TK for international students

Contribution rate for students

TK for international students. To begin, students must understand how contribution rates function. Essentially, this is the amount that health insurers charge to offer coverage. German workers are required by law to contribute a minimum of 14.6 percent of their earnings, which is split 50/50 between employer and employee contributions.

This does not usually apply to students who will not have a steady source of income. Even though health insurance is required for enrollment in German academic courses, how do contributions operate, and do students get a better deal than regular workers?

What is the percentage of students who contribute to TK?

The good news is that German health insurers must offer subsidized health insurance to all students under 30. This is in the form of a “discount” payment that brings the monthly cost of your chosen healthcare policy down to an average of €100.

However, this support ends after you reach the age of 30, and because many students studying in Germany are older, additional options will be required.

Sticking with public health insurance isn’t always the most effective option in this scenario because they charge higher prices for younger policyholders. Private health care providers typically offer the best value and tailor-made programs, which are highly worth investigating.

Limitations based on age

If you reach the age of 30 while in Germany, you will be immediately registered in the government-run health insurance system. You must apply within three months of turning 30 to switch to a private provider.

What does TK Student Health Insurance cover?

Enrolling in a TK Student Health Insurance policy gives you access to the same advantages as regular German policyholders.

There are no restrictions or hidden constraints for students, and you will have unlimited access to the same range of suppliers.

Student policies encompass the following features:

Holders and their families are entitled to two dental checkups each year. Most routine dental operations will be covered in whole or part, while some co-payments may be required.

Policyholders can use their eHealth card to pay for appointments with medical practitioners, physiotherapists, mental health practitioners, podiatrists, back specialists, and even homeopathic practitioners.

The majority of hospital procedures will be covered in whole or in part.

Customers who follow healthy recommendations are eligible for additional perks such as acupuncture visits or gym memberships through the Bonus Points program. The European Union’s health coverage is extensive.

What is the procedure for receiving my TK eHealth card?

TK also provides various services to students, the most notable of which is the TK eHealth card.

Policyholders must submit a passport photo via TK’s online portal to get a TK eHealth card. Don’t worry. Once you’ve purchased a policy, you’ll receive documents from TK outlining how to apply for the card. Follow their advice and send the snapshot. Your card should arrive within a few days.

Whether or not students purchase an eHealth card, they are fully covered by their TK health policy. As a result, doing so isn’t required. It is, nevertheless, a valuable addition to anyone’s wallet.

As a student worker

During their time in Germany, many students need to supplement their subsidies and savings with work money.

And there are lots of job openings, ranging from catering to childcare. However, before taking any positions, students should be informed of the implications for their health insurance coverage.

EU students will often be able to work 20 hours per week during their education. Outside the EU, workers can also work, with a quota of 120 full days or 240 half days per year.

Students can earn up to €450 per month tax-free, but any earnings over that will be subject to income tax.

In addition to my academics, I work. What impact does this have on my TK health insurance?

Your health insurance rates with TK will be limited if you stay within the working days or hours level, as German law requires. If you break the rules, however, the cost of healthcare (and living expenditures in general) can skyrocket.

Most international students in Germany opt for part-time work or internships to keep their subsidized health insurance.

Read the Expatrio guide to working while a student for more details. It should offer you the necessary background to earn and study without difficulty.

TK for Doctoral Students

While BAföG and other subsidies cover undergraduates, the situation for Ph.D. applicants is slightly different.

Ph.D. students in Germany are not eligible for governmental funding during their studies. However, this does not imply that your healthcare bills will continue to rise. Instead, most Ph.D. candidates choose health insurance from companies like TK, which is inexpensive and tailored to their needs.

If you join academic research teams while pursuing your doctorate, your health insurance status may change. Your company will likely convert you to a state-managed scheme because your income will be below the threshold for switching to private insurance.

TK Health Insurance Student Status

How long can I preserve my student status with my TK health insurance?

If you have a TK student health insurance plan, it is unlikely that you will be able to extend it after your 30th birthday. The student subsidies will run out at that point, and you will need to purchase one of TK’s private health insurance policies for those over 30.

From a financial sense, this isn’t always a negative thing. Students receive substantial discounts, but insurers such as TK consider Ph.D. students’ youth, athleticism, and low risk when calculating prices. As a result, your payments should remain within realistic bounds.

TK Benefits Catalogue

TK’s core mission is to provide complete healthcare insurance packages, offering products to cover various scenarios.

TK is a go-to insurer for students looking for medium-term coverage under state subsidies or a head of home who want to protect their dependents. It’s also an insurer with several distinct features that will appeal to newcomers to Germany. TK, for example, provides:

TK-Appointment Service TK-Appointment Service TK-Appointment

When policyholders need to see a doctor, the TK-Appointment Service will schedule an appointment. TK will take care of bookings with no extra charge, making life easier for those who aren’t fluent in German.

Vaccinations for Travel

Travel vaccines are included in TK’s packages, which appeal to international travelers. TK will cover the cost of malaria and hepatitis vaccinations if you travel to tropical locations (although there may be a small supplementary fee for the vaccine itself).

Alternative medicine and homeopathy

TK is a beautiful insurer if you favor natural medicines and alternative therapies. TK would gladly connect members to homeopathic practitioners in their area, and TK will cover the first 60 minutes of consultations.

App and Online Services from TK

Germany’s private health insurers have embraced the smartphone revolution, making it possible to complete practically all the steps required to obtain student health insurance coverage online.

A good example is the TK App. The software for Android and iOS phones allows policyholders to file paperwork, get the insurance certificate that institutions demand, and access special fitness programs.

The app connects to the TK Bonus program, allowing policyholders to earn points for healthy behaviors such as exercise, stopping smoking, and going to the dentist.