Healthcare in Germany
Health Insurance & Doctors Guide for International Students
Foto: Pexels / Tima Miroshnichenko
Germany’s healthcare system offers excellent coverage — but it works very differently from what you may be used to in Asia. Knowing the right contacts and procedures saves you both time and money.
Health Insurance — Mandatory from Day One
Statutory Health Insurance (GKV — Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung): Mandatory for all students up to age 30 or until the 14th semester. Cost: approx. 120–130 €/month.
The main providers popular with international students:
- TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) — most popular among international students; excellent English-language app and service
- AOK Hessen — regional provider with local branches in Darmstadt
- Barmer — nationwide provider with a strong digital offering
Important: Choose your insurer immediately when you enrol. TU Darmstadt will not register you without proof of health insurance coverage.
Non-EU students: Check whether your home-country insurance is recognised in Germany — it usually is not. If in doubt, take out GKV immediately.
Private health insurance (PKV): Possible for students under 34 with a higher income, but complicated. For most students, GKV is the right choice.
GP vs. Specialist vs. A&E — Where to Go
GP / General Practitioner (Hausarzt)
Your first point of contact for any health issue: colds, fever, vaccinations, and referrals to specialists. You need an appointment. Doctor search: kvhessen.de
Specialist (Facharzt)
Internist, orthopaedist, dermatologist, etc. A referral from your GP is recommended (and often speeds up the appointment). Not always strictly required.
116 117 — Out-of-Hours Medical Service
For evenings, weekends and public holidays when you have non-life-threatening complaints. Free of charge. A doctor can visit you at home if necessary.
A&E / Emergency Department (Notaufnahme)
Only for genuine emergencies: accidents, heart attacks, severe bleeding. Not for a cold or mild fever — expect waiting times of 3–6 hours.
112 — Emergency Call
For life-threatening emergencies. Free, 24/7. This is the German equivalent of 999 (UK) or 911 (US) — not 120 as in China.
Pharmacy vs. Drugstore — What to Buy Where
Pharmacy (Apotheke)
Prescription medicines (antibiotics, etc.), professional advice, and pharmacy-only OTC products (stronger painkillers, specialist drops). Look for the green “A” sign.
Drugstore (dm, Rossmann)
Over-the-counter items: ibuprofen up to 400 mg, paracetamol, vitamins, cold teas. Cheaper than a pharmacy. Always check the drugstore first for minor complaints — it saves money.
Student Health Centre at TU Darmstadt
TU Darmstadt offers dedicated health services for students:
- Psychological counselling — free for enrolled students
- General health advice
- More info: gesundheitszentrum.tu-darmstadt.de
Key German Medical Vocabulary
- Ich habe Schmerzen in … — I have pain in …
- Ich habe Fieber. — I have a fever.
- Rezept — Prescription
- Überweisung — Referral to a specialist
- Krankschreibung / AU — Sick note (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung)
- Chipkarte — Health insurance card (always carry it!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, up to age 30 or until the 14th semester. Statutory health insurance is mandatory and costs around 120–130 € per month.
The Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Hessen (kvhessen.de) has a doctor-finder tool. You can also ask the ISS at TU Darmstadt for help.
Not guaranteed. The TK app has a built-in chat translation feature. For important consultations, bring a friend who can help translate.
A Krankschreibung (AU = Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung) is a medical certificate confirming you are unfit for study or work. It is required at TU Darmstadt when withdrawing from an exam due to illness.
Basic dental care (fillings, extractions) is covered. Extras such as crowns, implants or orthodontics require a partial co-payment from the patient.
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