Public vs private health insurance as a student

You cannot enroll at a German university without proof of Krankenversicherung, and for most students under 30 that means public health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) through a provider like TK, AOK, or Barmer — a fixed, income-independent student rate, and it's accepted everywhere.

Private insurance (private Krankenversicherung) is usually cheaper up front for young, healthy applicants, but it doesn't automatically convert to public coverage later, premiums can rise with age or health history, and some universities are stricter about which private plans they'll actually accept for enrollment. Unless you have a specific reason to go private, public insurance is usually the simpler choice. If you're unsure which provider or plan fits your situation, Settld can guide you through the options and connect you with providers that are accepted for university enrolment.