As a foreign researcher in Germany, suitable health insurance is essential – not only to meet legal requirements, but also to be optimally covered in the event of illness. However, the German healthcare system can seem complicated: Statutory health insurance (GKV) or private health insurance (PKV)? Which regulations apply specifically to international academics? Here you can find out what steps you need to take and why tailor-made IHC tariffs are often a good solution for foreign researchers.
How does the German healthcare system work for foreign researchers?
Germany has a general health insurance obligation – everyone who lives or works here must have health insurance. However, not every international researcher can or should enrol in the statutory health insurance scheme (GKV).
Many foreign researchers are not employed in a regular employment relationship, but receive grants or research funding. For these groups, statutory health insurance is often not an option, as they are not employed by an employer who is subject to social insurance contributions. This is where the International HealthCare Company (IHC) offers specialized solutions with tailor-made tariffs for international researchers.
Why are IHC plans a good choice for international researchers?
IHC-Science HealthCare Plan (Tarif ISHCP):
- Specially designed for fellows, visiting scientists, doctoral students and language students
- No preliminary medical examination required
- Includes personal liability insurance
- Cover for preventive medical check-ups and standard vaccinations
- Flexible contract terms, adapted to the duration of the research stay
Alternatives for shorter or longer stays:
- Tarif ISHCP-STT: For short-term stays of up to 3 months
- Tarif FlexMed Global Impat: High-quality insurance cover for scholarship holders from organizations such as the Max Planck Society or the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation with cover for up to 5 years
These tariffs are ideal for international scientists as they are specifically tailored to the needs of researchers who do not have access to statutory health insurance or wish to benefit from more flexible solutions.
What steps do foreign researchers need to take to ensure good health coverage in Germany?
If you are a foreign researcher starting out in Germany, you should take the following steps to ensure that you fit into the healthcare system without any problems:
1. check your insurance status:
- Is your existing health insurance from your home country valid in Germany?
- If not, do you have to take out statutory or private insurance?
2. choose the appropriate insurance:
- If you are employed via a regular employment relationship, statutory health insurance (GKV) may be possible.
- If you have a scholarship or are working as a visiting scholar, a specialized solution such as the Tarif ISHCP is often an attractive choice.
3. apply for insurance in good time:
- It is important to take out health insurance before entering the country or directly after arrival.
- Specialized providers such as IHC make it easy to take out insurance online.
4. register with a doctor’s practice:
- Once you have taken out health insurance, you will receive a certificate of insurance or an electronic health card.
- You will need this for visits to the doctor and medical treatment in Germany.
5. find out about your insurance benefits:
- What services are covered?
- Are there special arrangements for vaccinations, check-ups or dental treatment?
- IHC offers comprehensive cover without complicated additional costs.
The right health insurance ensures a carefree research stay
The German healthcare system can seem complex for foreign researchers at first, but with the right health insurance, optimal care is guaranteed. IHC tariffs are specially tailored to international researchers and offer not only financial protection, but also security and flexibility during the research stay.
Would you like to find out more about suitable health insurance options for foreign researchers? Please do not hesitate to contact us.
