# Student Health Insurance: A Guide for Studying in Germany [All blog posts](https://stayinsured.de/blog-subscription-page) [Health Insurance](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog) ## Student Health Insurance: A Guide for Studying in Germany Feb 10, 2026 5 min ![](https://stayinsured.de/hubfs/Gemini_Generated_Image_wsfcvdwsfcvdwsfc.jpeg) Share # 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: Coverage Area Details Inpatient and outpatient care Hospital stays and doctor visits Regular check-ups Preventive health examinations Prescription medications Costs for prescribed drugs Emergency services Urgent medical treatment Basic dental care Standard dental services Pregnancy treatment Care related to pregnancy Repatriation Return to home country if seriously ill ## 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. Feature Details Monthly cost ~€110–€120 (2026) Age limit Under 30 Eligibility Enrolled in degree programme Coverage Comprehensive, regulated benefits 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. Feature Details Monthly cost Varies by plan and age Age limit None Eligibility Anyone not eligible for GKV Coverage Varies by policy 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 If you're under 30 and want private insurance instead of public, you must request an exemption from public insurance within the first 3 months of starting your studies. Once you opt out, you cannot return to public insurance during your studies. ## Coverage by Student Type ### Degree Programme Students (Under 30) Option Availability Public insurance ✓ Required Private insurance Optional (requires exemption) Use the discounted public insurance rate of ~€110/month. ### Language Course Students Option Availability Public insurance ✗ Not available Private insurance ✓ Required Once you pass your language exam and enrol in a degree programme, you become eligible for public insurance. ### Preparatory Course Students (Studienkolleg) Option Availability Public insurance ✗ Not available Private insurance ✓ Required After passing the Feststellungsprüfung and enrolling in a degree programme, you become eligible for public insurance. ## Confused about health insurance in Germany? Get expert help. Book consultation ### Exchange Students Option Availability Public insurance ✓ Available Private insurance Optional 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: Situation Insurance Type Employed by university Public (employer-sponsored) Under 30, not employed Public at student rate Over 30, not employed Private required 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. Income Insurance Status Under €520/month Student insurance sufficient Over €520/month Employee insurance required ## 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](https://stayinsured.de/), 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. ### Related Articles [14 min](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog/switching-health-insurance-germany-mistakes-2026-refresh) Health Insurance [Switching Health Insurance Germany: Rules & Mistakes](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog/switching-health-insurance-germany-mistakes-2026-refresh) [12 min](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog/student-health-insurance-germany-guide-2026-refresh) Health Insurance [Student Health Insurance Germany: 2026 English Guide](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog/student-health-insurance-germany-guide-2026-refresh) [16 min](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog/health-insurance-after-job-loss-germany) Health Insurance [Health Insurance After Job Loss Germany: 2026 Guide](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog/health-insurance-after-job-loss-germany)