Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. We work with DAK-Gesundheit to provide you with the best protection.

Required for enrollment
Partner: DAK-Gesundheit
Legal protection

What is it?

Statutory health insurance is mandatory for all students in Germany. It provides comprehensive protection for medical treatments, hospital stays, and medications.

Why do I need it?

Without health insurance, you cannot enroll at a German university. Statutory health insurance is often cheaper and provides comprehensive protection.

Benefits

Required for enrollment
Comprehensive protection
Affordable student rates
Accepted by all doctors

Requirements

Mandatory for all students in Germany
Valid for the entire study period
Coverage in Germany
Proof of insurance (certificate) required for enrollment
Must be activated before university enrollment

Application Process

1

Choose a health insurance provider (e.g. DAK Gesundheit)

2

Apply online or in person

3

Receive insurance certificate

4

Submit certificate to university for enrollment

5

Insurance becomes active from contract start date (usually 1st of the month of enrollment)

What's Covered?

Doctor visits and hospital stays
Emergency medical care
Basic dental treatment
Prescription medications
Preventive care and vaccinations
Medical transport
Inpatient treatment

Types of Health Insurance

Statutory Health Insurance (GKV)

Public health insurance for students under 30

  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Typical total cost approx. €142–147/month (including long-term care insurance, depending on age)
  • Accepted by all doctors
  • Good quality
  • Generally mandatory for students under 30 (exemption possible at study start)

Important Notes

  • Enrollment is not possible without health insurance
  • Travel insurance or home country insurance is NOT sufficient
  • You need German-compliant health insurance from day one
  • The insurance must be valid for the entire study period
  • When changing insurance: New certificate required for university

Frequently Asked Questions

Which health insurance do I need?

For international students under 30 with fully enrolled study programs, statutory health insurance (GKV) is generally mandatory. GKV provides uniform, comprehensive coverage and is accepted by all authorities and universities. In most cases, the student GKV tariff is the safest and recommended option.

How much does health insurance cost?

The student statutory health and long-term care insurance currently costs a total of approx. €142–147 per month (including long-term care insurance, depending on age and family status). The health insurance contribution is e.g. €111.32/month, plus €30.78 or €35.91 for long-term care insurance (under or from age 23, childless).

Can I use my insurance from my home country?

No, to enroll at a German university, you need German health insurance. Foreign insurance is not accepted.

When do I need to get the insurance?

Ideally before your arrival in Germany, so you already have the certificate for enrollment. Your health insurance becomes active from the start date of your contract (usually the 1st of the month of enrollment). GKV starts from enrollment or semester start, not upon arrival.

Our Partners

We work with trusted partners to offer you the best deals. Register for free and our team will help you with the application.

DAK-Gesundheit

Verified

One of the largest statutory health insurance funds

  • Good App
  • Many Benefits
  • Student Tariffs
  • Consulting
approx. €142–147/month (including long-term care insurance, depending on age)
  • €111.32 / month for health insurance.
  • Long-term care insurance on top:
    • €30.78 / month if you are under 23 or meet certain conditions.
    • €35.91 / month from age 23 if you are childless.
  • Typical total cost:
    • ≈ €142.10 / month (with €30.78 long-term care contribution).
    • ≈ €147.23 / month (with €35.91 long-term care contribution).

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