Health insurance is compulsory
Krankenversicherung
Everyone living in Germany must have health insurance, and students need proof of it to enrol.
The rule
Everyone who lives in Germany must have health insurance. For employees, the public insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) is usually automatic and part of the salary slip.
Students need proof of health insurance to enrol at a university. Most students under 30 take public student insurance; the insurer reports it electronically to the university.
Travel insurance from India is usually only accepted for the visa or the first weeks, not for your studies. Check before you buy.
With insurance you get a card (Gesundheitskarte). Take it to every doctor visit.
For non-emergencies, call 116 117 (doctor on duty). For emergencies, call 112.
What it costs
| If you… | Fine or cost |
|---|---|
| Living without insurance | no fine, but you must pay the missed contributions later, and doctors bill you privately |
India vs Germany
In India, many people pay the doctor directly and insurance is optional. In Germany, you show your insurance card and usually pay nothing at the doctor, but being uninsured is not allowed.
German words for this
- die Krankenversicherung · health insurance
- die Krankenkasse · health insurer
- die Gesundheitskarte · health insurance card
- der Arzt / die Ärztin · doctor
- der Notruf · emergency call
Official sources
Last checked: 8 November 2026, against the official sources named on each page. General information for learners, not legal advice: rules can change and some depend on your state or city. If something matters for you, check the official source or ask the office.
Learn the German for everyday life
DeutschKatha has short stories and real conversations about life in Germany, at the Bürgeramt, the bank or the doctor, with every word explained in English and Indian languages.