Last time I talked about visiting the doctor, now let's discuss health insurance options for CSC-funded PhD students in Germany.
German health insurance is divided into public (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) and private (private Krankenversicherung). Most employees use public insurance because premiums are relatively low, coverage extends to your entire family, and medical bills are settled directly with the insurer. The downsides: longer wait times for appointments (often several days), and you generally can't choose a senior consultant or private room if hospitalized. Many clinics separate public and private patients, and some even serve only private patients.
Private insurance gives you freedom to choose doctors and hospital rooms, faster appointments, but higher costs. Not everyone can buy private insurance — you typically need income above a certain threshold or be a civil servant.
However, as a CSC-funded PhD student, you're a special case. Since you don't receive a salary from a German supervisor, you cannot get public insurance.
Therefore, CSC-funded PhD students in Germany must buy private insurance!
Here are three popular options among CSC PhD students. If you know better ones, feel free to share.
1. Care Concept — Care College
Care Concept offers Care College: health insurance, accident insurance, and third-party liability insurance for students. This is likely the cheapest option, starting at just €28 per month. You can choose the coverage that fits your needs.
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1) Insurance is suitable for foreign nationals coming to Germany or any EU country for study or training, or German/Austrian nationals going to other countries for study or training, excluding NAFTA countries (USA, Canada, Mexico). Maximum age at application: 35. |
2. Educare 24
EDUCARE24 offers various combinations perfectly suited for:
- Language students
- Foreign students
- Guest scientists and PhD students
- Interns/trainees
- Accompanying family members
For 60 years, DR-WALTER has provided insurance policies for educational travel and visitors from abroad. Thousands of satisfied customers rely on the comprehensive coverage of our insurance solutions every year.
With EDUCARE24, you'll be well prepared for your stay abroad. The policy offers comprehensive assistance including:
- Travel health insurance
- Travel liability insurance
- Travel accident insurance
- Repatriation expense insurance
A key benefit of Educare24 is no deductible, with prices starting at €33 per month. See details below.
3. Mawista Science
Mawista Science is an Allianz subsidiary insurance for scholarship PhD students. It's more expensive, starting at €44.80 per month, and is the one I currently use.
Summary
Overall, German insurance companies are reliable — you won't have to worry about reimbursement when you get sick. However, when choosing a plan, carefully check the coverage details and whether you have special needs like dental care or pregnancy.
Notice that each insurance offers significant discounts in the first year or year and a half, then prices increase. Therefore, it's advisable to sign a contract only for the discount period. After it ends, you can switch to a new insurance to keep enjoying lower rates.
Wishing you good health every day!
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