Familiarizing yourself with the health insurance requirements is important when working as a researcher or scientist in Germany. Taking care of your health and well-being is a priority, and understanding the specifics of health insurance can help you navigate the system effectively.
You must explore the types of insurance available, eligibility criteria, and coverage options that apply specifically to you. By clarifying these requirements, you can ensure you meet the necessary obligations as a researcher or scientist in Germany.
Do Researchers and Scientists Need Health Insurance in Germany?
Yes, all residents— even temporary ones— are legally required to have valid health insurance while in Germany. In 2009, the country made health insurance a mandatory requirement, and since then, all residents and citizens are covered by either public or private insurance.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for either one or both, but either way, having mandatory coverage ensures that everyone has access to necessary healthcare services and can receive medical treatment when needed.
Am I Eligible for Statutory Health Insurance?
Third-country scientists and researchers are not eligible for statutory health insurance in Germany (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung—GKV), meaning you must obtain health insurance in another form.
In rare cases, you may be eligible for statutory or public health insurance as a researcher/scientist if you have a long-term employment contract with a German research institution/employer or have previously held public health insurance from another EU/EEA country.
If you think either of these situations applies to you, check with the immigration office before travelling to Germany.
How Do I Obtain Health Insurance in Germany as a Researcher/Scientist?
There are a few ways to obtain health insurance while conducting your research or scientific work in Germany:
- Use your health insurance from your home country.
- Purchase an international health insurance policy.
- Purchase private health insurance
Using Home Country Health Insurance
Under certain circumstances, using your health insurance from your home country in Germany is possible. However, this is subject to specific criteria and agreements between Germany and your country. Germany has agreements with several countries allowing home insurance coverage to be accepted. It is crucial to check if your country meets the criteria for these agreements.
Moreover, for your home insurance to be valid in Germany, it must be equivalent to a health insurance plan that you would obtain in Germany.
If your home country’s insurance does not meet the criteria or is not equivalent to German health insurance plans, it is unlikely that it will be eligible to cover you while in Germany. In such cases, exploring other options for health insurance coverage during your stay in Germany is important.
International Health Insurance
International health insurance can be a viable option for individuals residing or working in Germany, especially if their home country’s insurance does not meet the criteria for coverage with German health insurance plans. International health insurance provides coverage specifically designed for individuals living or working abroad, offering comprehensive medical coverage and benefits. It is typically tailored to meet the needs of expatriates, including researchers and scientists in Germany.
With international health insurance, you can choose from various coverage options and levels of benefits. These plans often include coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization, doctor visits, prescription medications, and other necessary healthcare services.
Remember that international health insurance should provide coverage that aligns with Germany’s healthcare requirements and standards.
Private Insurance in Germany
Private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung or PKV) in Germany is an alternative to statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung or GKV) and is one of the best options for researchers and scientists. Private insurance covers medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medications, and specialized treatments.
While private health insurance allows you to choose any insurance provider in Germany that suits your needs, it’s important to consider some factors. Unlike statutory health insurance, which is typically income-based, private health insurance costs can vary significantly based on factors such as your health condition, age, desired coverage options, etc.
Offered by DR Walter, you can easily find one of Germany’s most popular and most suitable policies for scientists and researchers — the Provisit policy. This policy is designed to cater to the needs of individuals in academia and research, providing comprehensive coverage and tailored benefits.
Best Private Health Insurance for Researchers/Scientists
Some of Germany’s best private health insurance companies for researchers and scientists include the following:
- Dr. Walter
- AXA.
- Allianz.
- Debeka Health Insurance Association.
- DKV.
- Mawista.
- HanseMerkur
You can find a list of the complete private health insurance companies in Germany here.
What Does Private Health Insurance Cover in Germany?
Most private health insurance policies in Germany cover the following:
- Inpatient and outpatient services.
- Emergency room visits.
- Medications.
- Surgical procedures.
- Dental emergencies.
Of course, you have to keep in mind that coverage area differs from provider to provider, and you can opt for a higher level of coverage which may affect the overall price of your health insurance.
How Much Is Health Insurance for Researchers/Scientists in Germany?
An average price of a basic insurance policy for a mid-30-year-old with no prior health issues can go anywhere between €350 ($375) to €900 ($964) per month.
Of course, this price varies among providers and is affected greatly by several important factors:
- Age and health status. Insurance companies typically charge higher premiums for older policyholders due to increased health risks associated with age. Additionally, your health condition can affect your insurance cost, as individuals with pre-existing medical conditions may face higher premiums.
- Deductible. The deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium, but it also means you’ll have higher upfront costs for medical services.
- Type of insurance plan. In Germany, you have choices regarding primary physician tariffs. You can select plans that require a primary care physician as your first point of contact before seeing specialists, or you can choose plans that allow direct access to specialists without a referral. The type of plan you select will impact your premium costs.
- Coverage level. The extent of coverage and policy maximums directly influence the cost of your health insurance. The more comprehensive the coverage and higher the policy limits, the more expensive the premium.
- Insurance provider. Different insurance providers may offer varying premium rates for similar coverage. Factors such as market competition, reputation, and the range of insurance policies can impact pricing. Choosing a reliable provider that offers suitable coverage at a reasonable cost is advisable.
Remember to balance affordability and coverage quality when selecting a private health insurance plan. While it is important to consider cost, prioritize a reputable provider that meets your specific insurance needs.
To help you explore and compare different prices, you can also turn to this insurance calculator here provided by the German authorities. An affordable option would also be Provisit Science, starting from only €79 ($84) per month.
Health Insurance for EU/EEA Researchers and Scientists in Germany
If you’re an EEA/EU citizen doing research/scientific work in Germany or a study program, you have the following options for health insurance depending on your stay:
- For short stays— you are still covered by the health insurance in your home country, but you must bring your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) with you to get treatment at a hospital or visit a doctor. Your EHIC is valid only for statutory or public health insurance. You must fill out a “Patient Declaration of European Health Insurance” to get your bill covered.
- For longer stays— you need to receive an insurance S1 form from the insurance company or fund from your origin country and bring that form with you to Germany. This will ensure that in addition to emergencies, you can also receive routine medical care while staying in Germany.
What Happens if I Don’t Have Health Insurance?
If you don’t have health insurance, you may face legal consequences, which can vary, but the relevant authorities may impose fines or penalties for non-compliance. The exact amount of the fine or penalty can depend on various factors, such as the duration of being uninsured and individual circumstances.
In addition to breaking the law, you also face other difficulties if you remain uninsured, which include limited access to healthcare, financial burdens from paying for medical expenses out of pocket, and difficulties obtaining coverage for pre-existing conditions.