When studying abroad in Germany, it is important to be aware of Student health insurance in Germany and how it works. This type of insurance is mandatory for all students in Germany, regardless of their nationality.
It is designed to provide comprehensive medical coverage for those studying in the country and can be quite affordable. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of Student health insurance in Germany, explaining how it works and how you can get the most out of it.
What is Student Health Insurance?
Student health insurance is an insurance policy that is tailored to the needs of students in Germany. It is designed to provide comprehensive coverage for medical costs and other expenses related to health care. Student health insurance provides comprehensive coverage for medical services, hospital stays, medications, laboratory tests, X-rays, and physical therapy.
Depending on the type of plan chosen, it can also provide coverage for preventive care and dental care.
It is important to note that student health insurance does not cover all medical expenses and does not replace private insurance. It is meant to supplement existing health coverage for students in Germany.
How does it Work?
Student health insurance in Germany works by providing students with access to medical care at a discounted rate. Students are eligible for this insurance once they are registered as a student at a German university or college. In order to be eligible for student health insurance, the student must meet certain criteria and will be required to pay a set amount of money each month.
Once a student is enrolled in a student health insurance plan, they are provided with coverage for both outpatient and inpatient medical services. This means that the student is able to access both preventive and acute care from doctors and hospitals within the plan’s network. This coverage also includes medications, laboratory tests, physical therapy, and other medical services that are necessary for the student’s health.
In addition to medical coverage, student health insurance in Germany also includes accident coverage. This means that if the student has an accident while attending school, the insurance will cover any costs related to medical treatment or hospitalization.
It is important to note that the insurance does not cover any medical costs incurred outside of Germany, so it is important for students to check with their individual insurers to find out what their policy covers.
Lastly, student health insurance in Germany provides coverage for maternity care as well. This includes coverage for prenatal care, delivery costs, and postnatal care.
What does it Cover?
Student health insurance in Germany typically covers all medically necessary treatments, including doctor visits, hospital stays, laboratory tests, and any medications prescribed by a doctor. This coverage also extends to certain dental treatments, with additional coverage for certain preventative services such as annual cleanings and check-ups.
Some insurance plans also offer additional benefits such as home visits or ambulance transport in an emergency situation. Generally, any services that are considered medically necessary will be covered by student health insurance in Germany.
Additionally, most student health insurance plans provide coverage for mental health services, such as therapy or counseling, as well as coverage for preventive care, such as vaccinations. Some plans may even provide additional coverage for alternative or complementary therapies like acupuncture or chiropractic services. It’s important to note that coverage can vary between different plans and providers so it’s important to read through the policy documents carefully before signing up for a plan.
What are the Eligibility Criteria?
In order to qualify for student health insurance in Germany, you must meet certain criteria. Generally, students must be younger than 30 years old and enrolled in a college or university program that lasts longer than six months.
Additionally, you must be registered with the residents’ registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt). Students who are not German citizens must show evidence that they have a valid residence permit.
When applying for student health insurance, you will need to provide proof of enrollment at a university or college as well as proof of residency in Germany. Depending on your individual situation, other documents might also be required.
Students who are under 30 years old and are enrolled in a college or university program that lasts longer than six months and are registered with the Einwohnermeldeamt can qualify for student health insurance in Germany. Proof of enrollment and residency must be provided when applying for this type of health insurance.
How much does it Cost?
The cost of student health insurance in Germany depends on several factors such as your age, the type of coverage you require, and the insurance provider. Generally, students aged 30 or younger pay around €80-100 a month. This amount can increase depending on the type of coverage you choose, such as whether it includes dental care or additional coverage for pre-existing conditions.
For those aged 31 or above, the monthly premium can be up to double that amount. Students aged 18-30 can also opt for the ‘Statutory Health Insurance’ option which is slightly cheaper, but does not include all of the benefits that the full student health insurance does.
It is important to keep in mind that there may be additional costs when you first apply for a health insurance plan. These can include one-time fees, such as registration fees and administration charges. Depending on the insurance provider, there may also be additional costs for opting out of certain coverage options.
Finally, students with part-time jobs can opt for ‘private’ health insurance plans which offer more comprehensive coverage but are usually more expensive than student health insurance.
How to Apply?
Applying for student health insurance in Germany is easy. You can either apply through a private insurer or through the public health insurance system.
If you are under 30 years of age and are enrolled in a university or college, then you are eligible to apply for public health insurance in Germany. The application process is fairly simple and can be completed online or in person at your local health insurance office.
To apply, you will need to provide proof of your enrollment, such as a copy of your student ID card, and proof of residency in Germany. If you decide to go with a private insurer, the process is similar.
You will need to provide proof of your enrollment and residence, and then you will be able to choose an insurance plan that best fits your needs. Private insurers often offer more comprehensive coverage than public plans, and they usually have lower premiums.
Once you have applied, you will need to pay a monthly premium in order to keep your coverage active. Your premium will depend on the type of plan you choose and the amount of coverage you need.
When you apply for student health insurance in Germany, make sure to carefully read all of the terms and conditions of your policy before signing up. This will ensure that you understand what is covered and how much it will cost.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Student health insurance in Germany is an important part of being a student, as it allows students to access the same healthcare services and resources as other German citizens. It can be a bit complicated to understand how it works and what it covers, but once you know the basics, it’s easy to get your health insurance sorted out.
Health insurance can be costly, but there are also discounts available for students, so make sure you look into those before you purchase your insurance. Ultimately, student health insurance in Germany is essential if you want to make sure you have access to the best healthcare possible while studying in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students pay health insurance in Germany?
The law in Germany requires everyone to have health insurance, including international students. While students enrolled in degree programs are eligible to take public health insurance, students in preparatory or language courses and students over the age of 30 are required to get private health insurance plans.
Is health insurance free for students in Germany?
Taking out health insurance in Germany
The student tariff comes to around 110 EUR a month and is available until you are 30 years old or have completed your 14th subject-related semester. Tariffs vary because each health insurance provider can levy individual additional contributions.
Which insurance is best for students in Germany?
We recommend all students choose a combination of public and private health insurance for the best coverage such as the GERMAN STUDENT INSURANCE by DR-WALTER combination
How much do I need to pay for health insurance in Germany?
The majority of people, even international students, will need to register for public healthcare insurance, however, some individuals are eligible to choose a private insurance plan. The cost of healthcare coverage can range from 80 to 1,500 euros per month, depending on your circumstances and insurance premium.