Your options as a PhD researcher depend on your enrollment and income situation. Students still enrolled can stay on Public health insurance, while those employed by a university are insured through their employer. PhD students on a stipend, with low income, or with no income can choose between Expat health insurance, voluntary Public health insurance, or Private health insurance depending on their circumstances. Those insured elsewhere in the EU/EEA, the UK, or Switzerland may be able to keep their home coverage during their studies.
Can I stay on Public health insurance as a student while doing my PhD?
If you're still enrolled at your university and doing your PhD before completing your master's or bachelor's thesis or your state exam, you can stay insured as a student in Public health insurance (GKV). During sign-up, select "University student" as your status. A stipend does not change your contribution. Employment with the university or another employer also does not change your student contribution, as long as it's under a working student contract.
Which health insurance applies if I have a university employment contract and earn more than €603 per month?
If you've finished your studies and hold an employment contract with a university earning more than €603 gross per month, you're insured through your employer. If your gross yearly salary is below €77,400, you're required to be in Public health insurance (GKV). If you earn above that threshold, you can choose between Public health insurance and Private health insurance (PKV), which offers more comprehensive coverage. During sign-up, select "Employed" as your occupation.
What are my health insurance options if I earn under €603 per month, receive a stipend, or have no income?
If you've finished your studies and earn less than €603 per month, receive a stipend of any amount, or have no remuneration, you have several options:
Expat health insurance is our most affordable option, starting at €72 per month. When you later begin regular employment in Germany, you can switch to Public health insurance through your employer.
Voluntary Public health insurance is available if you're currently insured by the state anywhere in the EU/EEA, the UK, or Switzerland, or if you've applied for the 18d AufenthG research residence permit. During sign-up, choose "Other," then "Other" again for your occupation. The contribution is about 21% of your worldwide income, and stipends count as regular income. If your income is below €1,318 per month, you pay about 21% of that amount, making the minimum contribution around €260 per month.
Private health insurance (PKV) is available if your stipend is €36,000 per year or more. It's accepted for all visa types and visa renewals and can offer the most comprehensive coverage. Pre-existing health conditions can make it harder to be accepted.
Public health insurance provides broad coverage, but if you have no ongoing health issues, Expat health insurance can make more sense and save you money.
Can I keep my existing EU/EEA, UK, or Swiss health insurance during my PhD?
If you're currently insured in the EU/EEA, the UK, or Switzerland, you can stay on your home insurance for the duration of your studies, regardless of your age, without taking out German health insurance. This option is only available if you don't earn any income through employment. You'll need to switch to German insurance once you start earning income in Germany. If you choose this route, see our article on the M10 Meldung (insurance status confirmation).
When do I switch to Public health insurance through my employer?
If you start on Expat health insurance or voluntary Public health insurance during your PhD, you can move to employer-based Public health insurance once you finish your PhD and begin regular employment in Germany. At that point, your Public health insurance contribution is handled through your employer.