If you plan to pursue your studies in Germany, you can look forward to some exciting times. The country offers excellent programs for students of all levels and backgrounds and can help fast-track your career. However, that is not all there is to look forward to.
When living in Germany, you also benefit from a comprehensive and convenient health insurance plan. Yes, there is medicare for international students as well. Here’s what you need to know about foreign student insurance.
Do Foreign Students in Germany Even Need Health Insurance?
You might be surprised to learn this, but international students must get health insurance in Germany. As long as you live in the country, you need to sign up for some kind of health insurance plan to cover any future medical expenses.
It does not matter where you are from originally. As long as you stay in Germany, you need to have health insurance or some expat insurance in Germany. This is undoubtedly good news for many international students and expats living in Germany. However, it can also be a little confusing as to how you should get this foreign student insurance.
Health Insurance Options for Foreign Students
For international students and everyone else in the country, there are two main health insurance options. You can either go for public health insurance, the preferred option for almost 90% of the population.
Or you could go for the second option, private health insurance, which is not as common but still a popular choice for many residents. Ultimately, which health insurance plan you choose depends on many factors, such as your age, the kind of courses or program you are enrolled in, and various other factors.
Who is Eligible for Public Health Insurance in Germany?
According to the regulations, to be eligible for public health insurance in Germany, you have to be a student of fewer than 30 years and enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program. If you meet these conditions, you can obtain public health insurance for the duration of your stay in the country.
Who is Eligible for Private Health Insurance in Germany?
If you are not eligible for public health insurance, it does not mean that you can’t get any insurance at all. Instead, you have to opt for private health insurance in Germany. To be eligible for this plan, you have to be:
- A student above the age of 35
- A student working as a freelancer or who is self-employed
- A student who is enrolled in language or preparatory courses
- A post-graduate student or scholarship holder
- A guest scientist or researcher
How to Get Health Insurance for Expat Insurance Germany
Once you have determined which health insurance plan you qualify for, you can get started by contacting a health insurance provider. On the other hand, if you are still unsure which health insurance plan you are eligible for or which insurance provider you should choose, you can consult with a professional, such as those at MW Expat Solution Services GmbH.
These experts can guide you on best obtaining your health insurance with the lowest premiums and highest coverage for a peaceful stay in the country. Once you meet with your preferred health insurance provider, they will let you know about all the plans available, the pricing, and which documents you need to submit.
After that, it’s a straightforward process to get your health insurance. Sometimes, you might need to get your student health insurance before even getting to Germany, which could be one of your visa requirements. In other cases, you might need to get health insurance as soon as you arrive in the country.
Moreover, depending on which country you are coming from and your insurance plan from home, you may not need to sign up for additional health insurance in Germany. For instance, if you belong to any of the countries within the EU, your insurance plan at home can be valid in Germany.
However, you should contact your insurance provider to make sure they cover the necessary medical expenses. Otherwise, you might need to opt for additional coverage when you arrive in Germany.
Final Thoughts
Student life is undoubtedly an exciting period of anyone’s life. However, when you know you are covered by health insurance, you can get additional peace of mind and enjoy your time as an international student even more. Therefore, if you are an international student in Germany, make sure you pick the right health insurance plan as long as you plan to live there.
If you are confused about what that may be, reach out to MW Expat Solution Services GmbH for a quick consultation and expert advice.
