Social security contributions are laid down by law and deducted directly from your salary. If you are in Germany on a scholarship, you are usually exempt from payments – with the exception of health insurance. Everyone who lives in Germany must have health insurance to have access to Germany’s healthcare system.
Having health insurance in Germany means that you need not worry – at least financially – if you get sick: visits to the doctor, a stay in hospital and any necessary treatment will be paid for. Additionally, if you are employed, you will continue to receive sick pay.
As an employee, you will automatically be compulsorily insured in the statutory health insurance system (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung or GKV) up to certain income. The GVK also covers family members and includes long-term care insurance.
Only a few groups – e.g. self-employed workers or civil servants – have the option to take out private insurance (Private Krankenversicherung or PKV) in Germany. In private health insurance, the degree of cover is based on the agreed premium. The basic premium is roughly comparable to the cover provided by the GKV. If you have private health insurance, you will additionally need to take out private long-term care cover for family members.
