Private vs Public Health Insurance in Germany
One of the most important decisions you’ll make as a student in Germany is choosing between private health insurance (PKV) and public health insurance (GKV).
Quick Comparison
| Factor | GKV (Public) | PKV (Private) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | ~€146 | €30-€150 |
| Pre-existing conditions | Covered | May be excluded |
| Age limit | Under 30 | No limit |
| Doctor choice | Kassenärzte | Any doctor |
| Hospital room | Shared | Single possible |
| Family coverage | Free | Extra cost per person |
GKV (Public): Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fixed, predictable cost
- No health checks
- Full coverage
- Family coverage (Familienversicherung)
- Easy to use
Cons
- Higher cost than basic private plans
- Limited dental coverage
- Shared hospital rooms
PKV (Private): Pros and Cons
Pros
- Can be much cheaper
- Broader coverage options
- Faster specialist access
- Any doctor
- No age limit
Cons
- Pay upfront, claim later
- Pre-existing conditions may be excluded
- No family coverage
- Premiums increase with age
- Difficult to switch back to GKV
When GKV Is Better
Choose GKV if:
- You’re under 30
- You have pre-existing conditions
- You prefer predictable costs
- You want hassle-free healthcare
- You plan to stay in Germany long-term
When PKV Is Better
Choose PKV if:
- You’re over 30 (GKV not available)
- You’re young, healthy, and want to minimize costs
- You’re only in Germany for 1-2 semesters
The Age 30 Cutoff
When you turn 30, your GKV student rate ends. You can stay in GKV at ~€210/month or switch to PKV.
Our Recommendation
For most international students under 30: Choose GKV for the best combination of coverage, simplicity, and long-term flexibility.
For students over 30: PKV is your main option.
Need help deciding? Compare GKV and PKV plans.
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