Are health insurances in Germany mandatory for foreign workers?
Since 2009, every person who has a permanent place of residence in the Federal Republic of Germany is required to have health insurance. It is also necessary to have health insurance for short stays in Germany, otherwise, a visa will be refused.
German health insurance is characterized by a dual system of legal (GVK) and private (PKV) insurance. While public health insurance is accessible to many people to claim special conditions of private health insurance. Anyone working in Germany or moving here must be insured with a German health insurance company. Whether the statutory health insurance (GVK) or the private health insurance (PKV) depends on the occupational group.
Health insurance for foreign students in Germany
All foreign students starting a course at a German university or college must have health insurance. No registration takes place without proof of health insurance. The good news is that in Germany many companies deal with health insurance such as Barmer.
Depending on the purpose of the stay, the country of origin, and the age of the student, different conditions apply. A distinction is made between the following five groups of people:
- students from EEA countries or countries that have concluded a social security agreement with Germany
- students from all other countries
- students aged 30 and over
- participants in preparatory language courses
- foreign doctoral students and scholarship holders
Working in Germany – Health insurance for guest workers
In principle, the following applies: an employee is covered by social security in the country where he works. Even in the case of a short-term work stay, it is necessary to join a German health insurance company.
Regardless of the length of stay, non-EU employees are subject to German health insurance, provided they can present a residence permit in addition to the work permit. Third-country nationals may request this from the German diplomatic mission or a foreign authority in Germany.
Health insurance is also mandatory for visiting researchers and accompanying family members. It is therefore urgently necessary for third-country nationals to be informed about insurance options before leaving: a residence permit is issued only after the presentation of health insurance.
Health insurance for foreigners – What to look out for
Anyone coming to Germany from abroad must prove that they are insured with a health insurance company. For short stays, EU foreigners are usually covered by their home country’s health insurance with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you stay longer or move to the Federal Republic of Germany, you must take out legal or private insurance. Different regulations apply to non-EU citizens.
What health insurance regulations apply to foreigners coming to Germany depends on two important factors: the country of origin and the professional group. Health insurance is very important in any country and for any job. You never know when you will need it and private health services can be expensive and overcrowded. That being said, before you arrive in Germany, don’t forget to find out where you can get medical insurance and which would be best for you.
