German Insurance Guide: Travel, Private, and Statutory Health Coverage
An essential breakdown of the three types of health insurance mandatory for international students in Germany: Travel Insurance (for visa application), Private Health Insurance (required during Studienkolleg), and Statutory Health Insurance (required for university enrollment).
Insurance in Germany
Insurance is a crucial necessity in Germany, both for complying with visa requirements and for providing essential health coverage. For international students, there are three key types of health insurance required at different stages of your academic journey:
1. Travel Insurance (Reiseversicherung)
This is the most basic form of insurance, similar to what you would purchase when going on a short holiday.
- When Needed: Travel insurance is typically sufficient for your initial visa application and for the first few weeks upon arrival in Germany.
- Coverage: Provides basic coverage for acute health issues during a short stay.
- Cost: Prices vary widely depending on duration, coverage, and provider.
2. Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung - PKV)
Private health insurance is mandatory for the duration of your Studienkolleg preparatory course.
- When Needed: During Studienkolleg, international students are generally not eligible for the public/statutory health insurance system. Therefore, PKV is required.
- Coverage: These plans offer basic health insurance tailored for students, usually up to a maximum duration of 48 months. Look specifically for student options.
- Popular Choices: Common providers include CareConcept, Mawista, DAAD Versicherung, or packages bundled with blocked account services (e.g., Fintiba Plus).
- Cost: Generally costs around €20 to €40 per month (most commonly around €25).
3. Statutory Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV)
Once you begin your official university studies, your private health insurance will no longer be sufficient; you must switch to the statutory (public) health insurance system.
- When Needed: Required immediately after finishing Studienkolleg and enrolling in a university for your degree.
- Coverage: GKV provides comprehensive coverage for virtually all health-related needs and sometimes includes additional benefits.
- Popular Providers: Major GKV companies include TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), DAK, AOK, and Barmer.
- Cost: Costs are standardized by law and typically run around €120 per month for students.
For more detailed information regarding German insurance requirements, consult official student advisory bodies like the DAAD or dedicated student health insurance portals.
Published on: 10/5/2025