Germany is known for its high-quality education, affordable tuition, and excellent healthcare system. If you’re planning to study here as an international student, there’s one non-negotiable item on your checklist: health insurance.
It’s not just a formality. You’ll need valid health coverage to enroll at a university and to obtain a student visa. But here’s the catch—not all students are eligible for the same type of health insurance. The right choice depends on your age, program type, and length of stay.
This guide lays out the top health insurance options for international students in Germany, compares public and private options, and provides specific, practical advice for making the right decision.
Why Health Insurance Is Mandatory in Germany
Germany requires all residents—including students—to have adequate health insurance coverage. Without it, you can’t get a student visa. And you can’t enroll at a university either.
There are three major types of health insurance coverage that students typically deal with:
- Public health insurance (GKV): For most students under 30 enrolled in full-time bachelor’s or master’s programs.
- Private health insurance (PKV): For students over 30, PhD students, language or preparatory course students, and those not eligible for public plans.
- Travel (incoming) insurance: A short-term visa requirement until your official policy becomes active.
Your coverage must include at least €30,000 in emergency medical care and repatriation coverage to be visa-compliant. But realistically, you’ll want more than just the minimum.
Public Health Insurance Providers (GKV)
Public health insurance is subsidized and regulated by the German government. It’s reliable, widely accepted, and ideal for younger students pursuing standard degree programs.
1. Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)
- Type: Public
- Best for: Students under 30 enrolled in BA/MA programs
- Why choose TK?
TK is one of Germany’s largest and most trusted public providers. Their plans cover general practitioners, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health, maternity, and more. They offer digital signup, English-language support, and fast processing. - Cost: ~€120/month
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Note: TK is particularly popular with international students. Many universities even recommend it.
2. Barmer
- Type: Public
- Highlights: Strong digital services, excellent customer support, English-language options
- Unique perk: They offer a student bonus program that can earn you discounts or gift cards for healthy habits.
- Cost: Similar to TK, around €120–€130/month
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Barmer also scores well in national satisfaction surveys. It’s a strong, student-friendly option.
3. AOK
- Type: Public
- Strengths: Large nationwide network, especially strong in southern and western Germany
- Why it matters: Wide acceptance and strong hospital/clinic partnerships make using your insurance easier.
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AOK’s student plans are budget-friendly and fully compliant with visa and university rules.
4. DAK Gesundheit
- Type: Public
- Key Benefits: Full statutory benefits, excellent expat support
- Why students choose DAK: Smooth claims process, strong English-language customer service, and proactive mental health offerings.
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5. HEK (Hanoverian Health Insurance)
- Type: Public
- Best for: Students who prefer a more digital-first experience
- Features: Online signup, student-specific services, quick document turnaround
HEK is a bit smaller than the others, but makes up for it with its agility and tailored communication for students.
Private Health Insurance Providers (PKV)
If you’re over 30, in a language course, or ineligible for public insurance, private health insurance is your go-to option. It offers more flexibility, but the level of coverage can vary widely—so always read the fine print.
6. DR-WALTER Provisit Student
- Type: Private
- Who it’s for: Students over 30, language or preparatory course students
- Coverage: Medical treatment, emergencies, repatriation, liability, accidents
- Cost: Starting at €79/month
- Visa-compliant? Yes
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DR-WALTER’s Provisit Student plan is one of the most widely accepted private plans among German embassies and universities. It strikes a balance between affordability and thorough protection.
7. MAWISTA Student
- Type: Private
- Ideal for: PhD candidates, language students, or students staying longer than standard degree timelines
- Plans available: Classic and Comfort
- Cost: Starting from €28/month (Classic)
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MAWISTA offers policies that can last up to 60 months and can be upgraded for added features like dental and vision care. Many universities recognize their policies.
8. Ottonova
- Type: Private
- Why it’s different: 100% digital, app-based insurer
- Support: Full English-language support
- Specialty: Serves tech-savvy students and expats looking for complete control over their insurance
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Ottonova is newer to the field but extremely efficient. It’s ideal if you prefer managing everything from your phone.
9. Allianz or AXA
- Type: Private
- Strengths: Global name, extensive hospital and clinic network
- Who should consider it: Students with more complex medical needs or those looking for top-tier private coverage
These plans are especially valuable if you’ll be traveling often, have pre-existing conditions, or prefer a higher level of medical care.
10. Feather Insurance
- Type: Hybrid (Public/Private broker)
- Unique feature: Helps students compare and choose the right provider (TK, AOK, Allianz, etc.)
- Language: Fully in English
- Support: Acts as an intermediary to smooth the enrollment and claims process
Feather isn’t an insurer itself—it’s a platform that partners with top public and private providers. It’s especially useful if you’re unsure whether to go public or private.
Legal & Administrative Requirements
Health Insurance = Mandatory
In Germany, you simply can’t get a student visa or register at university without proof of health insurance. No ifs or buts.
Public vs. Private
- Public insurance (GKV) is typically required for:
- Full-time bachelor’s/master’s students under 30.
- Full-time bachelor’s/master’s students under 30.
- Private insurance (PKV) is for:
- Students over 30.
- Language or preparatory course students.
- Guest researchers or postgraduates not enrolled in degree programs.
- Students over 30.
Travel Insurance for Visa Appointment
Sometimes, your public or private insurance doesn’t start until you arrive in Germany. In that case, a temporary travel or “incoming” policy is needed for your visa application.
Plans like Provisit Visum from DR-WALTER are designed specifically for this situation.
What to Expect: Cost & Coverage
Public Insurance Costs (2025)
- Monthly rate: €110–€132
- Includes: GP visits, hospital care, mental health, preventive care, maternity, basic dental
Private Insurance Costs
- Basic plans: From €28–€79/month
- Add-ons: Dental, liability, vision, travel, legal assistance
- Ideal for students who don’t qualify for public insurance
Bonus Benefits & Extras to Look For
When choosing a plan, go beyond the basics. Look for:
- Digital sign-up & claims: Most providers now offer app-based or online systems.
- Multilingual support: At least English, but German helps too.
- Repatriation coverage: Mandatory for visa compliance.
- Mental health care: Not all plans cover this, but many do.
- Student extras: Gym discounts, health bonuses, and dental checkups can be valuable.
Student-Centric Tips
- Ask your university: They often recommend insurers or offer help during registration.
- Double-check coverage dates: Your policy must cover the entire duration of your stay.
- Consider your course type: Language and foundation students often don’t qualify for public insurance—don’t waste time applying for the wrong type.
- Know the paperwork: You’ll need to provide proof of insurance to both the immigration office and your university. Make sure it’s in German or English.
Conclusion: Pick Smart, Stay Covered
Your health insurance in Germany is more than a bureaucratic box to check—it’s your safety net. Public insurance is excellent if you’re under 30 and in a standard degree program. If not, private plans are there to give you flexibility.
Every student’s needs are different. So compare benefits. Read the policy. And choose a provider that fits your lifestyle, budget, and future plans.
Secure it early. Keep a copy on hand. And enjoy your academic journey in one of Europe’s most student-friendly countries.
Still unsure where to start? Begin with public options like TK or Barmer if you’re eligible. Otherwise, look into DR-WALTER or MAWISTA for compliant and budget-friendly private plans.
For more guidance, consult:
- TK Student Health Insurance
- Feather Insurance for Students
- https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/health-insurance/
Stay healthy. Study well. Willkommen in Deutschland.
✅ List of Health Insurance Providers Mentioned
- Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)
- Barmer
- AOK
- DAK Gesundheit
- HEK (Hanoverian Health Insurance)
- DR-WALTER (Provisit Student)
- MAWISTA Student
- Ottonova
- Allianz
- AXA
- Feather Insurance
📚 APA 7th Edition References
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- Fintiba. (n.d.). Student health insurance in Germany. https://fintiba.com/moving-to-germany/studying/student-health-insurance-germany/
- Coracle. (n.d.). Health insurance for students in Germany. https://www.coracle.de/health-insurance
- Reddit. (2024). Which health insurance is best for students? https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/comments/1d90z0r/which_health_insurance_is_best_for_students/
- Germany Visa. (n.d.). Health insurance for international students. https://www.germany-visa.org/insurances-germany/health-insurance/international-students/
- Provisit by DR-WALTER. (n.d.). Provisit Student Insurance. https://www.provisit.com/en/provisit-student
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- ApplyBoard. (n.d.). How to get health insurance in Germany. https://www.applyboard.com/blog/how-to-get-health-insurance-in-germany
- Expatrio. (n.d.). Health insurance for international students in Germany. https://www.expatrio.com/about-germany/health-insurance-international-students
- Study in Germany. (n.d.). Health insurance requirements. https://www.study-in-germany.com/en/plan-your-studies/requirements/health-insurance/
- Swisscare. (n.d.). International student health insurance in Germany. https://swisscare.com/en/country/germany
- DAAD. (n.d.). Health insurance in Germany. https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/health-insurance/
- Make It in Germany. (n.d.). Health insurance overview. https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/living-in-germany/money-insurance/health-insurance
