Find out information about health insurance in Germany for international students

To study a profession in Germany, in addition to learning the language of this country, you also need to prepare the necessary documents to apply for a visa and register. health insurance in GermanyThis is one of the mandatory conditions from the German Government for all international students when coming to this country to live, study and work. In the article below, SHD Academy will share some information about the benefits and types of health insurance in Germany that you need to know when studying abroad in this country.

>> Reference: 

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What is health insurance in Germany?

Health insurance in Germany is a type of insurance in the field of public health care, helping people access health care services more easily and effectively. At the same time, it reduces health care costs, costs related to treatment, health recovery, etc. in cases of illness or accident. 

Since 2009, all citizens or permanent residents of the Federal Republic of Germany are obliged to purchase health insurance. For international students, it is necessary to prove that they have valid health insurance in Germany when applying for a visa. This is to ensure that international students are able to use basic health care services when necessary or if health-related problems arise during their time studying and living in Germany. 

>> Reference: Instructions for self -preparation of German vocational studies 2025

Benefits of health insurance when studying vocational training in Germany

For international students, participating in health insurance in Germany will receive many practical benefits. International students have the right to basic health care services, including medical examination, inpatient treatment and medication. This helps international students feel more secure when living and studying in Germany without having to worry about medical expenses.

In addition, having health insurance also helps international students complete administrative procedures easily, register for admission to vocational training institutions more conveniently, and quickly integrate into the living environment in Germany.

Note: German health insurance does not automatically pay sickness benefits (Krankengeld) to international students. This benefit only applies to employees with a work contract and full social insurance contributions. If international students have a part-time job and meet the conditions for social insurance contributions, they can receive Krankengeld with a maximum support level of about 3,176 Euro/month (equivalent to 84 million VND) for up to 78 weeks.

>> Reference: What is the age of studying in German vocational training? Latest information 2025

Types of health insurance in Germany 

The health insurance system in Germany is divided into two main types:

Public health insurance

1. What does public health insurance in Germany cover?

Most people in Germany are covered by public health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung – GKV), including international students. Some features of GKV insurance in Germany include:

• Object: All citizens and legal residents in Germany (except those with high incomes of over 69,300 Euro/year and who are allowed to purchase private health insurance).
• Free choice of insurance fund: Participants are free to choose the public insurance fund they want. 
• Management form:  GKV insurance is administered by social insurance institutions (Krankenkassen) or independent health insurance institutions.
• Interest: GKV insurance will cover all medical expenses such as general practitioner (GP) appointments, consultations, inpatient and outpatient treatments, prescriptions, surgery, cancer screening, maternity benefits, basic dental care, and even hospital stay costs.

However, GKV insurance does not cover visits to private hospitals or clinics, medical treatment on demand, alternative medical care, vision care products for the elderly and any medical benefits outside Europe.

2. How much does public health insurance cost in Germany?

The cost of public health insurance in Germany is calculated based on the insured person's total monthly income, on average between 14.9 and 16.31 TP3T depending on the public health insurance fund (Krankenkasse) chosen by the insured person. The state contributes an additional 14.61 TP3T, and each public health insurance fund has the right to add an additional contribution rate of 0.9 to 1.31 TP3T. This insurance premium will be divided equally between the employer and the employee.

For international students, public health insurance fees in Germany are divided into specific cases as follows:

• International students under 25 years old and whose parents are publicly insured will be able to use public health insurance for free.
• International students between the ages of 25 and 30 or international students with an income of more than 450 Euro/month (about 12 million VND) will have to pay GKV insurance premiums of about 104 Euro/month (about 2.8 million VND). However, for international students studying vocational programs in Germany, training institutions will pay 50% insurance costs. 
• If you are an international student over 30 years old, you must pay GKV insurance premiums with a minimum of 180 Euro/month (about 4.8 million VND). 

3. How to register for public health insurance in Germany

To register for GKV insurance in Germany, international students can proactively contact insurance companies through online services. Then, the insurance company will send the contract via Email and request to provide documents for insurance such as Passport or residence card, student card or apprenticeship contract.

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Private health insurance

1. What does private health insurance in Germany cover?

Private health insurance in Germany is also known as Private Krankenversicherung – PKV, provided by private insurance companies. Only certain groups can buy PKV insurance such as students, doctors, civil servants, self-employed people, freelancers or people with an income of more than 69,300 Euro/year (about 1.8 billion VND).

The basic features of PKV insurance in Germany are:

• Personalized insurance: Insureds can adjust the scope of insurance according to their needs, choosing specific benefits and services suitable for each individual.
• Interest: Includes the same services as GKV insurance and enjoy additional premium services such as advanced dental treatment, choice of hospitals, quick appointments with specialists,… 

2. How much does private health insurance cost in Germany?

Unlike the GKV insurance premium calculation method, the premium of PKV insurance in Germany is not based on income and is determined based on factors such as age, health status, occupation and personal choices of insurance services that the insurance buyer desires. The price of purchasing a PKV insurance package in Germany can fluctuate around 150 - 1,500 Euro/month (about 4 - 40 million VND).

3. How to register for private health insurance in Germany

International students can register for PKV insurance by filling out the online registration form and receiving the contract via email or by going directly to the insurance company's agents to register. 

Typically, some private health insurance companies may require foreigners to demonstrate their plans for a long-term stay in Germany. Additionally, many private insurance companies require policyholders to complete a health questionnaire and in some cases may require a medical examination before approving the policy.

>> Reference: Latest information on German vocational training contracts and things to know

Comparison between public health insurance and private health insurance in Germany 

To better understand public health insurance and private health insurance in Germany, you can refer to the comparison table below:

(Source: SHD Academy synthesis)

Which health insurance should I choose for vocational study in Germany?

If you are planning to study or work in Germany, you are required to register for health insurance and submit a receipt confirming payment of fees with your visa application. For international students studying vocational training in Germany, public health insurance is a reasonable choice thanks to its reasonable costs and full benefits. In particular, when participating in public health insurance, international students do not need to pay in advance for medical examination and treatment costs because the insurance will directly pay for medical services according to regulations.

Currently, there are many units providing support services for students to register for health insurance in Germany, including: SHD Academy. In nearly 7 activities, SHD Academy has affirmed its brand and risen to the leading position in the field of vocational study in Germany, not only helping students complete their profiles but also providing maximum support in important procedures such as health insurance.

Most businesses will register health insurance for students. However, if the business authorizes SHD Academy to carry out this procedure, students will be registered for insurance through Barmer - a leading health insurance company in Germany. This cooperation helps students save costs and study with peace of mind with a standard health insurance system, while creating trust for families when choosing SHD Academy to accompany their children.

Some of the outstanding benefits that SHD and Barmer bring to customers include:

• 100% covers vaccination costs and many other medical services.
• Free medical advice in many languages.
• EU-wide coverage, emergency assistance.
• Cash rewards up to 150 Euro/year for students maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Comprehensive health insurance support for the whole family of students.

>> Reference: 

• Summary of German vocational scholarships 2025
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Hopefully the above article has provided useful information for young people who are planning to study vocational training in Germany. If you are interested in studying vocational training in Germany and need more detailed advice on health insurance in Germany, please contact us now SHD Academy via hotline 0336 760 276 to get the best support.