tk travel insurance germany

My honest Techniker Krankenkasse review

It’s hard to pick the right health insurance in Germany . There are hundreds of options, both public and private. You might have heard of Techniker Krankenkasse already. It’s the largest public health insurer in Germany.

I was a TK customer from 2015 to 2021. I had their health insurance as an intern, as an employee and as a freelancer. This is my review of their services.

What is TK?

Techniker Krankenkasse (or TK) is a public health insurance company ( Krankenkasse ) in Germany. It’s the largest health insurer in the country, with 10.4 million members. 1 TK is a non-profit company, like all public health insurers in Germany. It’s just a little larger than Barmer , the second largest Krankenkasse .

How much does TK health insurance cost?

Your health insurance contributions depend on your income, and your situation. All public health insurers in Germany charge almost the same prices. TK is not the cheapest or the most expensive; it’s just average.

You pay the {{ tarifName }} tarif . Your health insurance has a fixed price. It's cheaper than the regular tarif. You pay the minimum price . Your employer does not pay part of your health insurance. Your health insurance costs a percentage of your income. If you get ALG I or Bürgergeld , the Agentur für Arbeit pays for your insurance. Your employer does not pay half of it. Your health insurance costs a percentage of your income. You make less than per month, so you don't pay for health insurance. Your employer pays for it. Your health insurance costs a percentage of your income. Your employer pays half of it. You don't pay the student tarif because you are too old. You don't pay the student tarif because your income is too high.

The base cost is the same with every public health insurer . You have a minijob, so you pay the minimum price . It's {{ baseContributionPercentage }}% of }}. You make less than per month, so you pay the minimum price . It's {{ baseContributionPercentage }}% of . You make more than per month, so you pay the maximum price . It's {{ baseContributionPercentage}}% of . You make less than , so you pay the midijob tarif. It's cheaper than the normal tarif. You pay the student tarif; the base cost is a fixed price. The base cost is {{ baseContributionPercentage }}% of your income.

Health insurers can charge a little more than the base cost. The surcharge ( Zusatzbeitrag ) is usually around {{ formatPercent(healthInsurance.avgZusatzbeitrag * 100) }} of your income.

Nursing care insurance ( Pflegeversicherung ) costs the same with every public health insurer . You make over per month, so you pay the maximum price . pflegeversicherung.defaultTarifMaxAge && childrenCount === 0"> It costs {{ (pflegeversicherung.surchargeTarif*100).toFixed(1) }}% of your income, because you are over {{ pflegeversicherung.defaultTarifMaxAge }} years old and you don't have children. It costs {{ (pflegeversicherung.defaultTarif*100).toFixed(2) }}% of your income.

When you are self-employed, you don't get help from your employer. You pay the full price yourself.

Your employer pays for your health insurance, because you make less than per month.

When you have a minijob, your employer does not pay for your health insurance.

When you are an employee, your employer pays half of your health insurance.

This is how much you pay every month for public health insurance. You make more than per month, so you pay the maximum price . You pay the minimum price , because you make less than per month. You pay nothing, because you make less than per month. Your employer pays for your insurance.

Your options

Alg i or bürgergeld.

If you get ALG I or Bürgergeld , you don't pay for health insurance. The Agentur für Arbeit pays for it.

Family insurance

If {{ yourSponsorsHave }} public health insurance , it covers you for free. Ask their health insurer.

Public health insurance

The safest choice for most people. The price is a percentage of your income.

Private health insurance

Better and cheaper for some people, like young people with a good income.

European Health Insurance Card

If you have health insurance from another EU country, you might not need German health insurance.

Join the Künstlersozialkasse

If you are a freelance artist or publicist, join the KSK. They pay half of your health insurance. It's always worth it.

There are over 100 public health insurers . Their prices and coverage are almost the same.

Techniker Krankenkasse

The biggest health insurer in Germany. They have English-speaking support.

The second biggest public health insurer. They have an English-speaking Expat Hub.

AOK (Nordost)

Another large public health insurer. They have branches for each part of Germany.

Another large public health insurer.

Private health insurance can be better and cheaper than public health insurance. It depends on your situation.

Ask a health insurance broker

They help you choose from hundreds of options. It's the best way to choose health insurance.

Get a quote from Feather

They sell insurance from a few insurers. I got my health insurance from Feather, so I recommend them.

Get a quote from Ottonova

They sell their own health insurance. It's expensive for what you get. They speak English.

Need help choosing?

It's the best way to choose health insurance, and it's free.

How to choose German health insurance ➞

Does TK offer support in English?

Yes, but not officially. You can sign up in English on TK’s English website (or use this simple form ), but the rest of the website is only in German. The members area ( Meine TK ) is only in German. All the letters you get are in German. If they need something from you, they ask in German. The TK app is available in English. It has the same features as the TK website.

TK does have English phone and chat support, so you can always get help in English. If English support is important to you, TK and Barmer are your best options. Barmer also has an English phone line, 2 but it’s a little more expensive.

My personal experience with TK

I was a TK customer since I moved to Berlin in 2015. I was with TK until 2021. I had a very positive experience with them.

Excellent coverage

In my experience, TK covers everything without asking questions . You go to the doctor, you show your health insurance card, and you get the treatments you need. I have seen doctors, physiotherapists, podiatrists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists and dentists. TK paid for everything without asking questions. It just worked.

Glasses are rarely covered. Most of the time, you must buy your own eyeglasses . It’s the same with other public health insurers.

At the dentist, TK only covers the least expensive treatment. For example, if you want high quality tooth fillings, you must pay for the cost difference. If you want full anaesthesia instead of local anaesthesia, you must pay the cost difference. 3 If you want the best treatment, you must pay for the price difference. Tooth cleanings are not covered. 4 It’s the same with other public health insurers. This is why many people get extra dental insurance ( Zahnzusatzversicherung ).

What does public health insurance cover? ➞

Expensive for freelancers

The cost of TK health insurance depends on your income. If you earn more, it’s more expensive. This is true for all public health insurers, not just TK.

If you are a freelancer, it’s more expensive because your employer does not pay half of your health insurance. If you earn a lot, you can pay up to 925 € per month in health insurance!

On the other hand, the price of private health insurance depends on your age and your health. If you are young, healthy, child-free, freelance and well-paid, private health insurance can be much cheaper.

This is why going with private health insurance sometimes makes more sense. I explain this in my guide on how to choose health insurance . In this situation, TK might not be the best option for you, and you should talk with a health insurance broker .

Good support

You can call TK, use their online chat, or ask them to call you. Their online chat works really well. They reply quickly and give clear answers.

When I received a letter that I did not understand, I used their support chat. They answered all of my questions and told me exactly what to do in less than 10 minutes.

The customer support also available in English.

Most things can be done online in TK’s members’ area, Meine TK . You can update your personal information and read your messages online.

You can choose to receive all your mail online. When there is a new message, you receive an email. You can only view the message on the TK website. You must enter an SMS code to access your messages. The TK mailbox is just a list of PDF letters from TK.

You can also download important documents from Meine TK .

You can also ask Techniker Krankenkasse to find an appointment for you. They send you an SMS when they have found an appointment for you. This can be very useful if you don’t speak German fluently, and don’t have a doctor yet. I only discovered this while writing this review, so I have not tried it.

Meine TK allows you to submit or download documents online. You rarely need to send something by post. You can also download documents for your employer, the Ausländerbehörde and BAföG straight from TK’s website.

What others say about TK

Techniker Krankenkasse is very good. It’s the best-rated public health insurer in every comparison:

• It was nominated “Germany’s best Krankenkasse” for the last 13 years.
• It ranked #1 in the Deutsche Finanz-Service Institut test .
• It also ranked #1 on Testsieger-Berichte’s test .
• It ranked #1 next to HEK on Finanztip’s report .

I am not cherry-picking facts. Every article I have found ranks TK first. In 2019, my insurance broker also said that it’s by far the best public option.

In 2021, TK raised their prices. It’s still a good deal, but it means you should also look at other options. A health insurance broker can help you pick health insurance. Their advice is free.

Techniker Krankenkasse is an excellent public health insurance company. I was a customer for 6 years, and I was very happy.

• It just works. They pay for everything without asking questions.
• They have very good customer service.
• Most services are available online on their website and in their app.
• Rated best public health insurer in many comparisons.
• They can help you find a doctor appointment.
• English support is available, but not guaranteed. Big parts of the website are only in German. If you need English support, Barmer is also an option.
• Since 2021, their prices are a bit less competitive.
• Private health insurance is a better choice in some situations.

In 2021, I switched to private health insurance. I was still very happy with TK, but it was not the best option for my new situation. When you are self-employed, private health insurance sometimes makes more sense.

Questions and answers

Is tk accepted for a visa application.

Yes. When you apply for a residence permit , German public health insurance like TK is always accepted. It works when you apply for a freelance visa , a work visa , a Blue Card or a student visa.

How to choose health insurance for a visa application ➞

Will TK cover me?

Generally, yes. TK is usually forced to cover you. There are two big exceptions: freelancers who just moved to Germany, and students over 30 years old who just moved to Germany. In this case, public health insurers can refuse to cover you, and it can be hard to find health insurance. Talk to a health insurance broker , and they will help you for free.

Health insurance options ➞

How to sign up with TK

If you want be insured with the Techniker Krankenkasse, fill this simplified form . It takes 10 minutes, and Feather takes care of the rest. Feather is an English-speaking health insurance broker in Berlin. I work with them since a long time and I trust them.

Sign up with Techniker Krankenkasse

You can also go through the process yourself on the TK website . They have an English sign-up form.

If you don’t know which health insurer to choose, get help from a health insurance broker. They will help you pick the best health insurance for your needs. Brokers get paid by health insurance companies to bring them new customers. Their help is free.

If you choose TK, you can pay 10 € per year to get Envivas travel insurance . It covers your medical expenses while you travel. It works well: they paid for my friend’s helicopter evacuation, ambulance trip and hospital recovery in Nepal.

krankenkassen.de , tk.de   ⤴

allaboutberlin.com   ⤴

tk.de   ⤴

Envivas Health Insurance

Strong partnership with many benefits - envivas and techniker.

• Top Service and Consulting Benefit from exclusive private plans tailored for TK members.
• 99% Recommendation Rate Join the community of over 1.7 million TK insured individuals who trust us.
• Easy Online Application Experience a seamless process to secure high-quality healthcare coverage.

We're Enhancing Your Experience!

We are dedicated to providing you with an enhanced digital experience. As part of our website improvements, please note that our product pages will not be available in English for the duration of the update. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are working diligently to relaunch our full suite of services, including multilingual support, as quickly as possible. 

Should you require assistance or information in English during this period, please reach out to our customer support team who will be pleased to help.  You can reach us: Monday - Friday from 08:00 AM to 8:00 PM.  0221 - 27 14 05 70

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Get a recommendation based on your lifestyle

Sign up for tk public health insurance + free travel insurance.

Who is this for?

For people who have not yet moved to Germany and want to ensure that they are covered from the day they arrive in Germany until the day their public health insurance becomes active, the extra travel insurance we are offering free of charge fulfills visa application requirements.

How can I sign up for both insurance policies?

Sign up for public health by clicking on the top section and following the step-by-step instructions.

Come back to this webpage to complete the sign-up for your second policy. This one is on us.

Sign up for travel insurance by clicking on the top section and following the step-by-step instructions.

You're done! We will follow up via email with all the necessary documents confirming your coverage.

Why sign up through Feather?

Feather has partnered with TK to provide the most comprehensive insurance with the simplest digital sign-up available.

Meets Schengen visa requirements with coverage up to €50.000

Every part of the Feather experience is in English.

Sign up with no paper, no back-and-forth postal mail.

What does TK offer

Excellent public health coverage

TK is one of the foremost public health insurance funds in Germany. With over 10 million members, it is known for providing safe, effective, and reliable coverage.

Best service for expats

Don’t speak German? No problem. TK is known for having great English-language support.

Pre-existing conditions included

TK does not deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. Treatment and medications for such illnesses are covered.

Dependents covered for free

Children and a non-working spouse can be covered under one policy at no additional cost. Signing them up only requires a bit of extra work, but Feather can help you with that.

Why use Feather and how does it help me?

We ensure your information is always filled in correctly. No waste of time with incomplete applications. All online.

Add other insurances (e.g. liability, household contents, legal and dental) with the click of a button.

We get you the confirmation you need in record time, and by email.

Sign up digitally with Feather. And get free travel insurance. It only takes a few minutes.

Comprehensive dental coverage fills public health insurance gaps, offering treatments for preventive care, cleanings and more.

Personal liability

Protection for damage you cause to people or their belongings

Protection for your legal rights

Protection for your home and your belongings

How long does it take to sign up?

Submitting your application only takes a few minutes, and getting covered is pretty quick too. You can expect your coverage to be confirmed in as little as a few business days for employed persons. Self-employed and unemployed persons can expect a longer application process, but usually no longer than 14 business days. Let us know if it's super urgent, and we can make it happen much faster!

Do I need to sign up separately for public health insurance and for travel insurance?

Yes, these are two separate insurance policies. Public health insurance is your permanent one but your coverage will only start once your employment starts. Travel insurance is only there to cover you from when you land in Germany to when you start your employment. Therefore, you'll receive two policy confirmations.

How does public health insurance work?

Public, or state health insurance is really quite simple and easy to understand. Your insurance contributions are calculated as a flat percentage of your income. So, if you're earning a high income you can expect to pay more than someone earning a low income. To find out your exact price, see our useful price calculator.

How does travel insurance work?

Travel insurance is temporary insurance for the period between your arrival in Germany and the beginning of your employment. If in that period you need to use the insurance and process a claim, reach out to us and we will assist you in getting your reimbursement processed.

Do these policies fulfill my visa requirements?

Yes, absolutely. No matter which visa you are applying for, coverage by public health insurance topped with travel insurance for the period prior to your employment will satisfy the insurance requirement, no questions asked.

Will I get a social security number or pension number? If so, when?

Yes. Shortly after you've been confirmed as a new member, an official letter will be sent to you from the pension service via post with your social security number. However, if you need the number sooner, or you can't receive postal mail, feel free to get in contact with us and we'll do our best to get it emailed to you.

Will I receive a public health insurance card? If so, when?

Yes. Again, shortly you've been confirmed as a new member, you will be receiving some post mail with more information about how to acquire your ID card. Generally speaking, it takes just one week after your confirmation to get the physical ID card.

Am I eligible for public health insurance?

As long as it’s your first time becoming employed in Germany, yes. And for anyone who has recently relocated to Germany from somewhere else within the E.U. and has been publicly insured there (whether they are self-employed, a freelancer, or unemployed) then yes. In all other cases, it’s hard to say for sure without more specific details. If you have a tricky situation, please feel free to get in touch with our team and they’d be happy to help you.

Am I eligible for travel insurance - free of charge?

Yes, as long as you sign up for public health insurance and for travel insurance with Feather, and you're coming from outside Germany.

What is the maximum duration of the complementary travel insurance?

The maximum period for free coverage is 30 days. Beyond that you'll need to pay out of pocket.

The embassy is asking for a 3-month travel insurance, and you're offering only 1 month, why?

Indeed, certain embassies ask for 3-month travel insurance, but that's when you don't have comprehensive public health insurance on top and are planning to apply for it once you're in Germany. In this case, you'll have both and therefore fully covered not only for 3 months but for the duration you are in Germany thanks to the public health system.

Will this cover my spouse or my family?

Yes. On public health insurance, your children (under 18 years old) and a non-working spouse can be covered for free. On travel insurance, we will cover up to 3 dependents. They need to be under your public health insurance, though.

How do I pay for this policy?

For public health, If you are employed, then your insurance payments will be made directly from your paycheck. Your employer is required by law to pay for half of your policy. The other half will be deducted from your monthly salary. For travel insurance, Feather will bear the cost. That's our way of thanking you for signing up with us.

Does public health insurance cover dental?

Yes, however coverage for dental under public health is quite limited. For example, only simple check ups, fillings, and x-rays are covered. If you'd like a dental cleaning or high-end composite white-colored fillings you would need to consider adding a supplemental dental insurance. Please note that there is no dental coverage while you are still in the period using travel insurance. You'll need to wait until you're covered by your public health insurance to have some dental coverage.

Are my pre-existing conditions covered by public health insurance?

Yes. Chronic illnesses and pre-existing conditions are not excluded from coverage under public health insurance. In most cases, all ongoing medication schedules or treatments are covered. However, certain medications and specific treatments might not be covered outright or may require a copay.

What's the cancellation period for public health insurance?

There is a binding period of 12 months. After the first year, you are free to switch providers at any time. A waiting period of two to three months applies when you choose to switch. In case you are leaving Germany, no cancellation period applies and you can cancel immediately.Explanation: You can only cancel your public health insurance when you leave the country. Otherwise, you can only switch to other providers or private. The waiting period of two months plus the ongoing month always applies even for switchers to private or irregular switchers because of price changes. If the conditions don’t change, the binding period is 12 months applies to everybody.

• How do I find a doctor near me?
• How do I get an appointment with my doctor?
• How and when do I get my TK eHealth card?

Ever­yone under the same roof

Membership with TK is particularly worthwhile for families - because family members are insured at no additional cost.  

Are you new to TK and still thinking about how and where to insure your family members? No problem, its already been taken care of. Because if you are a TK member yourself (regardless of whether you are an employee or self-employed), you can insure the following relatives at no additional cost:

• your spouse or civil partner (pursuant to the Lebenspartnerschaftsgesetz [German Civil Partnership Act]
• biological and adopted children up until their 18th birthday (if they are not employed yet, up to their 23rd birthday, or if they meet certain criteria, even up to their 25th birthday)
• children of children covered by non-contributory dependants’ insurance
• stepchildren and grandchildren who are primarily supported by you as the insured member
• foster children, provided you are not employed as their caretaker.

"And TK is offering support in getting doctor appointments" TK member Ananda S. Hosmar appreciates that with his membership in TK his family is insured at no extra cost.

Video: Watch Ananda's story here

Family members are not eligible for cover through non-contributory dependants’ insurance if they are self-employed as their main occupation, are insured by a private health insurance provider, or are exempt from compulsory statutory health insurance (for example as a civil servant). Also ineligible are family members who are themselves subject to compulsory insurance, for example due to their employee status. There are also income limits for non-contributory dependants’ insurance. Your family members may not have a regular total income exceeding 505 EUR (2024) per month. However, they are allowed to earn 538 EUR from a "mini-job".

Practical: Each family member receives their own eHealth card (eHC). This lets everyone easily and conveniently use medical services at any time. It also includes medical care provided by specialists.

Because sharing is caring

TK is an unbeatable tip when it comes to first-class services and benefits at a great price. Share now!

Sick Leave in Germany [A 2024 English Guide]

Researched & written

by Yvonne Koppen

February 13, 2024

Calling in sick as an employee is often the last resort in other countries, as it gets frowned upon by employers or risks your financial stability, not so in Germany. Paid sick leave in Germany is one of the many social securities you can benefit from as an employee who is part of the public healthcare system. 

In Germany, the general belief is that if you are sick (even with a cold), you should rather stay at home and get well faster than drag yourself through prolonged sickness (because your body can’t rest) while performing at less than 100% and possibly contageing colleagues. 

In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about sick leave in Germany. When it applies, how much financial support you get, and what processes to follow. 

🖌️ Table of Contents

Does Germany have paid sick leave?

Yes, as an employee in Germany, you benefit from paid sick leave. If you are sick and unable to work for up to six weeks, your employer continues to pay your full salary, known as continued remuneration ( Entgeldfortzahlung ). However, if you have just started a job in a new company and you fall sick within the first four weeks, your employer does not have to keep on paying you. In this case, you can request sick pay from your public health insurance.

If you are on sick leave for more than six weeks due to the same illness, publicly insured employees have the right to receive sick pay ( Krankengeld ). You can get  Krankengeld  for a maximum of 72 weeks. It does not matter whether your sick leave is due to physical or mental illness. 

If you are privately insured, you cannot claim sick pay; instead, you can claim your daily sickness allowance ( Krankentagegeld ) if it is part of your tariff.  Ottonova , the only English-speaking private health insurance in Germany, offers daily sickness allowance as part of their tariffs.

If you are self-employed or a freelancer , you will need to cover financial losses during your illness yourself. This is why it is even more important if you are privately insured to get a tariff with a daily sickness allowance.

Read Our Related Guide

Private Vs Public Health Insurance In Germany

How much is sick pay ( Krankengeld ) in Germany?

How much sick pay you are entitled to depends on your circumstances and salary. It usually is the lower amount of either 70% of your gross monthly salary or 90% of your monthly net salary. Social contributions such as unemployment insurance , long-term care, and pension insurance will still be subtracted from your sick pay. You can calculate the amount you would receive as sick pay via  this calculator .

However, there is a maximum amount of  Krankengeld  set per day of 112,88 euros gross, which leads to 3.386 euros gross per month. After subtracting your social contributions, however, the maximum amount of net sick pay you can get in 2022 is 2.979 euros a month, regardless of whether your monthly salary is exponentially higher.

How many sick days do you get a year in Germany?

As per one of the most prominent  worker unions  in Germany, your employer has to accept up to 30 sick days a year. Any sick leave lasting more than 30 days can be seen as unreasonable, especially if it repeats several years in a row. This could be a reason to get fired. 

How many days can you be sick without a doctor’s note?

By law , you need to provide a doctor’s note latest after three days of calling in sick, so on the fourth working day. However, companies can shorten this period in your work contract. So be sure to read the section talking about  Arbeitsunfähigkeit , as it is common for the time to be reduced to one or two sick days. When you call in sick, your employer can also request a sick note for the same day; however, we have never personally experienced such practice. 

3 steps to call in sick in Germany?

To receive all the benefits described above, it is crucial that you follow the three steps below on how to call in sick in Germany. 

1. Inform your employer

You need to inform your employer immediately when you are unable to work. Most companies have a process for that, and it usually involves that you inform your supervisor or HR department. Legally, there is no one form to use; you could call, email, or text. Ideally, you ask your supervisor about the preferred method in your first months at work.

2. Go to a doctor

Depending on the severity of your illness, you should visit a doctor and, if need be, get a sick note. 

3. Send a sick note to employer and health insurance

The sick note ( Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung  🙈) is also called yellow note ( gelber Schein ), as it is indeed yellow or  Krankmeldung . It comes in three different versions. One for your health insurance, which indicates the diagnosis, one for your employer, which doesn’t indidcate the diagnosis, and a copy for your records. The one for the health insurance will state in bold letters ‘ Ausfertigung zur Vorlage bei der Krankenkasse ’ and the one for the employer ‘ Ausfertigung zur Vorlage beim Arbeitgeber ’.

You need to send the sick note to both parties at your earliest convenience and within a maximum of one week to keep your right to receive  Krankengeld . An email to the employer is accepted; however, it is better to hand in the original when you get back to work as well. Most health insurances offer the option to upload a picture or scan of the sick note in your member area.  TK  has it as quick access on the welcome page.

If you have private health insurance, you only need to inform your insurance of your sick note if you have the right for  Krankentagegeld  as part of your tariff. If you get asked to send the sick note via postal mail, you can read our guide on  how to send a letter.

To sign up with Techniker Krankenkasse, follow this super fast  sign-up form  provided by expat insurance specialist Feather. 

Since October 2021, the sick note process is slowly getting digitalized. The first step is that your doctor will digitally transmit the sick note to the health insurance. The next step, which will be implemented in 2022, is that the health insurance gives access to the sick note information to the employer. Until the end of June 2022, all doctors must still hand out the sick note to you and you should still follow the above process. 

What are you allowed to do during a sick leave in Germany?

You are allowed to do anything during your sick leave, which does not hinder your healing process. Here are a few examples of what you are allowed to do:

• Go for a walk
• Go grocery shopping
• Go to the movies
• Travel if it helps you recover (e.g., a trip to the ocean or a place with thermal waters helps to recover asthma or bronchitis)

You can also go back to work before your sick leave ends if you and your employer agree that you have recovered. 

It is common sense that you should not be seen partying, drinking, or with any other excessive behavior.

How much is annual leave in Germany?

By law, the annual leave in Germany is a minimum of 20 days if you are working five days a week and 24 days if you are working six days a week. However, 30 vacation days are quite usual in Germany.  On average , employees in Germany have 28 days of annual leave. 

If you fall sick during your vacation, you can claim them as sick days and save your vacation days. In this case, you need to submit a sick note to your employer on the first day of sickness. Vacation days are meant to help you relax and unwind from any stress at work; recovering from an illness is not part of that. 

Vacation Days In Germany [A Detailed English Guide]

We hope that this guide showed you that it is ok to be sick in Germany and not work. Paid sick leave is one of the many employee rights in Germany, which makes Germany an attractive place to live and work. 

Support Simple Germany

You can support our work by buying us a virtual coffee. Your donation helps us research and create ad-free content like this one.

Join us in our goal to empower internationals like you to settle into life in Germany more smoothly.

7 Hacks To Save Money In Germany

Get our  FREE  guide with 7 actionable hacks to save money while living in Germany.  7 days, 7 emails!

About the Author

Yvonne Koppen is a researcher and writer at Simple Germany, focusing on demystifying German bureaucracy for international skilled workers.

She has lived and worked abroad, which helps her understand how difficult a move to a new country can be. Beyond her professional pursuits, Yvonne loves to plan and go on road trips, puzzle, and do a triathlon here and there.

She is committed to creating accessible, empowering content through her writing and YouTube videos. Yvonne's passion for continuous learning and her ability to simplify complex topics make her an invaluable resource for expats seeking to navigate their new life in Germany.

You Might Also Enjoy These Guides

Can i work in germany without speaking german [2024 guide], german cv template in english [ultimate english guide], german payslip explained: how to read your payslip in germany, german cover letter guide [with english sample], unemployment benefits germany [2024 english guide], job interview in germany [how-to + tips in english].

Empowering internationals to settle into life in Germany more smoothly.

• Germany Explained
• Service Providers
• Brand Assets
• Scoring System

Buy Us A Coffee

Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

Refund Policy

in Düsseldorf

© All Rights Reserved. Simple Germany is a trademark registered in the European Union.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

• Plan Your Studies
• Study Programs
• Universities
• Requirements
• Living in Germany
• Accommodation
• Statistics & News

31-Day Free Travel Health Insurance for Foreign Students in Germany

As of March 5, 2019, all international students moving to Germany to further pursue their studies can benefit from free travel health insurance for up to 31 days, offered by private travel insurer DR-WALTER .

Foreign students aged 29 and younger and insured with the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) , the largest provider of public health insurance in Germany, who arrive in Germany before the beginning of their studies, will be provided with free additional travel health insurance coverage for a maximum of 31 days by DR-WALTER German Student Insurance.

Rebecca Tenten from DR-WALTER points out that the 31-day free insurance is accepted worldwide for student visa applications at embassies and consulates

“ Students from abroad often arrive just a few days before the beginning of their studies and therefore do not need long-term private health insurance. For this reason, we offer you Free Travel Health Insurance for up to 31 days. The Free Travel Health Insurance is a private health insurance that is accepted worldwide for student visa applications at embassies and consulates ,” Tenten explains.

DR-WALTER has undertaken the move in a bid to make sure that students that arrive before their studies begin are rightly insured, and do not have to spend extra money on getting insured for the period of time before their insurance with Techniker Krankenkasse is active.

Benefits of the Free Travel Health Insurance

Getting DR-WALTER’s free health insurance coverage has several benefits, including not having to buy temporary travel insurance, for the visa application process, as the 31-day free insurance, is accepted worldwide for student visa applications at embassies and consulates

Study at GISMA University of Applied Sciences

Be one step ahead with a globally recognised college in Germany!

Additionally, once they arrive in Germany, students covered by free travel insurance will be able to benefit from the following:

• Outpatient and inpatient medical treatment
• Dental treatment for pain relief and simple fillings (amalgam fillings) as well as repairs of dentures
• Medically necessary or prescribed return transport
• Expenses for the repatriation of the insured person’s mortal remains in the event of death or funeral expenses up to €30,000

How to Benefit from this Free Service

There are no additional documents required for students to prove their status, nationality or anything else, aside from the completed application given above. The only two requirements, are that you are a student 29 years old or younger and that you are covered with Techniker Krankenkasse during the period of their studies, as those insured by others are not able to benefit from this new free service.

As student insurance by Techniker Krankenkasse comprehensively covers international students in Germany aged 29 and younger from the beginning of their studies, you only have to apply for it.

Once you apply for TK insurance , you automatically benefit from the 31-day free coverage before the beginning of your studies.

To apply, you should fill in the online application form , which contains a few basic questions related to your identity, your studies in Germany, as well as details of your bank account in Germany through which premiums will be debited from, once your TK insurance starts rolling.

If you do not have a does not have a bank account in Germany at the time of the online application, you can send the data by e-mail after your arrival in Germany.

You will need to give in the following information:

• Personal details as First name & family name, date and city of birth, home country.
• Passport number of the travel document with which you plan to enter Germany.
• Email & telephone ( the latter is optional ).
• Address in Germany, street and house number, postal code, and city ( if you still do not know where you will settle in Germany, you can provide this information later ).
• Date of arrival to Germany. If the dates are not known for sure, you need to enter the estimated date of entry so that you are insured from the first day onward.
• University, the field of study, and the start of the semester.
• Bank details, name of the account holder and IBAN.
• A SEPA Direct Debit Mandate from you that authorizes Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) and DR-WALTER to debit your monthly health insurance fee from your account. If you do not yet have a German bank account, you can provide them with the bank details after your entry.

Once you submit it, you will then receive by e-mail a certificate of health insurance for university application, which you can present as a proof of health insurance for university application.

Join 262,114 students interested in studying in Germany

Download The Guide

Quick Links

8 Steps to Study in Germany How To Apply To Study in Germany German Education System Requirements Universities in Germany International Programmes Financing Your Studies German Student Visa German Health Insurance Germany Blocked Account Learn German Guide German Cities Cost of Living

Latest News and Statistics

Over 3,800 university students in germany were under 18 in 2022, higher education in germany: key trends & statistics, german universities’ spending €3.3 billion higher in 2022, daad allocates €120 million for recruiting international students as highly skilled workers in germany, int’l students in germany to enjoy more employment freedoms under new immigration law.

© 2012 - 2023 - Studying in Germany - All Rights Reserved.

• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy

• Value Package
• Blocked Account
• Health Insurance
• Current Account
• Study Finder
• Study Eligibility Checker
• Accommodation
• Learn German

What We Offer

• Bank Account
• Living in Germany

Studying in Germany

• Working in Germany

About Germany

• German Cities
• Tourism in Germany
• German Culture
• Visa for Germany
• Costs of Living in Germany
• Finance in Germany
• Health Insurance in Germany
• Driving in Germany
• Renting in Germany
• German Universities
• Free Studies in Germany
• German Education System
• Germany vs. other Study Destination
• German Degrees
• Application Process to Study in Germany
• Financing your Studies in Germany
• Best Universities in Germany
• German Business Culture
• Best Cities in Germany for Expats
• After your Bachelor's in Germany
• After your Master's in Germany
• About Expatrio
• Partner log in
• Partner Log-in

Health Insurance Plus

German health insurance package for internationals.

Public and Private Health Insurance

Personalized coverage for your visa and stay in Germany. Get peace of mind at affordable rates.

• Free Travel Health Insurance worth up to €95 3
• Award-winning insurance cover 4,5
• Fast, secure, cost-effective

How Our Customers Feel About Our Service

Securing your health insurance coverage has never been easier.

Overcome German bureaucracy and  relocate worry-free with us!

To live in Germany, you are legally required to have health insurance. To make this as simple as possible for you, we've crafted a special bundle designed with internationals in mind. Not only will you get the necessary coverage for your visa application (and university enrollment), but you will also be covered for your entire stay in Germany .  Our free Travel Health Insurance 3 (also known as Incoming Insurance) is accepted by all German authorities to secure your visa - ensuring a smooth visa process.

Expatrio's Health Insurance Plus package

The type of coverage you need for your stay in Germany will depend on your profile. Our Health Insurance package ensures you get the right type of protection with some of the best providers in the German market : TK, our public health insurance provider, and DR-WALTER, our Travel Health and private health insurance provider.

• Travel Health/Incoming Insurance , free for eligible customers up to 92 days, with DR-WALTER 3
• Public health insurance with Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)
• Private health insurance with DR-WALTER
• Comprehensive coverage incl. live doctor chat provided by your insurer

Benefit from instant confirmation and free perks

Expatrio's Health Insurance Plus offers you free Travel Health/Incoming Insurance 3  and instant confirmation .

Just like we offer customers a fast way to secure their proof of sufficient funds for your German visa, we also offer a quick health insurance confirmation for both with our Value Package and Health Insurance package.

Save money and benefit from our fully online and simple process! Get easy access to detailed information about your health insurance and other Expatrio services on your Expatrio User Portal.

Access the best providers in the German market

Securing your health insurance coverage with German providers can be a challenge. With Expatrio, you can bypass the endless German bureaucracy and language barrier. We do the hard part for you. Connect to the best providers 4,5 to insure you from day one of your stay in Germany.

• Travel Health/Incoming and private health insurance with DR-WALTER , awarded five times a Star Insurance provider. 5
• Public health insurance with Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) , elected 17 times in a row as the best German public health insurance and the best health insurance fund for students. 4

Expatrio Value Package

Simplify your move to Germany with Expatrio's Value Package! Get your mandatory health insurance and Blocked Account, plus other perks! 

Learn more about Health Insurance in Germany

Health Insurance is mandatory for everyone living in Germany and a prerequisite for obtaining a German visa.

Why do internationals need health insurance coverage when coming to Germany?

Everyone living in Germany is required by law to have healthcare coverage . University students aged under 30 are usually eligible for public health insurance. Language school students, preparatory course students ( Studienkolleg ) , PhDs, guest scientists, and university students aged 30+ may have to secure private health insurance coverage.

Activation needed

Your health insurance needs to be activated once you arrive in Germany. Add this item to your arrival to-do list to avoid future hurdles!

Expatrio's Health Insurance is personalized

It offers you exactly the type of coverage you need depending on your profile .

Generally,  university students aged under 30  receive:

• Travel Health/Incoming Insurance , free for up to 92 days, with DR-WALTER 3

Students aged 30 and over , non-university students, and all of those who are not eligible for public health insurance receive:

How does the Health Insurance package work?

Apply online.

Fill in our online application form to secure your health insurance coverage.

Receive confirmation

Download your Travel Health Insurance (also known as Incoming Insurance) confirmation for your visa appointment.

Once in Germany, activate your health insurance to be covered for your new life!

"Expatrio made everything easier for me, from being informed to going through the blocked account process, getting health insurance that was not rejected by the immigration offices and not having any problems at the airport."

Karla Morales

Graduate from Medical School

Personalized coverage for your visa and stay in Germany

• Free Travel Health/Incoming Insurance for your visa worth up to €95. Accepted by German authorities worldwide. 3
• Best public German health insurance: Techniker Krankenkasse (TK). 4
• Awarded private health insurance: DR-WALTER 5
• Extensive coverage incl. vaccinations
• Doctor appointment service & live chat via your insurance provider

Know more about your health insurance providers

At Expatrio, we only work with partners who share our passion for supporting internationals relocating to Germany. The health insurance providers Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) and DR-WALTER are our chosen partners to bring you the best health insurance coverage. 4,5

Learn more about Techniker Krankenkasse

TK is our public health insurance partner. From your studies or work start date, you will be covered by   Techniker  Krankenkasse (TK) . Public health insurance is a also known as Statutory Health Insurance or even Governmental Health Insurance.

According to Focus Money, TK is the   best German statutory health insurance fund   (public health insurance) and the best health insurance fund for students. 4  Their service comes with many advantages, such as vaccinations, cashback opportunities, and a convenient digital doctor appointment service.

Learn more about DR-WALTER

For your visa and arrival in Germany, you will need a special type of coverage called Travel Health Insurance. You might also know this as: Incoming Insurance, Private Travel Insurance, or Schengen Health Insurance. Getting this coverage is mandatory. If you are a student, you will be covered by this health insurance until your studies at a university or a university of applied sciences start.

If you are participating in a language course, or preparatory studies ( Studienkolleg ), you will have this private health insurance for the duration of your course.

Our partner for private health insurance is   DR-WALTER , a specialized broker with over 60 years of experience in the insurance market and awarded as a   Star Insurance provider . 5

Get your Health Insurance

With our Health Insurance Plus you will benefit not only from excellent healthcare coverage, but also from additional benefits specially chosen for you.

Experience the ease of Expatrio

Your All-in-One relocation to Germany app.

A comprehensive guide for international students

What does the Health Insurance Plus package include?

The Health Insurance Plus package provides holistic insurance coverage for your stay in Germany. It includes Travel Health/Incoming Insurance and health insurance for your time in Germany. You will also get your ISIC card included if you are a student.

How much do I pay for Health Insurance Plus package in total?

The only item within the Health Insurance Plus package that you need to pay for is your health insurance. The cost of the insurance depends on your profile (your age, number of children, etc.). The rest of the items within Health Insurance Plus are free.

What is the difference between Health Insurance and Health Insurance Plus?

The difference between the health insurance by itself and the Health Insurance Plus package is that by ordering Health Insurance Plus you receive other included benefits, such as Travel Health/Incoming Insurance and choice of our recommended Bank Accounts. Basically, by choosing Health Insurance Plus you pay the same price but receive additional services for free.

Free Downloads!

We are here to make everything easier for you.

Find eBooks, reports, checklists, and many more resources to help you with your life in Germany.

[*] Up to €249 savings consists of: €49 cashback on blocked account set-up fees + up to €90 TK-Flex cashback + free travel health insurance worth up to €95 + free ISIC card worth up to €15. This offer is only valid for customers who apply for the Value Package. Expatrio reserves the right to cancel this promotion at any point in time.   Special terms and conditions   apply.

[1] Value Package customers can receive their €49 cashback after activating both their blocked account and health insurance.

[2] TK-Flex is an elective tariff and only available for eligible TK health insurance customers. Once the TK membership is activated, TK-Flex can commence. Expatrio will provide the customer with detailed guidelines on how to do this. Within TK-Flex, users have the option to deselect/opt out of services they do not need. In return, there is a cashback bonus of up to €90 per year. However, if the services are needed after all, TK customers can reactivate their health insurance coverage by paying a deductible of €24 per service (up to €120) per year. Please refer to our   TK-Flex page   for more information. 

[3]  Free Incoming/ Travel Health Insurance coverage for up to 92 days as part of the Value Package for eligible customers worth up to € 95.00.

[4] In the issue 07/2023, Focus-Money business magazine awarded TK “Best Student Health Insurance Fund”.

[5] DR-WALTER has been awarded the Super Star Award by the Study Travel Magazine.