Degree Student (Under 30 Years Old)
You need: Public Health Insurance (GKV)Bachelor's or Master's degree students
Standardized, comprehensive state coverage
Expected by almost all German universities
Embassy Accepted
Valid visa proof
Covered Day One
Doctors, hospital, meds
Health Insurance for Germany: the complete student guide.
Everything you need to know about German health insurance rules, public vs. private options, top providers, and getting your official coverage certificate for your visa.
Read Time
4 mins
Visa Requirement
100% Mandatory
Processing
Instant Digital Certificate
Why you need insurance first
Health insurance isn't just a good idea in Germany — it is strictly mandatory by law. Without valid proof of health coverage, you cannot:
Obtain your German Student Visa at the embassy or consulate.
Obtain your German Student Visa at the embassy or consulate.
Complete University Enrollment (Immatrikulation).
Register your city address (Anmeldung) upon arrival.
💡 Getting your coverage sorted before you fly is Step #1 in your preparation.
Which category are you in?
Your age and your course type decide whether German law puts you in the public system or the private one. Find yourself below.
Language / Studienkolleg / Over 30
You need: Private Health InsuranceLanguage course students
Studienkolleg (preparatory course)
Students aged 30 or older
Public vs. private, compared
What actually changes between the two systems — cost, coverage, and how embassies treat each one.
Swipe to see both columns
| Feature | Public Insurance (GKV) | Private Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Audience | Full-degree students (under age 30) | Language course, Studienkolleg, 30+ |
| Monthly Cost | ~€140 – €155 / month | ~€35 – €130 / month (scales with age) |
| Coverage Level | Comprehensive, lifelong-style state benefits | Plan-dependent (often time-limited) |
| Flexibility | Standardized benefits across all state providers | Customizable coverage tiers |
| Visa Acceptance | 100% guaranteed acceptance by all embassies | Requires an embassy-approved provider |
The providers students actually use
Two public funds for full-degree students under 30, and one private plan built for the visa stage, language courses, and students aged 30 or older.
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)
Best For: Overall Student Choice & Top-Rated English SupportMonthly Premium
~€140 – €150 / month
Full English portal & app: Easy claims, address updates, and certificate downloads in English.
Germany’s largest insurer: Trusted by over 11 million members and accepted by every university.
Comprehensive coverage: Doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and mental health support.
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)
Best For: Overall Student Choice & Top-Rated English SupportMonthly Premium
~€140 – €150 / month
Full English portal & app: Easy claims, address updates, and certificate downloads in English.
Germany’s largest insurer: Trusted by over 11 million members and accepted by every university.
Comprehensive coverage: Doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and mental health support.
Barmer
Best For: Extensive Provider Network & Preventive CareMonthly Premium
~€139 – €150 / month
Nationwide network: Large presence across German university campuses and medical centers.
Preventive wellness: Covers routine checkups, vaccinations, mental health, and prescription meds.
Mawista
Best For: Visa Stage, Language Students & StudienkollegMonthly Premium
Starts at €35 / month
Instant digital certificate: Issued online within minutes for urgent embassy appointments.
Flexible tiers: Tailored coverage options valid for up to 60 months.
Easy public switch: Ideal pre-enrollment coverage before switching to public GKV upon full university entry.
Covered in three steps
From picking a plan to holding your certificate — most students finish the whole thing in a single sitting.
Check Eligibility
Pick public or private based on your age and the course you are joining.
Check Eligibility
Pick public or private based on your age and the course you are joining.
Apply Online
Complete the full setup in under 10 minutes — no branch visit needed.
Receive Certificate
Download instant proof of coverage for your visa and your university.
Still Unsure?
Frequently Asked Questions
The three questions students ask us most before they get covered.
Ready to get covered?
Ensure your visa application is complete without unnecessary delays. Apply online today and receive your official health insurance certificate directly to your inbox.