Is it important to have health insurance as a student? What you need to know…

Is it important to have health insurance as a student?

What you need to know if you want to spend some time abroad as a student. If you want to study in Germany, health insurance is required. Without health insurance, you cannot be matriculated. An appropriate proof needs to be submitted for the enrollment at a German university and for the application for a residence permit. Please take care of your health insurance in good time before beginning your studies, preferably as soon as possible after arriving in Germany. In Germany there are two kinds of health insurance schemes for students: statutory health insurance for matriculated students and private health insurance for all other types of students. The statutory health insurance offers good benefits and is fairly inexpensive for students. Every student who has the opportunity to be admitted to the statutory health insurance should make use of this option. A private health insurance like EDUCARE24 is always useful in cases where statutory health insurance is not possible.

What are some of the questions that you should clarify before you decide on an insurance?

Here are some questions that you should clarify before taking out an insurance:

• Does the insurance meet the requirements of the destination country?

You can get information on this e.g. from the responsible embassy or consulate.

• Are the benefits of the health insurance sufficient?

A good health insurance should offer you protection in case of illness and accident and cover medically reasonable return transport. Furthermore, the costs for individual treatments should not be limited and illnesses should not be generally excluded from the insurance cover.

• Is there protection in case of interruption of your work, for example for a holiday?
• Does the insurance also cover sports accidents?

Which documents will you receive?

Following your application, you will immediately receive an email with your insurance certificate along with customer information and the “Ärzte-Info-Ticket” (medical info card). Additionally, we will send you an insurance card for your wallet within the next few days.

What should you do if you are dissatisfied with what your country has to offer and you want to move somewhere cheap with many opportunities?

Some want to explore a new place and learn about a different culture, some want a better job because they’re not satisfied with the one in their home-country and some want to finish their studies. What if you can do all of that in one place with reasonable living/studying prices? Applying for a German Visa is one of the best things you can do for a better future!

What is the TK public health insurance?

Students from abroad need to have proof of public health insurance when enrolling at a German university. We recommend the student insurance of Techniker Krankenkasse, which meets all official requirements for obtaining a visa.

What should you keep in mind when staying abroad as a language student or trainee/intern?

You should always keep your insurance certificate since the authorities in a number of home countries require proof of insurance for the time spent abroad.

What can you do in case your visa got rejected?

Even though it was a long and stressful process, knowing all the documents you need after you get the letter of rejection by the embassy will make it easier for you to apply next time!

How long will it take you to open a blocked account?

Opening your blocked account only takes a few minutes. You only need to enter a few details into the application form, then you upload a copy of your identity papers and you’re almost done. You will get the confirmation of the account opening within 24 hours. Afterwards you can transfer the minimum blocked amount. After receipt of payment (in international payment traffic this usually takes 3 to 5 working days after the money has been transferred) you will immediately get the officially approved confirmation of your blocked account for your visa application. No paperwork, no long waiting times, no visits to the authorities. Just open your blocked account online and you will already have cleared one hurdle on the way to getting your visa – quickly and comfortably.