Best Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung) for Internationals in Germany (2026)
Health insurance (Krankenversicherung) is mandatory for everyone living in Germany — including international students. If you're under 30 and enrolled in a degree program, you can join public insurance (GKV) at a fixed student rate of around €117-120/month. If you're over 30, on a language course, or prefer lower premiums, private insurance (PKV) like Care Concept starts from just €35/month. All three public options (TK, AOK, Barmer) offer identical core coverage — the differences are in digital services, English support, and bonus programs.
Required: Before university enrollment and residence permit application
Filter by your situation
45% of expats in Germany chose TK (Techniker Krankenkasse)
4 providers found
Students who prefer in-person service and live near an AOK office
Health-conscious students who value bonus programs and telemedicine
Students under 30 who want Germany's most popular insurer with the best digital experience
Students over 30 who need affordable insurance, or budget-conscious students who want the lowest premium
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Cost Calculator
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€428.40
€0.00 setup + €35.70/mo
€1408.08
€0.00 setup + €117.34/mo
€1427.16
€0.00 setup + €118.93/mo
€1434.36
€0.00 setup + €119.53/mo
Save €1005.96 over 12 months by choosing Care Concept over Barmer
12-Month Cost Comparison
Cumulative cost including setup fee + monthly fees
Care Concept saves you €1006 over 12 months compared to Barmer.
Ask the Community
Real answers from people who have been through it
How to Choose the Right Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung)
Step 1: Determine if you're eligible for public insurance (under 30, degree-seeking student). If yes, choose between TK (best digital/app, lowest rate at €117.34), Barmer (best bonus program, telemedicine), or AOK (best in-person support). If you're over 30 or on a language course, private insurance is your only option — Care Concept offers the best value. Pro tip: Public insurance gives you a Versicherungsnachweis that's accepted everywhere. Some Ausländerbehörden are stricter about private insurance for residence permits, so check with your local office.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is health insurance mandatory for students in Germany?
- Yes, absolutely. You cannot enroll at a German university or obtain a residence permit without health insurance. It's a legal requirement under German law (§5 SGB V).
- What's the difference between public (GKV) and private (PKV) insurance?
- Public insurance has a fixed student rate (~€117-120/month) with comprehensive coverage. Private insurance can be cheaper (from €35/month) but has varying coverage levels. Public is generally recommended if you're eligible (under 30, degree student).
- I'm over 30 — can I still get student health insurance?
- You cannot join public insurance at the student rate if you're over 30 (with rare exceptions up to 37). You'll need private insurance instead. Care Concept offers plans from €35.70/month specifically for international students.
- Can I switch between public insurance providers?
- Yes, after 12 months (or immediately if your insurer raises the Zusatzbeitrag). The switch is straightforward — apply at the new insurer and they handle the cancellation.
- Which public insurer is the cheapest?
- TK currently has the lowest student rate at €117.34/month (due to their 1.2% Zusatzbeitrag). Barmer is €119.53 and AOK varies by state (~€119-122). The differences are small — focus on service quality and English support.