To answer a common asked question: Is health insurance compulsory for Germany? Yes, all students must bring proof of valid health insurance. The German social security system generally treats German and foreign students the same, i.e. foreign students can take out insurance with the statutory health insurers in Germany, currently for about 140-150 euros per month. Students from selected countries (mainly from the EU) can claim an exemption under certain circumstances.
International students with private insurance can be exempted from the compulsory health insurance only if they present a certificate of insurance from their home insurance company, translated into German, which precisely describes the content and scope of the insurance coverage. The health insurance company in Germany will check this and may issue an exemption.
Note: Students older than 30 years of age are not eligible for student health insurance through the statutory health insurance companies and must take out private insurance either in their home country or in Germany. Please note that travel insurance cannot be accepted.
You can find more tips on health insurance and our partner Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) in the ISM Study Guide (PDF).
