Every student at a German state university under 30 must have public health insurance (GKV). Monthly premiums are standardized around €120, so your decision comes down to service quality and extras.
TK (Techniker Krankenkasse)
TK is the most popular choice among international students. Their app is fully available in English, letting you submit claims, request referrals, and manage everything online. English phone support is reliable during business hours. TK also subsidizes gym memberships through partner programs in many cities. If you want minimum friction with German healthcare bureaucracy, TK is the safest default.
AOK
AOK is regional — quality varies by branch. AOK Bayern and AOK Berlin have decent English-speaking staff; smaller-city branches can be difficult. AOK runs good dental bonus programs for patients who attend regular check-ups. Coverage is identical to TK at the same cost.
Barmer
Barmer’s app has improved considerably and now handles English well. They frequently offer student promotions: subsidized yoga classes, mental health apps, and preventive care cashback. If mental health support matters to you, Barmer has dedicated counselling referral programs worth considering.
How to Switch
Sign up before your semester starts — you need the membership certificate (Mitgliedsbescheinigung) to complete university enrollment. You can switch insurers once per year with three months’ notice.
