states that offer health insurance to refugees:
- Brandenburg
- Bremen
- Berlin
- Hamburg
- Schleswig-Holstein
- North Rhine-Westfalia
- Thuringia
- Rheinland-Pfalz
The German federal states that haven’t introduced health insurance services for refugees:
- Baden-Wurttemberg
- Bavaria
- Mecklenburg- Vorpommern
- Saarland
- Saxony
German federal states with a partial application or ongoing debates about offering refugee health insurance:
- Hesse
- Lower Saxony
- Saxony-Anhalt
What if I need medical help as a Ukrainian refugee in Germany?
You will receive the necessary medical help if you become ill while in Germany. How health insurance for refugees is implemented depends on what sort of benefits you, as a Ukrainian refugee, are receiving in Germany.
Summary
To receive social benefits, Ukrainian refugees must apply for a temporary residence permit after arriving in Germany. After receiving this residence permit at the Arrival Center at Tegel Airport, they can apply for social benefits at the Jobcentre.
Ukrainian refugees who receive social benefits from the Jobcentre are eligible for statutory health insurance in Germany. Refugees can also apply for social assistance (Sozialhilfe), through which they will receive a health insurance card from a statutory health insurance fund.
Those who have not yet received their temporary permit are also eligible for healthcare through the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (AsylbLG). Read the specifications below.
Here is what you need to know about health insurance as a Ukrainian refugee in Germany:
Benefits from the Jobcentre
If you fall in this category, you are entitled to statutory health insurance in Germany. What does this mean? In case you need medical help during your stay in Germany, you are entitled to numerous services.
The services you’re entitled to under statutory health insurance in Germany as a Ukrainian refugee include:
- Medical Treatment
- Pregnancy and Maternity Treatment
- Services for Prevention/Early Disease Detection
Social assistance (Sozialhilfe)
If you fall in this category as a Ukrainian refugee in Germany, the law does not make you eligible for statutory health insurance coverage. But, you will still have access to healthcare services in line with services that statutory health insurance provides. What does this mean?
Here’s what you need to know if you fall into this category:
- You will have access to healthcare services through your health insurance card, which you will receive through a statutory health insurance fund.
- Costs will be covered by the social welfare office (Sozialamt).
- The social welfare office responsible for you is the one in the district you are living in.
The Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz)
If you fall in this category, you will only be entitled to medical and dental treatment required for acute illness or pain.
Here’s what this means if you fall into this category:
- You will only be entitled to medical/dental treatment for emergency healthcare.
- You will be covered for medicine and dressings required to ease your illness.
Note: If you fall into this category, you will be entitled to more medical treatment in special circumstances, such as severe psychological/physical violence.
Additional Information
- You will receive coverage for vaccinations and examinations that are officially recommended.
- If not registered as war refugees yet, patients with cancer and dialysis should contact the social welfare office (Sozialamt) immediately to join a health insurance scheme.
FAQs
Which health insurance is best for international students in Germany? ›
The health insurance plan EDUCARE24 by a well known German health insurance company DR-WALTER is a perfect choice for all foreign students. The benefits you get with EDUCARE24: It meets all German study visa requirements. Acceptable by all German Embassies/Consulates.
How much does health insurance cost in Germany for international students? ›How Much Does Statutory Student Health Insurance in Germany Cost? Health insurance for international students costs from €105.80 – €111.75 per month with a statutory health insurance provider. Public health insurance contributions for 2020/21 are as follows: TK Techniker Krankenkasse – 105,80 €
How does student health insurance work in Germany? ›You can enrol at a German university with the student tariffs of governmental health insurance providers if your university is state recognised and as long as you are below 30 years old. If you fulfil these requirements, the fees you have to pay every month depend on the health insurance provider you choose.
What is the cheapest health insurance for students in Germany? ›Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) is the most popular as it's one of the cheapest health insurance in Germany for students. TK also has 24/7 support available in English, so it's perfect for international students who don't speak German.
Do US citizens need health insurance in Germany? ›Under German law, everyone who is a legal resident in Germany must have health insurance coverage.
How to choose a health insurance as an international student? ›Check if your university has a plan that covers your needs. Ask them if the cost is covered by your tuition payments or whether there is an added charge. Search for companies that offer health insurance for international students in the US. Check with health insurance brokers who may be able to get you a good deal.
Can I study in Germany without health insurance? ›If you'd like to study in Germany, you have to have health insurance. You will need to present proof of health insurance when you enrol at university and apply for a residence permit.
Can foreigners get free healthcare in Germany? ›Technically, no country has free healthcare, since you have to pay for your medical expenses somehow. In the case of Germany, German residents pay for health insurance every month, therefore it is not free. You have to pay for health insurance whether or not you get sick.
What is the total cost for international student in Germany? ›As of 2023, it has been officially estimated that international students need approximately 934 EUR/month to cover their living expenses in Germany, which means around 11,208 EUR/year. Students need to show proof they can cover their living expenses in Germany to get a visa.
How to take health insurance for Germany? ›You will usually need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) . Private health insurance from other countries is sometimes also recognised. In that case however you cannot switch to a statutory health insurance provider during your degree programme in Germany. Your insurance provider abroad will inform you.
How much health insurance do I pay Germany? ›
The public health insurance rates charged by the Krankenkassen are 14.6% (plus 1.3% average supplemental premium) of your monthly income up to a maximum salary amount of 4,837 Euros. This means that the average monthly premium on the market for 103 public Krankenkassen can be up to 770 Euros.
Can international students get insurance? ›IMG student health plans can help keep your budget healthy, too. Coverage for international students studying in the U.S. is available to students on an F1 visa and meets J1 visa requirements. Students from the U.S. studying abroad can also stay protected in Schengen visa countries and beyond with an IMG plan.
Who gets free healthcare in Germany? ›Yes, all Germans and legal residents of Germany are entitled to free “medically necessary” public healthcare, which is funded by social security contributions. However, citizens must still have either state or private health insurance, covering at least hospital and outpatient medical treatment and pregnancy.
Does Germany have social health insurance? ›HEALTH & HEALTH SYSTEM. According to The Commonwealth Fund(link is external and opens in a new window), Germany has universal health coverage provided by two systems, which are known as the Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) and the private health insurance (PHI).
How are children covered for health insurance in Germany? ›German public health insurance is also known as gesetzliche Krankenversicherung or GKV and is suitable for all residents including children. The public health insurers are called Krankenkassen and once you have opted for one of them, you can sign up your kids as dependents for their free-of-charge treatment.
Does Blue Cross work in Germany? ›The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan has you covered worldwide. If you need medical care outside the U.S, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands you can rest assured that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan offers worldwide coverage.
Can I use my US health insurance in Europe? ›Is US Health Insurance Valid in Europe? No, in most cases, US health insurance is not valid in Europe. Health insurance plans such as Medicare have little to no coverage outside the US.
What insurance do I need for Germany? ›- Health insurance: Compulsory for everyone who stays in Germany for more than three months.
- Automobile insurance: Compulsory for vehicle drivers in Germany.
- Personal liability insurance: Not compulsory but indispensable for a safe everyday life.
- ExchangeGuard.
- Patriot Exchange Program.
- Student Secure.
- Student Health Advantage.
- Study USA.
- Navigator Student.
- Patriot America.
Cost of Health Insurance for International Students in USA
Factors like the duration of time you are planning on studying and the kind of coverage you need can impact the price you pay for an annual insurance plan. On average, such a plan may cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per year.
What is the average cost of international health insurance? ›
How much does international health insurance cost? The annual cost of an international medical insurance plan will range from as low as $500, with limited benefits, to as much as $8,000 for a comprehensive global medical insurance policy, including coverage in the USA. The average cost is $5,000 per year.
How does health insurance work in Germany? ›How much does public health insurance cost in Germany? In Germany, all employed workers pay a statutory healthcare insurance contribution as part of their social security contribution. This is normally 7.3% of their gross paycheck, and this is typically matched by the employer who pays a further 7.3%. totaling 14.6%.
Can international students study medicine in Germany for free? ›The cost of living in Germany is quite low compared to other countries in the EU or the United States. MBBS studies in Germany are completely free with a scholarship. The universities for medicine in Germany also have very good hospitals for the practical phase of the studies.
Can I go to a hospital without insurance in Germany? ›Anyone can access emergency treatment in Germany, but if you don't have insurance, you will need to pay for the hospital costs yourself.
Can US citizens get free healthcare in Europe? ›While no system is perfect, Europe's universal health care does mean that everyone is taken care of — including foreigners. So if you get sick or injured while traveling, you will receive treatment, no questions asked.
How much does it cost to see a doctor in Germany without insurance? ›In Germany, the average cost of an uninsured consultation with a doctor ranges from €30 to €100 or more, depending on the type of doctor and the location of the medical facility. A visit to a general practitioner is usually less expensive than a visit to a specialist.
Which insurance is best in Germany? ›Techniker Krankenkasse! A lot of things are changing, but one thing remains the same: Techniker Krankenkasse wins first place in Focus-Money's comparison of health insurance funds in 2023 - for the 17th time in a row.
Is college free in Germany for US citizens? ›In 2014, Germany officially eliminated tuition for most bachelor's and many master's degree students, regardless of country of origin. Students must still consider administrative fees, the cost of living, and the expenses required to fund the visa process, but going to college in Germany is nominally free to all.
How much money does a student need per month in Germany? ›According to DAAD statistics, the average monthly living expense for a student in Germany is 867 euros (864 USD*). Thus, the annual living expenses can be calculated as 10,368 euros per year or 10,334 USD per year. This is far lower than other European countries, including the UK, Switzerland, Denmark, etc.
How much money is enough for a student in Germany? ›Students in Germany usually spend roughly 850 Euros every month on average as living costs. You will require approximately 10, 300+ Euros annually in living costs and close to 40% of global students will want to find student residences owing to lower costs hovering around 300 EUR per month.
Can you have international health insurance in Germany? ›
There are three options for health insurance while living in Germany: the government-regulated public health insurance system (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) private health insurance from a German or international insurance company (Private Krankenversicherung, PKV) or a combination of the two that supplements ...
How much does a full medical check up cost in Germany? ›The cost of our complete health checks varies, since they depend on the individually packaged preventive medical tests making up the check-up. A health check with the tests listed above would run 1,346.63 euros, just as an example.
Where is the best healthcare in the world? ›| # | Country | Health Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belgium | 80.6 |
| 2 | Japan | 86.6 |
| 3 | Sweden | 82.1 |
| 4 | Switzerland | 81.5 |
If you have a private health insurance policy, each year you may be eligible for a no-claims bonus or premium refund. Also known as Beitragsrückerstattung, this is a partial refund of your contributions made to your private health insurance provider if you didn't make a claim within the previous calendar year.
Do international students need insurance? ›Some Universities Have Their Own Health Insurance Plans
"In many cases, schools require international students to be on the institution's plan or allow them to waive if they can show proof of their own health insurance." Read: Ways to Save Money as an International Student.
Serving to provide travel medical insurance while away from home, while incorporating benefits designed specifically for students, international student health plans have a unique combination of benefits like sports, mental health, and emergency medical evacuation.
Do international students need health insurance in the US? ›International students entering the USA on a J1 visa must have adequate health insurance that fulfills requirements set forth by the US Department of State AKA the visa authorities. As of now, the J1 visa insurance requirements include: Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness.
Is healthcare free in Germany for US citizens? ›Healthcare in Germany is accessible to all residents through public health insurance – this system covers 90% of residents. While non-residents require private insurance coverage to receive medical care. Visitors to Germany usually have to pay for treatment and then claim reimbursement at a later stage.
Where does Germany rank in healthcare? ›Germany's health care system is well-rounded and stable, ranking #3 in the World Index of Healthcare Innovation with an overall score of 59.79, below the Netherlands (#2, 62.99) and above Ireland (#4, 56.67).
How good is German health care? ›Germany's health care system is often regarded as one of the best health care systems in the world, offering its population universal health insurance coverage and a comprehensive benefits basket with comparably low cost-sharing requirements.
How does Germany's healthcare system compare to the United States? ›
In 2017, health-care spending in the United States came to $10,207 per capita. Germany, on the other hand, spent $5, 848 on health care for each of its citizens. Despite spending less per capita, Germany still manages to cover 100% of its population.
Can I use my Medicare in Germany? ›Remember, you can have Medicare while you live abroad, but it will usually not cover the care you receive. Most people qualify for premium-free Part A, meaning you will pay nothing for coverage. If you must pay a premium for Part A, be aware of the high monthly cost for maintaining Part A coverage.
What is a health insurance card in Germany? ›The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a card that gives you access to state-provided healthcare during your visit in one of the 28 EU countries (including Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland). This means that you will be entitled to medical assistance under the same conditions as the residents of that country.
Which health insurance is best in Germany for students? ›The health insurance plan EDUCARE24 by a well known German health insurance company DR-WALTER is a perfect choice for all foreign students. The benefits you get with EDUCARE24: It meets all German study visa requirements. Acceptable by all German Embassies/Consulates.
How much is student health insurance in Germany? ›How Much Does Statutory Student Health Insurance in Germany Cost? Health insurance for international students costs from €105.80 – €111.75 per month with a statutory health insurance provider. Public health insurance contributions for 2020/21 are as follows: TK Techniker Krankenkasse – 105,80 €
What benefits do kids get in Germany? ›Monthly amount and payment
The exact amount of child allowance is determined by the income and assets of both the parents and children. It is limited to up to € 250 a month per child. Child allowance is paid out every month with child benefits.
There are two main providers of health insurance in Germany: public or “statutory” health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) and private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung).
What health insurance do I need in Germany? ›Government Health Insurance System (GKV)
Most German residents (approx. 73 million people) are members of the government health system. If your gross salary is less than 64,350 Euros per year, or 5,362 Euros per month in 2022 then membership in the GKV is mandatory.
If you had a residence permit before, you must get public or private health insurance. Expat health insurance is rarely accepted if you already had a German residence permit. Travel insurance is not accepted for a freelance visa application.
What is the average monthly cost of international health insurance? ›How Much Does International Health Insurance Cost? International health insurance can cost you anywhere from $200 to $900 per month— with an average of $500. However, your international health insurance can vary depending on the following factors: International or local.
Which insurances are important in Germany? ›
- Personal Liability Insurance (Private Haftpflichtversicherung) ...
- Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung) ...
- Car Insurance (KFZ-Versicherung) ...
- Dog Insurance (Hundeversicherung) ...
- Travel Insurance (Auslandsreiseversicherung)
By German law, all residents must be insured for hospital and outpatient medical treatment, and it is mandatory to show proof of health insurance when applying for a German visa. If you don't have health insurance in Germany, you may not be allowed to enroll in school or obtain a residence permit.
What is the healthcare system for foreigners in Germany? ›Public health insurance in Germany (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung-GKV) is mostly funded by social contributions. All expats who are employed are automatically insured by the public health system. You'll notice a small portion of your salary is deducted for tax purposes which goes towards your social contributions.
How much health insurance do you pay in Germany? ›For employees, the cost of statutory health insurance has a general contribution rate of 14.9 percent of total gross income earned. This is in addition to a contribution rate that is determined by each individual fund, which in 2023 is an average of 1,6 percent.
Can tourists get healthcare in Germany? ›Healthcare in Germany is accessible to all residents through public health insurance – this system covers 90% of residents. While non-residents require private insurance coverage to receive medical care. Visitors to Germany usually have to pay for treatment and then claim reimbursement at a later stage.
Is German health insurance expensive? ›The public health insurance rates charged by the Krankenkassen are 14.6% (plus 1.3% average supplemental premium) of your monthly income up to a maximum salary amount of 4,837 Euros. This means that the average monthly premium on the market for 103 public Krankenkassen can be up to 770 Euros.
Does f1 visa require health insurance? ›The U.S. Department of State requires exchange visitors on a J-1 visa and their dependents on a J-2 visa to be covered by medical insurance for the length of their program. But the State Department has no specific insurance requirements for international students and their dependents on an F visa.