Health insurance is one of the most important organizational issues for US scholarship holders who come to Germany to study or conduct research. While the German healthcare system offers comprehensive medical care, it differs from the US system in many respects. The International HealthCare Company S.A. (IHCC) offers insurance options that are specifically tailored to the needs of international students and researchers.
Differences between the US and German healthcare systems
The healthcare system in Germany is based on compulsory health insurance, meaning that all residents – including students and researchers – must be insured. In the USA, on the other hand, there is no general compulsory insurance and many people are used to privately financed insurance with high co-payments.
Key differences include:
- Deductibles: While many insurance policies in the US have a high deductible, in Germany many medical services are already covered by health insurance.
- Billing system: In the USA, many treatments must initially be paid for out of pocket and reimbursed later. In Germany, doctors and hospitals usually bill the insurance company directly.
- Cost transparency: While medical costs are often difficult to predict in the USA, there are clear guidelines in Germany as to which services are covered by health insurance.
These differences can be a challenge for US scholarship holders, which is why it makes sense to familiarize yourself with the German system at an early stage.
IHCC – A solution for international students and researchers
The International HealthCare Company S.A. (IHCC) offers special health insurance for foreign students, scholarship holders and researchers in Germany. The tariffs take into account the specific requirements of international guests and are designed to meet German insurance requirements.
Advantages of IHCC insurance for US scholarship holders
- No high deductibles: Many medical services are covered directly, without high deductibles.
- Simple billing: IHCC works together with German medical facilities so that costs can be reimbursed directly.
- Flexibility: Insurance models can be adapted to short-term or long-term stays.
- English-language support: Customer service and contract terms are presented in an understandable way.
- Visa compliance: The insurance policies meet the requirements for a student or research visa.
Which IHCC insurance is right for your stay?
There are various IHCC tariffs depending on the duration of your stay and your individual needs:
- International Science HealthCare Plan (ISHCP Tarif): An option for longer-term stays by students and researchers, with comprehensive cover.
- Short Term Travel HealthCare Plan (ISHCP-STT Tarif): A solution for scholarship holders with short stays of up to 92 days.
- FlexMed Global Impat Tarif: Particularly suitable for scholarship holders who come to Germany via programs such as Fulbright or DAAD.
Health insurance is essential for US scholarship holders coming to Germany. The German system differs from the US model in key respects, particularly with regard to deductibles and the billing method. Health insurance such as IHCC offers a structured solution adapted to international guests to ensure smooth access to medical care in Germany. Do you have any questions? We will be happy to inform you personally!
