Incoming Insurance in Germany - Guide | Germany for Students

If you travel to Germany for studies, you need health insurance from day one of your stay. In many cases, regular student health insurance starts only after official university enrollment.

For the period between arrival and study start, international students often need so-called incoming insurance.

This insurance covers the transition phase until regular student insurance begins.

In this guide, you will learn:

what incoming insurance is
when you need it
what it typically covers
how much it costs
how it differs from student health insurance

What is incoming insurance?

Incoming insurance is a temporary health insurance for international visitors in Germany.

It is commonly used by:

international students before studies start
language course participants
exchange students
visitors with longer stays

It covers medical treatment during the transition period before switching to regular insurance.

When do you need incoming insurance?

Typical situations:

Before enrollment

You have arrived in Germany, but your studies have not officially started.

During language courses

Many students complete a language course before beginning degree studies.

During study preparation

For example during:

Studienkolleg
preparatory courses
local application phases in Germany

Difference from student health insurance

Incoming insurance is not the same as regular student health insurance.

Incoming insurance	Student health insurance
temporary	long-term
often cheaper	broader protection
limited benefits	full medical coverage
transition solution	mandatory for enrolled students

Once enrolled, students usually need public student health insurance.

What does incoming insurance cover?

Coverage varies by provider, but typically includes:

doctor visits
emergency treatment
hospital stays
essential medications
urgent medical situations

Incoming plans usually focus on acute medical care. Routine and long-term treatments are often limited.

Cost of incoming insurance

Costs depend on:

insurance duration
age
selected coverage

Typical price range:

30 to 80 euros per month

This is generally cheaper than regular student health insurance.

Validity period

Most incoming plans can be purchased for:

a few weeks
several months
up to around one year

Many students use incoming insurance for 1 to 6 months.

How to get incoming insurance

Usually completed online.

Typical process:

Step 1: Choose a provider

Many insurers offer incoming plans tailored for international students.

Step 2: Complete online application

Provide:

personal details
intended stay duration
insurance start date

Step 3: Receive confirmation

You receive an insurance certificate.

This may be required for:

visa applications
entry processes
pre-enrollment transition period

Is incoming insurance accepted for enrollment?

In most cases, no.

Universities usually require public student health insurance once you enroll.

Incoming insurance is only a pre-study transition solution.

When to switch to student insurance

You typically switch:

once you are officially enrolled
at the latest when your study program starts

Regular public student insurance usually costs:

120 to 150 euros per month

Other important pre-study steps

Blocked account

Student visa

University applications

Conclusion

Incoming insurance is an important solution for international students who arrive in Germany before their studies officially begin. It provides temporary medical protection during the transition phase until regular student insurance starts.

Incoming Insurance in Germany - Guide