Settlement

German Health Insurance Setup

Expert guidance to help you understand, compare, and set up the right health insurance for your move to Germany. Public vs. private, students vs. workers, family vs. solo, all covered.

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What you get

Mandatory requirement

Health insurance is legally required for everyone living in Germany. You must show proof of coverage for your visa application and residence permit.

Two systems

Germany has two types of health insurance: public (statutory) and private. Each has different eligibility criteria, costs, and benefits.

Comprehensive coverage

German health insurance provides excellent medical care, covering doctor visits, hospital stays, basic dental care, and prescription medications.

Cost structure

Public insurance costs are income-based (about 14 to 15% of gross income). Private insurance premiums depend on age, health status, and desired coverage.

Family coverage

Public insurance often covers non-working spouses and children at no extra cost. Private insurance requires separate policies for each family member.

Multiple providers

Choose from numerous public insurers (TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK) and private companies (Allianz, DKV, Ottonova, Debeka) based on your needs.

Pricing

Insurance premiums are set by the provider, not by us. Our setup assistance is consultation-based: we assess your situation, compare providers, and share a fixed quote during the call.

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Personalized consultation

    We assess your status (student, worker, family), age, health needs, and budget to recommend the right option.

  2. Step 2

    Provider comparison

    We compare public and private providers and explain differences in coverage, services, and support.

  3. Step 3

    Application and documents

    We help you complete the application forms and obtain the insurance documents your visa or residence permit requires.

Service request

Apply for Health Insurance for Germany

Submit the form below. Our team will follow up within 60 minutes (working hours) to walk you through public vs. private options and help you complete the enrolment.

Frequently asked questions

Is health insurance mandatory in Germany?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for everyone living in Germany, including international students, workers, and residents. It’s a legal requirement and you must provide proof of valid health insurance coverage when applying for a German visa or residence permit.
What’s the difference between public and private health insurance in Germany?
Public health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) is a statutory system with standard coverage at a cost based on your income, typically around 14.6% basic + ~1.7% Zusatzbeitrag of your gross income (2026). Private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung) has premiums based on your health, age, and desired coverage level, often offering more comprehensive services but with stricter eligibility requirements.
Which public insurance providers are recommended for international students?
Popular public health insurance providers for international students in Germany include TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), AOK, DAK, and Barmer. TK is particularly popular among international students due to its English services and comprehensive digital tools. All public insurers offer the same basic coverage mandated by law.
Can I switch between public and private health insurance?
Switching from public to private insurance is possible if your annual gross income exceeds the Versicherungspflichtgrenze (income threshold above which private insurance becomes optional), approximately €73,800 in 2026, or if you’re self-employed. However, switching back from private to public insurance can be very difficult and is only possible under specific circumstances, such as your income falling below the threshold or becoming unemployed.
How much does health insurance cost in Germany?
For public insurance, students under 30 typically pay around €140 to €150 per month (2026 rates). After 30, this increases to roughly €230 to €250 per month. For employed individuals, it’s approximately 14.6% of gross income for the basic contribution plus a Zusatzbeitrag of around 1.7% set by each Krankenkasse, shared equally between you and your employer. Private insurance costs vary widely based on age, health status, and coverage plan, starting from €80 to €100 for basic student plans up to several hundred euros for comprehensive coverage.
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Health Insurance Setup for Germany | MS in Germany