International researchers in Stuttgart: Important information about health insurance!

International researchers in Stuttgart: Important information about health insurance!

Today, on August 11, 2025, the city of Stuttgart will be highlighted by the University of Stuttgart. The Welcome Center, as a central contact point for international researchers, organizes a city tour to help new researchers get used to it. This event is part of a larger initiative to provide international scientists with recreational and networking opportunities as well as practical guidance. The support of the Welcome Center extends not only to scientific but also to non-scientific questions during the research stay in Stuttgart.

An important aspect that the Welcome Center covers are bureaucratic steps such as applying for residence permits and health insurance. These topics are essential for international researchers to ensure a smooth start to their new life in Germany. The aim of the cooperation with other institutions inside and outside the university is to make the challenging processes easier for researchers and to enable them to have a pleasant time while they work in Stuttgart, reports University of Stuttgart.

Health insurance: A must for all researchers

In Germany, valid health insurance is mandatory. This will also be discussed as part of the Welcome Center’s offerings. Proof of health insurance is required when applying for a visa, signing an employment contract and issuing a residence permit. In most cases, international health insurance is not sufficient. Therefore, it is advisable to find out about the different options in good time, such as IPU Berlin notes.

Researchers employed at the IPU Berlin are generally insured with a statutory health insurance provider. In order to become a member of a statutory health insurance company, several steps must be taken:

• Auswahl einer Krankenkasse (z.B. TK, AOK, DAK, Barmer GEK, BKK).
• Stellen eines Antrags auf Mitgliedschaft mit der Angabe, dass man an der IPU Berlin beschäftigt ist.
• Übermittlung der Unterlagen an die Personalabteilung der IPU Berlin.
• Erhalt der Krankenversicherungskarte zur Vorlage bei Arztbesuchen.

Private insurance is often necessary for visiting scientists who do not have an employment contract, especially if they were not legally insured before their stay in Germany. Private insurance must offer comparable protection to that offered by law, including coverage for acute illnesses and accidents.

Social security in Germany

In addition to health insurance, social insurance in Germany also includes pension, unemployment and nursing care insurance. Contributions are borne equally by the employee and the employer. It is particularly important to note that proof of health insurance is also required for the issuance of a residence permit. Last but not least, health insurance covers medical treatment in the event of acute illnesses and accidents. In addition to the statutory insurance, there is also the option of private insurance, especially for people with an annual salary of over 60,750 euros. Further details and information are available on the website University of Münster available.

Overall, it is clear that the introduction and integration of international researchers in Stuttgart is a holistic process that includes numerous supporting offers. Particular emphasis is placed on the legal and health conditions in order to offer the new residents a safe and pleasant arrival.