Student Health Insurance: A Guide for Studying in Germany

Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Germany. You'll need proof of coverage before you can enrol at a university or obtain a residence permit. The good news? Germany offers affordable options specifically designed for students.

This guide explains your options and requirements.

The Basics: What You Need

Before enrolling at a German university, you must:

1. Have valid health insurance

2. Obtain a health insurance certificate (Versicherungsbescheinigung)

3. Present the certificate during university registration

Without this documentation, you cannot complete your enrolment.

What Should Student Health Insurance Cover?

Your coverage should include:

Your Two Main Options

1. Public Health Insurance (GKV) — Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung

Public insurance is available to most students under 30 enrolled in a degree programme.

Advantages:

• Affordable fixed rate
• Comprehensive coverage
• Accepted everywhere in Germany

You cannot use public insurance if you:

• Are over 30 years old
• Already have health insurance from another EU country
• Are self-employed or freelancing
• Are not enrolled in a degree course

2. Private Health Insurance (PKV) — Private Krankenversicherung

Required for students who don't qualify for public insurance.

When private insurance is required:

• Students over 30
• Language course students
• Preparatory course students
• PhD students (in most cases)

Important: Choosing Between Public and Private

Coverage by Student Type

Degree Programme Students (Under 30)

Use the discounted public insurance rate of ~€110/month.

Language Course Students

Once you pass your language exam and enrol in a degree programme, you become eligible for public insurance.

Preparatory Course Students (Studienkolleg)

After passing the Feststellungsprüfung and enrolling in a degree programme, you become eligible for public insurance.

Exchange Students

Exchange students enrolled in degree programmes can use discounted public insurance, even for stays of just one or two semesters.

PhD Students

PhD student insurance depends on employment status:

Employed PhD students pay ~7.3% of salary, matched by their employer.

Working While Studying

If you work while studying and earn more than €520/month (Minijob limit), you'll need to be insured as an employee rather than a student.

Getting Your Insurance Certificate

For Public Insurance

1. Contact a public health insurer (Krankenkasse)

2. Provide required documents (enrolment confirmation, passport, visa)

3. Receive your certificate (Versicherungsbescheinigung)

For Private Insurance

1. Purchase private student health insurance

2. Request an exemption certificate from public insurance

3. Receive confirmation that your private plan meets requirements

Extended Public Insurance Eligibility

You may remain eligible for public insurance beyond age 30 or the standard period if you're:

• Completing compulsory training after your degree
• Caring for sick or disabled family members
• Living with a disability or chronic illness
• Serving on a university board
• A recent parent

Steps to Get Insured

1. Before arriving: Get short-term travel insurance for initial stay

2. Upon arrival: Contact health insurance providers

3. Compare options: Evaluate public vs. private based on your situation

4. Obtain certificate: Get documentation for university enrolment

5. Register at university: Present your health insurance certificate

Getting Help

Navigating student health insurance in a new country can feel overwhelming. At Stay, we help international students find the right coverage for their situation—with guidance in English every step of the way.

If you'd like personalised advice, we're here to help.