Incoming Insurance
Incoming insurance is necessary for many international students. It provides comprehensive protection during your first time in Germany.
What is it?
Incoming insurance is temporary health and travel insurance for international students before their statutory health insurance (GKV) becomes active. It is mainly needed when students require a visa to enter Germany and cannot activate GKV before arrival.
Why do I need it?
Incoming insurance is needed when students require a visa to enter Germany, cannot activate GKV before arrival, need proof of health insurance for the visa appointment, or want coverage during their flight and first days in Germany. It does not replace GKV, it is only a transition solution.
Benefits
Who Needs Incoming Insurance?
Incoming insurance is temporary health and travel insurance for international students before their statutory health insurance (GKV) becomes active.
- Students who need a visa to enter Germany
- Students who cannot activate German statutory health insurance (GKV) before arrival
- Students who need proof of health insurance for the visa appointment
- Students who want coverage during their flight and first days/weeks in Germany
- Students coming for language courses, preparatory courses (Studienkolleg), or short-term stays
- Students arriving before the official GKV start date (semester start)
- Not required if: You already have a GKV enrollment certificate (e.g. from DAK-Gesundheit)
- Not required if: You are from the EU/EEA and have an EHIC (only for exchange students, not always accepted for enrollment!)
Requirements
Application Process
Online application with personal details
Instant confirmation
Insurance certificate for visa appointment
Active from the selected start date (usually travel day)
Switch to statutory health insurance (GKV) after enrollment
Costs
What's Covered?
Important Notes
- •Incoming insurance is a temporary solution only
- •It must be replaced by GKV for regular studies
- •Required for many visa applications (if GKV is not available yet)
- •Must start before entering Germany
- •Ends automatically when GKV becomes active
- •Incoming insurance does not replace statutory health insurance (GKV). It is only a transition solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need incoming insurance if I already have GKV?
No. If you already have statutory health insurance and a valid certificate, you do not need incoming insurance.
How long do I need incoming insurance?
Usually 1–3 months, depending on when your GKV starts (semester start or contract start).
Does incoming insurance cover everything?
No. It provides limited coverage compared to GKV. It is only designed for travel and the transition period.
Can I go directly to GKV without incoming insurance?
Yes, if your insurer (e.g., DAK-Gesundheit) allows activation before arrival. Then no incoming insurance is needed.
What happens after incoming insurance expires?
You must switch to statutory health insurance (GKV) for the entire duration of your studies.
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