You are studying in Berlin and want to know more about Barmer?
No problem. My name is Julia Melchior and I'll be happy to advise you.
Contact me directly by e-mail.
You can also reach me by phone at 0800 333004 101-241 or 0151 11302835.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Ways you can benefit financially
Receive a payout up to 150 euros in bonus each year: The Barmer Bonus Program allows you to collect bonus points by engaging in health-promoting activities, such as joining a fitness class. You can then redeem these points directly in the app to purchase special rewards.
Optional tariffs - up to 900 euros cashback: With our elective tariff, you can be reimbursed up to 900 euros in three years if you make no or only a small number of claims.
Learning is worthwhile - allowances for healthpromoting courses: We contribute up to 200 euros annually towards health education courses on exercise and fitness, nutrition, relaxation and addiction.
6 steps for a perfect start as student
There are only a few things that are absolutely indispensable when you‘re new in Germany as a student. We walk you through them step by step and tell you where to go to get what you need.
Step 1: Your health insurance
First of all, you need to be registered with a German health insurance provider. This is necessary because you require valid health insurance for enrolment at university and for a visa from the “Ausländerbehörde” (foreigners‘ registration office). We recommend getting in touch with your Barmer contact person to make the application process as fast and as convenient as possible.
Step 2: Your tax ID number
During your first registration at the Einwohnermeldeamt (Residents registration office), a notification is automatically sent to the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (Federal Central Tax Office). Your steuerliche Identifikationsnummer (Tax ID Number) is then issued and sent via standard post to your registered address, usually within 2 weeks. The Tax ID Number never changes and is required when you open a German bank account or start working.
Step 3: Your enrolment
Only when you have registered with a German health insurance provider, are you allowed to enrol at university. Therefore, it is essential to take out health insurance before enrolment. Our confirmation of membership is accepted at all universities in Germany. When you receive your confirmation of enrolment at university, you have to send a copy of this document to your health insurance provider.
Step 4: Appointment with the foreigners' office
For non-EU citizens: To receive your residence permit from the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners‘ registration office), you will need to provide, among other things, confirmation of enrolment at university, confirmation of health insurance, and confirmation of address registration.
Step 5: Your social security number
Are you considering a side job during your studies? The HR office of your employer will need a German social security number (Rentenversicherungsnummner or RVNR) in order to pay your wage. Barmer will apply for that number on your behalf, and you will receive it within a few days.
Step 6: Your bank account
Last but not least, you‘ll need to open a current account with a German bank. To do this, you will also need your confirmation of address registration and tax ID number. It‘s a good idea to compare offers first, as some banks don‘t charge account maintenance fees for current accounts.
Your perfect start in Germany
Watch our video with Amit Narayan. You will get the most important tips for your fist time in Germany.
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