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Health Insurance for International Students in Germany
As an international student planning to study in Germany, securing health insurance is essential. Health insurance not only provides access to medical services but also offers financial support in times of need. Understanding your options and the application process can significantly enhance your experience in Germany.
Mandatory Health Insurance for International Students in Germany
International students in Germany are legally obligated to obtain health insurance. This responsibility ensures that all students, both domestic and international, have access to adequate healthcare services. Students must either enrol in public health insurance or seek private coverage that meets German requirements.
Health Insurance Options for Students
Students can choose between two main health insurance options:
Public Health Insurance
Most international students under 30 pursuing a regular degree program can enroll in public health insurance. To apply, students must select a statutory health insurance provider in Germany and submit documents like their university acceptance letter and valid residence permit.
Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance is an alternative for:
- Students over 30
- Those in non-regular degree programs
- Ph.D. students, guest scientists, and researchers
- Students with health coverage from their home country
It is crucial to secure health insurance before finalizing university enrollment.
Steps to Apply for Health Insurance
- Determine Eligibility: Use tools like the DR-WALTER and TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) online tool to check if you qualify for public or private health insurance.
- Select a Provider: Research various providers, compare their benefits, coverage, and costs, and choose one that suits your needs.
- Complete Application: Fill out the application form accurately and provide all required information.
- Receive Certificate: Once approved, you will receive a health insurance certificate (Versicherungsbescheinigung), necessary for university enrollment.
- Pay Premiums: Follow the payment instructions from your provider to pay the insurance premiums.
Costs and Affordability
Health insurance for students in Germany is not free but is subsidized to be affordable. The average cost ranges from EUR 120 to EUR 130 per month, depending on the insurance type and personal circumstances
Affordable Health Insurance Providers
Here are some of the most affordable public health insurance providers for students in Germany:
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For private health insurance, plans can start from EUR 79, depending on the provider and policy chosen. The PROVISIT STUDENT plan by DR-WALTER is a highly rated affordable option.
Using Home Country Health Insurance
Students from countries with social insurance agreements with Germany, such as EU/EEA member states, may use their home country’s health insurance. An European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is necessary for those from EEA/EU countries. However, private insurance from home countries may not be recognized in Germany, and switching to German statutory health insurance during your studies may not be possible.
Coverage Details
Health insurance in Germany typically covers:
- Medical treatment and consultations
- Inpatient hospital stays and surgeries
- Prescription medications
- Preventive care services
- Emergency services
- Mental health treatments
- Basic dental care (up to age 21 for public insurance)
- Vision care (partial)
- Physical therapy
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) and other public health insurers provide basic mandatory coverage, with options to purchase additional insurance.
Pre-existing Conditions
Public health insurance covers pre-existing conditions, but private insurance may exclude them or charge higher premiums.
Switching Between Health Insurance Plans
Switching from public to private health insurance is possible after 12 months, but switching back is challenging. Private insurance holders can only switch to public insurance under specific circumstances, such as changes in degree programs or reaching age limits.
Terminating Health Insurance
To terminate your health insurance after your studies, notify your insurance company, which will guide you through the steps and provide proof of termination.
Travel Insurance for Visitors
Travel insurance is crucial for visitors needing a visa to enter Germany. Plans like PROVISIT-VISUM by DR-WALTER offer comprehensive coverage, including outpatient and inpatient treatment, medicines, emergency services, and repatriation.
Conclusion
Securing appropriate health insurance is a vital step for international students in Germany. By understanding your options, eligibility, and the application process, you can ensure a smooth and worry-free experience during your studies.
Travel Insurance for Visitors/Tourists in Germany
Overview
Securing travel insurance is paramount when journeying to Germany. This is especially vital for citizens from nations requiring a visa for entry into Germany, as travel insurance is a prerequisite for visa approval.
What is Germany Travel Visa Insurance?
Germany travel insurance is a health insurance policy that addresses medical needs while in Germany. It mandates a minimum coverage of €30,000 and must be valid across all Schengen nations.
Who Needs Travel Insurance for Germany?
Travel insurance is obligatory for individuals needing a German Schengen visa. These travelers must maintain coverage for the entire duration of their stay in Germany, irrespective of the travel purpose.
German Travel Visa Insurance Requirements
The travel health insurance policy must adhere to the following criteria:
- Minimum coverage of €30,000.
- Valid across all Schengen member states.
- Coverage for medical expenses, including repatriation for medical reasons, emergency healthcare, or death.
An economical option is the PROVISIT-VISUM plan by DR-WALTER, which provides electronic insurance policy confirmation for visa applications and allows free cancellation if the visa application is rejected.
Cost of Travel Insurance for Germany
The cost fluctuates based on factors such as age, coverage limits, and the length of stay. Here are the daily fees for the PROVISIT-VISUM policy:
- €1.10 for individuals up to 64 years for travel health insurance.
- €1.30 for the combination of travel health, personal liability, and accident insurance for individuals up to 64 years.
- €6.50 for travel health insurance for individuals aged 65 years or older.
- €6.70 for the combination of travel health, personal liability, and accident insurance for individuals aged 65 years or older.
The minimum fee is €20. PROVISIT-VISUM is appropriate for stays up to 180 days, whereas PROVISIT is for stays up to two years, meeting the required coverage of €30,000.
Coverage Provided by Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for Germany generally includes:
- Outpatient and inpatient medical treatment.
- Medicines, dressing materials, and medical appliances.
- Provision of remedies.
- Ambulant patient transport.
- Return transport to the home country for ill individuals.
- Repatriation.
- Burial costs in case of death.
- 24-hour emergency service.
- Basic dental treatment.
Choosing the Right Travel Insurance Plan
Individual needs vary, so the optimal plan differs. For those applying for a German Schengen visa, PROVISIT-VISUM is an excellent option as it satisfies all visa requirements and offers comprehensive coverage.
Benefits of PROVISIT-VISUM
- Complies with all German visa requirements.
- Suitable for visitors and hosts.
- No deductible health insurance.
- Online application with immediate confirmation.
- Available for as little as €1.10 per day.
For visa-free travelers, DR-WALTER offers affordable plans with robust coverage. For more detailed information about fees and benefits, visit the PROVISIT-VISUM website.
Schengen Visa Insurance – Europe Travel Health Insurance
Do I Need Travel Health Insurance for Europe?
If you need a visa to enter any country in the Schengen area, you must have travel insurance that meets all Schengen insurance requirements. Proof of this insurance must be submitted with your Schengen visa application. Without it, your application will be automatically rejected.
If you can enter the Schengen zone visa-free, travel insurance is not mandatory but is highly recommended to avoid high medical costs in case of emergencies during your trip.
Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements
To be accepted by the Embassy/Consulate, your travel health insurance policy must:
- Be valid in all Schengen member countries.
- Have a minimum medical coverage of €30,000.
- Cover emergency medical expenses and repatriation.
- Cover expenses related to death.
- Cover the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen zone.
Where to Get Europe Travel Visa Insurance
You can obtain travel health insurance for Europe through:
- Medical Insurance Companies: Purchase a policy online and print the certificate needed for the Schengen visa application. Top companies include DR-WALTER and Europ Assistance.
- Travel Agencies: Travel agencies may include travel coverage with your tour package, though these plans can be overpriced.
How to Buy Schengen Travel Insurance Online
- Visit the travel insurance company’s website (e.g., DR-WALTER or Europ Assistance).
- Select and review the plan details.
- Complete the online form with trip details and personal information.
- Make the payment using a debit/credit card or online payment method.
- Download and print the Insurance Certificate.
Best Schengen Travel Visa Insurance Plans
Here is a comparison of plans offered by some top travel insurance company
Travel Insurance for Visitors/Tourists in Germany
Overview
Securing travel insurance is paramount when journeying to Germany. This is especially vital for citizens from nations requiring a visa for entry into Germany, as travel insurance is a prerequisite for visa approval.
What is Germany Travel Visa Insurance?
Germany travel insurance is a health insurance policy that addresses medical needs while in Germany. It mandates a minimum coverage of €30,000 and must be valid across all Schengen nations.
Who Needs Travel Insurance for Germany?
Travel insurance is obligatory for individuals needing a German Schengen visa. These travelers must maintain coverage for the entire duration of their stay in Germany, irrespective of the travel purpose.
German Travel Visa Insurance Requirements
The travel health insurance policy must adhere to the following criteria:
- Minimum coverage of €30,000.
- Valid across all Schengen member states.
- Coverage for medical expenses, including repatriation for medical reasons, emergency healthcare, or death.
An economical option is the PROVISIT-VISUM plan by DR-WALTER, which provides electronic insurance policy confirmation for visa applications and allows free cancellation if the visa application is rejected.
Cost of Travel Insurance for Germany
The cost fluctuates based on factors such as age, coverage limits, and the length of stay. Here are the daily fees for the PROVISIT-VISUM policy:
- €1.10 for individuals up to 64 years for travel health insurance.
- €1.30 for the combination of travel health, personal liability, and accident insurance for individuals up to 64 years.
- €6.50 for travel health insurance for individuals aged 65 years or older.
- Travel health, personal liability, and accident insurance costs €6.70 for those aged 65 or older.
The minimum fee is €20. PROVISIT-VISUM is appropriate for stays up to 180 days, whereas PROVISIT is for stays up to two years, meeting the required coverage of €30,000.
Coverage Provided by Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for Germany generally includes:
- Outpatient and inpatient medical treatment.
- Medicines, dressing materials, and medical appliances.
- Provision of remedies.
- Ambulant patient transport.
- Return transport to the home country for ill individuals.
- Repatriation.
- Burial costs in case of death.
- 24-hour emergency service.
- Basic dental treatment.
Choosing the Right Travel Insurance Plan
Individual needs vary, so the optimal plan differs. For those applying for a German Schengen visa, PROVISIT-VISUM is an excellent option as it satisfies all visa requirements and offers comprehensive coverage.
Benefits of PROVISIT-VISUM
- Complies with all German visa requirements.
- Suitable for visitors and hosts.
- No deductible health insurance.
- Online application with immediate confirmation.
- Available for as little as €1.10 per day.
For visa-free travelers, DR-WALTER offers affordable plans with robust coverage. For more detailed information about fees and benefits, visit the PROVISIT-VISUM website.
Schengen Visa Insurance and Europe Travel Health Insurance
Do I Need Travel Health Insurance for Europe?
If you need a visa to enter any country in the Schengen area, you must have travel insurance that meets all Schengen insurance requirements. Proof of this insurance must be submitted with your Schengen visa application. Without it, your application will be automatically rejected.
If you can enter the Schengen zone visa-free, travel insurance is not mandatory but is highly recommended to avoid high medical costs in case of emergencies during your trip.
Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements
To be accepted by the Embassy/Consulate, your travel health insurance policy must:
- Valid in all Schengen member nations.
- Have a minimum medical coverage of €30,000.
- Cover emergency medical expenses and repatriation.
- Cover expenses related to death.
here to Get Europe Travel Visa Insurance
You can obtain travel health insurance for Europe through:
- Medical Insurance Companies: Purchase a policy online and print the certificate needed for the Schengen visa application. Top companies include DR-WALTER and Europ Assistance.
- Travel Agencies: Travel agencies may include travel coverage with your tour package, though these plans can be overpriced.
How to Buy Schengen Travel Insurance Online
- Visit the travel insurance company’s website (e.g., DR-WALTER or Europ Assistance).
- Select and review the plan details.
- Complete the online form with trip details and personal information.
- Make the payment using a debit/credit card or online payment method.
- Download and print the Insurance Certificate.
Best Schengen Travel Visa Insurance Plans
Here is a comparison of plans offered by some top travel insurance companies:
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FAQs
Is health insurance mandatory for international students in Germany?
Yes, all international students are required by law to have health insurance while studying in Germany. All international students in Germany are legally required to have health insurance. This ensures they can access necessary medical care and cover health-related costs during their stay. Proof of insurance is typically needed for visa applications and university enrollment.
What are the costs of health insurance for international students in Germany?
Public health insurance for students in Germany usually costs between EUR 120 to EUR 130 per month. Private insurance starts at around EUR 79 per month. The exact cost varies based on the provider and coverage. Students must choose the plan that best fits their needs and budget.
Can I use my home country's health insurance in Germany?
Students from EU/EEA countries can use their home country's health insurance in Germany by presenting an EHIC card. This allows them to access medical services just like German residents. However, other international students typically need to obtain German health insurance. This ensures they have adequate coverage during their stay in Germany.
