Health insurance is not just paperwork — it’s your first step to building a safe, secure, and successful student life in Germany.

Whether you’re starting a bachelor’s or master’s degree, enrolling in a Studienkolleg, or joining a language course, health insurance is mandatory. Without it, you cannot enroll at a German university or apply for a residence permit.

In this guide, you’ll learn how the German health insurance system works, what your options are as an international student, and how to choose the right plan — all explained in a way that’s easy, clear, and relevant.

Why international students need health insurance in Germany

Germany’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world — but it is built on the principle of universal insurance. That means:

✅ You must be covered from the day you arrive
✅ You cannot enroll in university or apply for your visa extension without it
✅ You will be denied treatment unless you can prove coverage

Reminder
Health insurance is not optional in Germany — it’s legally required. Having the wrong type of coverage can delay your studies, your visa, or even your ability to register in the city you live in.

Public vs. private student health insurance in Germany

Understanding the two main types of health insurance in Germany is key to choosing the right one for your situation:

Feature	Public insurance (gesetzliche)	Private insurance (private)
Who can access it	Students under 30 enrolled in a degree	Students over 30, language/Studienkolleg students
Monthly cost (2025)	~€110–€125	€40–€120 (depending on age and plan)
Based on…	Flat student rate	Age, medical history, benefits level
Switching	Easy to switch to private	Hard or impossible to switch back to public
Visa approval	Always accepted	Sometimes rejected for Studienkolleg or prep courses
Coverage level	Full standard care, all doctors	Sometimes limited to basic coverage only

Pro tip
If you’re enrolled in a degree program and under 30, public student insurance (e.g., TK, AOK, DAK) is your best option for affordability, security, and visa approval.

Health insurance requirements for foreign students

According to German law, all foreign students must have health insurance that meets the national standards. You will be asked for proof of valid coverage before you can:

• Enroll at a university
  
• Apply for or extend your student visa
  
• Register your address (Anmeldung)
  
• Access healthcare and medical services
  

💡 Related reading: Once you’re insured and enrolled, the next big question is: Can you work while studying in Germany? Find out how to do it legally and smartly in our guide: A New Life in Germany: Finding a Job

What is accepted:

✅ Public health insurance from a German provider (TK, AOK, etc.)
✅ Private health insurance only if it meets official requirements (ask your university to confirm)

What is not accepted:

❌ Travel insurance (temporary)
❌ Cheap private plans with limited coverage (often used for tourists or freelancers)

Visa tip
For students in language courses or Studienkolleg, private insurance is often your only option — but be sure it’s a certified provider. Otherwise, your visa application may be rejected.

Recommended health insurance providers for students in Germany

Here are three trusted German insurance providers that offer student-friendly, visa-compliant plans:

1. Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)

• Germany’s most popular student insurer
  
• Excellent English-speaking support
  
• Easy online application
  
• Strong digital tools and app
  

2. AOK

• Broad nationwide coverage
  
• Helpful in-person support in most major cities
  
• Competitive student rates
  

3. DAK Gesundheit

• Flexible plans and digital access
  
• Known for reliable processing of student documents
  
• English materials available
  

Important
You can register online from your home country before arriving — or walk into a local branch once in Germany.

How to apply for student health insurance

Follow these simple steps to get covered before enrollment:

✅ Step 1: Choose your provider

Use your university’s recommendations or compare the three mentioned above.

✅ Step 2: Apply online or in person

Prepare your documents:

• Passport
  
• University admission letter
  
• Proof of residence or address (if available)
  

✅ Step 3: Receive your insurance certificate

This is called a Versicherungsbescheinigung. You’ll need it for enrollment and your visa.

✅ Step 4: Submit your certificate

Send it to your university AND your Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) as proof of compliance.

Common mistakes international students make

Avoid these common issues to ensure a smooth transition into student life:

❌ Assuming travel insurance is enough — it’s not
❌ Choosing the cheapest plan without checking for visa compliance
❌ Missing enrollment deadlines due to late registration
❌ Forgetting to bring proof of insurance for city registration (Anmeldung)
❌ Not asking about Studienkolleg restrictions — these often require private insurance

Best practice
If you’re unsure, contact your university’s international office or ask edu-link for pre-arrival guidance. Getting this right is critical to your first weeks in Germany.

Final thoughts: Make smart choices, protect your future

Health insurance isn’t just a formality — it’s your entry point to German student life.
With the right plan, you’ll avoid legal problems, visa issues, and surprise medical bills.

Start early. Ask questions. Choose a reputable provider.
It’s the most important paperwork you’ll complete — and one of the easiest to get right.