Insurance in Germany for Bangladeshi Students 2026

Legal Requirement

Every student enrolling in a state or state‑recognized German university must have health insurance. You cannot enroll without it.

Student Visa

For a German student visa, you must show valid health insurance starting from the day you arrive until your enrollment date at university. Travel insurance alone (used only for the visa appointment) does not replace long‑term health insurance.

Residence Permit

Proof of health insurance is also required when you apply for your residence permit after arrival in Germany.

Monthly Contribution breakdown

Pension insurance details

Types of Insurance for International Students

Type of Insurance	Applies To	Notes
Statutory Health Insurance (GKV)	Most students under 30 and enrolled in degree programmes	Standard choice, comprehensive cover, and automatic long‑term care insurance included.
Private Health Insurance (PKV)	Students over 30, preparatory course students, language course students, or those exempted from GKV	Needs formal exemption from statutory insurance.
Travel or Expat Health Insurance	Used only from arrival until statutory/long‑term insurance begins	Must meet minimum visa requirements. Not accepted for long‑term enrolment.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)	Students from EU/EEA/Switzerland	Valid for emergency and ongoing care under EU agreements. Not always sufficient for full academic registration without further certification.

Statutory Health Insurance (GKV)

Who Can Use It?: Available to students under age 30 and those enrolled in degree programs.
Coverage: Includes doctor visits, hospital care, prescription medications, and preventive care.
How to Apply: You can register with statutory health insurance providers like AOK, TK, or Barmer. The provider will send confirmation of your coverage directly to your university.
Additional Benefits: Automatic coverage for long-term care insurance.
Cost: Approximately €110–€120 per month.

Private Health Insurance (PKV)

Who Can Use It?: Students aged over 30 or those enrolled in preparatory or language courses.
Coverage: Similar to statutory insurance but usually offers additional benefits like faster appointments or private rooms in hospitals.
How to Apply: You will need to apply for an exemption from statutory health insurance before choosing a private provider.
Cost: Typically higher than statutory insurance, and premiums depend on the provider and coverage plan.

Insurance and the German Student Visa

Requirements for a Visa Appointment

Short‑term travel health insurance is required to get the visa appointment and permission to travel.

Full Insurance Before Enrolment

Long‑term German health insurance proof must be ready by the time you register at university or when applying for the residence permit.

Special Cases

Students from the EU/EEA/Switzerland

You can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when enrolling; it’s accepted because of EU agreements.

Preparatory/Language Courses

Public insurance may not be available; private plans are typically required.

Older Students (Over 30)

Statutory student rates usually end; private or voluntary coverage becomes necessary.

How to Apply for Health Insurance in Germany

Step 1: Before You Leave

Arrange travel health insurance that covers you until your German health insurance begins.

Step 2: Upon Arrival

Choose between statutory or private insurance based on your situation.
Enroll with a health insurance provider and get your coverage proof.

Step 3: At the University

Submit the proof of insurance directly to the university.
Some universities may require additional documentation, so confirm the process with your institution.

Key Insurance Providers in Germany

AOK: Offers wide coverage and low fees for students under 30.
TK (Techniker Krankenkasse): One of Germany's largest insurers, known for excellent services.
Barmer: Offers extensive coverage options for students.
Bkk:

For private insurance, options include Allianz and Mawista.

Costs of Health Insurance in Germany for International Students

City	Insurance (Monthly)
Berlin	€110–€120
Munich	€110–€120
Frankfurt	€110–€120
Hamburg	€110–€120

Long-Term Care Insurance (Pflegeversicherung)

This is mandatory if you have statutory health insurance (GKV). It's automatically included with your health insurance policy.
Covers long-term care needs, such as assistance for elderly or chronically ill individuals.

Personal Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung)

Highly recommended but not mandatory.
Covers damages you might cause to others, whether accidental or intentional. For example, if you break something at a friend's house or cause an accident, it protects you from financial liability.

Why It’s Needed:

While not mandatory, it is considered important, especially for students and those renting accommodation, as it can save you from costly legal issues or accidental damages.

Accident Insurance (Unfallversicherung)

Not mandatory, but recommended.
Covers medical costs in case of an accident, whether at work, school, or leisure activities.
Usually, this is included in statutory health insurance in some cases, but you can also purchase additional accident insurance.

Liability Insurance for Rental Property (Mietrechtsschutzversicherung)

Not mandatory, but could be useful for tenants.
Covers legal expenses in case of disputes with your landlord, especially concerning rental contracts or property damage.

Car Insurance (if you drive)

It is mandatory if you own a car in Germany.
There are three types: liability insurance, partial coverage insurance, and fully comprehensive insurance.

Summary of Insurance Types for Living in Germany:

Insurance Type	Mandatory/Recommended	Purpose
Health Insurance	Mandatory	Covers medical, hospital, and emergency care expenses.
Long-Term Care Insurance	Mandatory (if you have GKV)	Covers long-term care in case of chronic illness or old age.
Personal Liability Insurance	Recommended	Protects against financial liability for accidental damages to others.
Accident Insurance	Recommended	Covers costs related to accidents.
Rental Liability Insurance	Not mandatory, but useful	Covers legal expenses related to rental property disputes.
Car Insurance	Mandatory (if driving)	Protection against accidents and damage when driving a vehicle.

In conclusion, health insurance is the only legally mandatory insurance to live in Germany as an international student, but additional types like personal liability and accident insurance are highly recommended to ensure a safer and more secure living experience.

Additional charges for health insurance

Final Tips for International Students in Germany

Always have valid health insurance before you arrive, as it's required for both your visa and enrollment.
If you are from the EU/EEA, check the coverage of your EHIC before arriving.
Confirm with your university about any specific health insurance requirements.
Private health insurance can be pricier but may provide additional benefits if you're over 30 or studying a language course.

For more information on health insurance in Germany, visit the following government sources: