Health insurance is mandatory in Germany and required for your student visa. Here's everything you need to know.
| Feature | Public (GKV) ✅ Recommended | Private (PKV) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per month | ~€110–130 | €150–400+ |
| University acceptance | ✓ Always accepted | ✗ Often rejected |
| Visa acceptance | ✓ Always accepted | ✗ Sometimes rejected |
| Coverage | Comprehensive | Depends on plan |
| Enrollment | ✓ Easy online | Complex application |
| Age limit | Under 30 (some exceptions) | Any age |
99% of international students should choose public health insurance. It costs ~€120/month, is accepted by all German universities and embassies, and provides excellent coverage including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions and dental basics.
Germany's largest public insurer. Excellent English-speaking customer service. Very popular with international students. Full online enrollment available.
~€126/month
Regional insurer with offices all over Germany. Great for students who prefer in-person service. Reliable coverage with good claims processing.
~€119/month
Good English support, easy online enrollment and a solid app for managing your health coverage. Popular choice for international students.
~€122/month
Pick TK, AOK or Barmer. All three are excellent for students. We help you decide based on your city.
Fill in the online enrollment form. You'll need your passport, university admission letter and German address (if you have one yet).
You receive an official insurance certificate within 1–5 business days. This is the document submitted with your visa application.
Include the insurance certificate in your student visa application. Coverage starts from your arrival date in Germany.
We guide you to the right insurer, help with enrollment and ensure you get your certificate before your visa deadline.