Health Insurance

In Germany, health insurance is mandatory for all researchers and accompanying family members. In order to obtain a residence permit and enter into an employment contract you will require proof that you are insured. The policy must at least cover medical treatment in the event of serious illness or accidents.

The two varieties of health insurance in Germany consist of statutory health insurance and private health insurance. 

• If you fund your stay in Germany independently or by means of a fellowship, you have no alternative but to take out private health insurance cover. 
• If you possess an employment contract, you are compelled to take out statutory German health insurance. 

Statutory Health Insurance 

The level of contributions to statutory health insurance providers has been standardized. The standard rate is 15.5% (as of 01/01/2011), of which the employer pays 7.3% and the employee 8.2%. Contributions towards health insurance cover are deducted from your gross salary at source. You can very easily insure your spouse and your children with one of the statutory insurance companies as long as all family members so insured are registered in Germany and live in the same household.

The benefits of statutory health insurance are, for the most part, also standardized. There are differences in customer service, additional benefits and optional premiums. You are free to choose your statutory health insurance company. Please ask the Welcome Centre for more information.

Private Health Insurance 

 In contrast to statutory health insurance coverage, private health insurance premiums are not income-related but dependent on various criteria that influence the risk such as age, gender, profession, state of health and the particular kind of health insurance you desire. The more comprehensive the package, the more expensive it becomes. Private patients receive personal invoices. You must pay them yourself and then submit them to your insurance company for a refund. Every family member needs their own insurance coverage. 

There are some exceptions from the mandatory health insurance:

• EU citizens
• Your stay in Germany is not scheduled to last longer than 3 months and your health insurance at home covers costs amounting to 30.000 Euro at the least.
• You are citizen of a country which Germany has a social security agreement with (please ask the Welcome Centre for more information)