To obtain a student visa in Germany, international students are required to present proof of valid health insurance.
German authorities require that all students, regardless of their nationality, be covered either by German public health insurance or by recognized private insurance, depending on their age and academic situation.
If you are:
you are generally required to take out German public health insurance.
Key providers include:
One of the main advantages is that medical expenses are generally settled directly between the doctor and the insurer. This means you generally don't have to pay upfront in most situations.
German embassies and consulates often prefer this type of insurance as it meets all German legal requirements.
You might need private insurance if you are:
Among the most popular companies for students:
Private insurance must:
Registering for GKV (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) is an essential step to obtain your student visa and finalize your university enrollment.
Compare different insurance providers based on:
The most popular providers among international students are TK, AOK, and Barmer.
You will generally need to provide:
Most providers allow you to complete the process online.
Simply fill out the form by entering your personal information as it appears on your passport.
You will need to submit:
The documents can usually be downloaded directly from the insurer's portal.
A few days after your application is approved, you will receive:
These documents will be necessary for your medical appointments and for your university enrollment.
The final step is to submit your insurance certificate to your institution.
Some universities automatically receive information from the insurer, while others require manual submission via their student portal.
Health insurance is one of the first steps to take before your departure for Germany.
It is essential for:
Taking the time to choose insurance tailored to your profile will allow you to fully enjoy your student experience in Germany.
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