Full guide
Process, exceptions, and official sources
Every step in order, with exceptions, special cases and official sources.
This information is for orientation only. GKV premiums and coverage change with age and status. Emergency: 112; non-urgent doctor: 116 117.
Health coverage roadmap
Choose GKV → Enrol → Certificate for university/visa → Gesundheitskarte → Hausarzt
Student checklist — health
- Before enrolment: join Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) — TK, AOK, Barmer, etc.
- Certificate — Mitgliedsbescheinigung for uni and Ausländerbehörde.
- EU with EHIC: you can be exempted from GKV. Bring your EHIC (valid for the whole stay), admission letter and ID to a public insurer (TK, AOK, Barmer…): it notifies the university of the exemption (Meldegrund 10). The card alone, without that notification, is not enough to enrol.
- Gesundheitskarte — Electronic card after enrolment.
- Hausarzt: find a doctor with open slots (Aufnahmestopp common).
GKV vs PKV
| Type | Who | Note |
|---|---|---|
| GKV (statutory) | Nearly all students | Fixed student rate until 30 |
| PKV (private) | Rarely students | Hard to return to GKV — avoid without advice |
| Travel insurance | Short pre-arrival | Does not replace GKV for long visa |
Student GKV enrolment
- Choose Kasse — Compare digital services (TK app, AOK students).
- Apply online — With Zulassung and passport.
- Receive certificate — Send to university and immigration office.
- Premium — In 2026 about €141/month under 23 and €146/month from 23 without children (TK figures; other insurers differ by a few euros).
- Gesundheitskarte — For visits and pharmacy.
Doctor and specialists
- Hausarzt — GP; many practices are closed to new patients — call several.
- Überweisung — For specialists, often required for full reimbursement.
- Doctolib / Jameda — Online booking.
- Notaufnahne — Real emergencies only; otherwise 116 117.
Pharmacy and mental health
- Apotheke — Many medicines on prescription; limited OTC vs some home countries.
- Psychotherapy: long public waiting lists; university counselling.
Useful numbers
| Number | Service |
|---|---|
| 112 | Emergency |
| 116 117 | Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst |
| 110 | Police |
Common mistakes
- Showing up to enrol with just the EHIC, without a public insurer’s notification.
- Staying on the EHIC after you start working in Germany or after it expires: ask the insurer whether you must switch to GKV.
- Not sending GKV certificate to the university — enrolment blocked.
- Joining PKV without understanding future constraints.
- Ignoring Zuzahlung (co-payments) on some services.
Sources
Without GKV certificate the university may block enrolment.
Quick reference
Dual system: most students under 30 use GKV. GP (Hausarzt) refers to specialists. ER for emergencies; clinics for non-urgent care.
How healthcare works
How it works in practice
Show insurance card (eGK) at the doctor. If card not active yet, temporary confirmation from your insurer.
Emergencies
Mandatory insurance
Student GKV
Same coverage level across insurers; difference is digital service. Do not stay months on travel insurance once enrolled.
Mental health
Psychological support
University psychosocial counselling often free in German/English. Public therapy: long waits; private option with limited reimbursement.
Student support
Campus
Deep dive (optional)
Go deeper
Operational detail and official links—amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the competent portal before filing or paying.
Statutory vs private health insurance
GKV
Most employees and many students up to an age limit join a statutory health fund; each fund sets an additional contribution rate on top of the base rate.
PKV
Private insurance is only available if you meet legal eligibility rules—compare premiums and long-term implications carefully.
Access to care
GP & specialists
Your Hausarzt usually coordinates care; many specialist visits require a referral.
Pharmacy co-pays
Prescription medicines often require a small co-payment unless exempt.
Emergency & out-of-hours
112 & 116117
112 for emergencies; 116117 for non-life-threatening care when your GP practice is closed (fee may apply).
Mental health
Routine mental-health treatment is often arranged via GP referral; for acute crises call 112 or a recognised helpline such as Telefonseelsorge.
This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.
Official sources and verification
5 HTTPS sources are already linked where they are used in the guide.