Health Insurance for PhD Students and Researchers Abroad

Health insurance for PhD students is more complex than for regular students. Your employment status, age, funding source, and family situation all affect your options.

Why PhD Insurance Is Different

• Age: Many PhD students are over 30
• Employment status: Employed, stipend, or self-funded
• Duration: 3-6 years, requiring long-term coverage
• Family: Many PhD students have partners and children

PhD Insurance by Country

Germany

If employed (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter):

• Automatically enrolled in GKV
• Employer pays ~50%
• Cost: ~€175-€225/month (your share)

If on a stipend:

• Must arrange your own insurance
• Under 30: GKV student rate (~€146/month)
• Over 30: Voluntary GKV (~€210/month) or PKV

United States

If employed as TA/RA:

• University typically provides health insurance
• Often covers spouse/dependents

If on fellowship:

• Check your funding terms
• University SHIP or marketplace plans

United Kingdom

• Employed researchers: Covered by NHS
• PhD students: Pay IHS (£776/year)

Family Coverage

Germany (GKV):

• Familienversicherung: spouse and children FREE if they earn under ~€565/month (2026)

USA:

• Adding spouse: +$200-$500/month
• Adding children: +$150-$300/month

Stipend vs Employment

Factor	Employed	Stipend	Self-Funded
Insurance provided?	Usually yes	Sometimes	No
Employer contribution	Yes (~50%)	No	No
Monthly cost	Lower	Medium-High	Highest

Checklist for PhD Students

• Determine employment/funding status
• Check if institution provides insurance
• Verify family coverage options
• Check coverage for research trips
• Confirm mental health services included
• Ensure pre-existing conditions covered

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