A research stay in Germany offers scientists from Argentina many opportunities: international collaboration, access to renowned research institutions and new career prospects.
To ensure that your start in Germany goes as smoothly as possible, a few important matters should be clarified before you leave. These include, above all, entry requirements, suitable health insurance and the preparation of essential documents.
The differences between the Argentine and German healthcare systems also play an important role here.
1. Clarify visa and residence status in good time
The entry requirements that apply depend on the duration and purpose of the research stay.
Argentine nationals may enter Germany visa-free for certain short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For longer stays, an appropriate residence permit is required. Under certain conditions, this can also be applied for after entering Germany.
The following questions should therefore be clarified before departure:
- How long will the research stay last?
- Is the research being carried out as part of a scholarship or an employment contract?
- What entry and residence documents are required?
- What supporting documents does the German research institution require?
Up-to-date information is available from the German Embassy in Buenos Aires.
2. Arrange health insurance before arrival
In Germany, health insurance is compulsory for everyone. This is particularly important for international researchers, as proof of insurance is often required for a visa or for admission to a research institution.
Scholarship holders and visiting researchers are not automatically covered by statutory health insurance through a German employer. The most suitable insurance depends, in particular, on the duration of stay, funding and personal status.
What health insurance does IHC-Company offer?
IHC-Company offers insurance solutions specifically tailored to international researchers:
- ISHCP – International Science HealthCare Plan: For fixed-term research stays of up to four years, particularly for scholarship holders and visiting researchers.
- ISHCP-STT – Short Term Travel HealthCare Plan: For short-term stays of up to 92 days.
- FlexMed Global Impat – health insurance from AXA: For international scholarship holders who receive funding from a scholarship or research funding organisation based in Germany, such as the Max Planck Society or the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. This policy offers private health insurance cover for stays of up to five years and can also include accompanying family members.
Whether a policy is suitable depends on the relevant eligibility criteria and insurance terms and conditions. In particular, any exclusions relating to pre-existing conditions should be taken into account before taking out a policy.
Further information can be found in our blog post ‘For stays of up to 92 days: Health insurance for international students and researchers’.
3. Healthcare systems in Argentina and Germany: the key differences
Anyone moving from Argentina to Germany will notice a number of differences in the healthcare system. These mainly concern insurance cover, visits to the doctor and the billing of medical services.
Health insurance and coverage of costs
In Argentina, the healthcare system comprises public healthcare, the so-called Obras Sociales (contribution-based health insurance schemes), and private health insurance, known as Prepagas.
In Germany, a distinction is made between statutory and private health insurance. Which type of insurance is available depends, amongst other things, on one’s employment status.
Important for researchers: Argentine health insurance does not automatically provide the cover required in Germany. It is essential to check this before departure.
Doctor’s appointments and billing
In Germany, the GP’s surgery is often the first port of call for health issues. Appointments are usually required to see a specialist. Whilst those with statutory insurance can claim for many services directly via their health card, those with private insurance must, depending on their policy, pay the bills themselves initially and then submit them to their insurer. It is therefore important for researchers with temporary private health insurance to be aware of the rules regarding cost coverage and reimbursement.
Medicines and prescriptions
There are also differences when it comes to medicines. In Germany, many medicines are available only on prescription and may only be dispensed with a doctor’s prescription.
Furthermore, medicines may have different trade names to those in Argentina. Anyone who requires regular medication should therefore make a note of the active ingredient names and dosages and check their availability in Germany before travelling. Further information on visiting doctors and medical services can be found in our article ‘What to do if you fall ill abroad? Important steps for international students, scholarship holders and visiting researchers in Germany’.
4. Important documents and health preparations
In addition to a visa and health insurance, researchers from Argentina should ensure they have all the necessary documents ready in good time.
These include, in particular:
- A valid passport
- An invitation or letter of acceptance from the German research institution
- A scholarship award letter or employment contract
- Proof of funding for the stay
- Proof of health insurance
- Academic certificates and evidence of qualifications
- Medical records, vaccination record and, where applicable, medical certificates
Depending on the procedure, certified translations or apostilles may be required.
Anyone who takes medication regularly or has existing medical conditions should also clarify in good time with their doctor and their health insurance provider what needs to be taken into account during their stay abroad.
5. Planning accommodation and arrival in Germany
The initial organisational steps in Germany can also be prepared whilst still in Argentina.
Many universities and research institutions support international researchers through their International Offices or Welcome Centres in finding accommodation and dealing with administrative matters.
Before departure, it is advisable to clarify the following points:
- Accommodation for the first few weeks
- Registering your residence in Germany
- Necessary appointments with the authorities
- Opening a bank account
- Point of contact at the research institution
Finding accommodation can take some time, particularly in larger university towns. Planning well in advance therefore makes the transition easier.
Starting your research stay well prepared
A research stay in Germany begins with the preparations you make whilst still in Argentina.
By sorting out your visa, documents, accommodation and health insurance well in advance, and by understanding the key differences between the two healthcare systems, you’ll lay a solid foundation for a successful stay.
IHC-Company helps international researchers find the right health insurance cover for their stay in Germany. Please feel free to contact us directly.
