German Student Health Insurance Guide: Public or Private Options for Foreign Students

28 August 2025

Germany is a leading destination for overseas study, with its globally ranked universities, low costs for tuition, and high academic standard attracting an ever-increasing number of abroad aspirants. However, prior to commencing study there is one requirement you won’t escape: health insurance. Not only is proper health insurance obligatory for your health but also a requirement for enrollment in a German university as for obtaining a student visa for Germany.

Many students are confused when first introduced to Germany’s health insurance system, which operates on two different models: public (statutory) health insurance and private health insurance. Choosing a proper option is one of those most serious decisions you will make before you begin your stay in Germany. It affects a lot in determining what you pay, what kind of service you receive, and in some cases even what path you take for a career in life in Germany.

Public health insurance for foreign students

Public health insurance or Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) is the preferred choice for the majority of foreign students under 30 for a bachelor’s or master’s program. TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), AOK, and Barmer are key providers offering student-specific packages based on specific needs.

Under public insurance, a contribution within a range of approximately €125 up to €135 a month is required in 2025, including coverage for nursing care. Under this plan, you are entitled to a very broad range of services including visits with physicians, hospital stays, covered medicine when prescribed, and precautionary health screenings. Another great benefit of public insurance is broad acceptability throughout Germany so you won’t have any worries about healthcare providers not accepting your plan. Additionally, children are usually covered on the same insurance plan without any extra charge.

The clarity and reliability of public insurance render it the most secure option for younger students seeking assurance as they concentrate on their educational pursuits.

Private Health Insurance for International Students

Private health insurance, or Private Krankenversicherung or PKV for short, is typically chosen by citizens like students above 30 years old, foreign language course participants, or Ph.D. aspirants. At first glance, private insurance is even more affordable with basic offers starting at a monthly premium between €30-€60 per month, depending on an individual’s circumstances and needs for cover.

Private providers tend to provide advantages such as shorter waiting times, specialist access, and other services such as advanced dentistry or complementary therapies. There is a catch: private insurance premiums tend to rise with age or when coverage is extended. Unlike public insurance, once you take up a private plan, it is extremely hard—if not impossible—you can later change back to the public system.

For short-stayers, private health cover can be affordable, but for longer-stayers or for those planning a German job in the near or distant future, serious consideration is warranted.

Which option should you use?

Your health insurance is a circumstances-of-situation issue:

• If you are younger than 30 and you are in a bachelor’s or master’s program, public health insurance is generally best and easiest.
• You are over 30, in prep courses, or for a PhD for which you may only take private insurance.
• Students aspiring to pursue a job in Germany are typically inclined towards public insurance as it leads directly into coverage for laborers.

At BCES Admissions Abroad, we recognize the potential for these decisions to induce a sense of overwhelm. Consequently, we assist students not only with the admissions process and visa acquisition but also with essential practical considerations, such as health insurance. Through appropriate guidance, it becomes possible to select a plan that safeguards your health while minimizing financial burden. For expert guidance, reach out to us at +91 9319996330.