Insurance requirements for studying in Germany
Insurance information for Germany
If you are going to study and live in Germany, you want to be fully prepared before starting your adventure. Among other things, you want to make sure your insurance covers everything you need, without paying too much
It is mandatory to have health insurance in Germany. International students must present proof that they have health insurance when they enrol
Students from EU/EEA countries
Students from EU/EEA countries, who are in possession of valid health insurance in their home country, may use the European Health Insurance Card (see FAQ EHIC). This is a free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland under the same conditions and at the same cost (free in some countries) as people insured in that country. Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance . EHIC does not guarantee free services. As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country.
Students from outside the EU/EEA: Private health insurance from other countries is sometimes also recognised. In that case however you cannot switch to a statutory health insurance provider during your degree programme in Germany. If you are not insured with a health insurance provider that is recognised in Germany, you will have to take out insurance here. The statutory health insurance providers in Germany are obligated to offer an affordable tariff for students up to 29 years of age or until the end of their 14th subject-related semester
To enrol at a higher education institution, both people with statutory health insurance and people with private health insurance will need a certificate. This document proving that you are not required to take out German statutory health insurance is issued by the statutory health insurance providers in Germany
In general the exemption applies for private, not state-approved university, preparatory German language course, auditor, doctoral student, language student, trainee, and Working Holiday visa Or for those registered at a state-approved university, but either are over 30 years old or have already completed at least 14 semester
The Basic coverage is always the same: your health insurance covers the cost of check-ups, treatment for illness or after an accident, and certain medications. General costs for hospital stays are also covered.
Important note:If you plan on doing an internship, having a student work contract or a job as a student assistant or a minor employment while studying in Germany, you need to have German health insurance.
No worries, we've got you covered. Together with our partner Aon, we are going to make sure you get the perfect insurance package. Your study abroad adventure will be awesome, but insured for all risks, including health care.
Is this enough?
It is important to understand that the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is not always enough, Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance, and that the local health system will probably not cover:
- Additional medical costs
- Repatriation
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
- Worldwide cover
You will need an insurance policy also covering, but also arranging for you, for example:
- You returning home if a close relative is seriously ill or dies;
- Up to two close relatives visiting you in if you fall seriously ill;
- Your medical repatriation to your home country for hospitalization or rehabilitation treatment;
- or in the worst possible situation, returning a body home for burial.
- Tuition Fee Insurance for international students what is it and why its useful
Free quote from Aon
Via our partner Aon, you can easily discover details that apply to your specific situation. To get advice and insight in the costs of insurance, you can freely request an instant quote.
About Germany
Germany is an appealing choice for people worldwide due to its top-notch education, strong economy, and engineering advancements. German universities should definitely be considered for study abroad. International students are treated equally and enjoy fair social policies. Moreover, most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees for international students. Learning German is a valuable skill that opens doors to job opportunities in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Liechtenstein, and global corporations.
Frequently asked questions
Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance
(European Health Insurance Card - Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion - European Commission (europa.eu))
An EHIC gives the student the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.
When you are in possession of a valid EHIC during your study period in Germany, it only provides coverage for emergency medical expenses. Please note that this does not include any costs for medical evacuation, physical therapy, acupuncture or emergency dental expenses. You are also not covered for your personal possessions, liability, legal aid, emergency assistance and extra travel expenses.
The validity of the EHIC depends on your home country and your insurer in your home country. It may not cover the full period of studies. Please verify the validity of your EHIC with your insurer in your home country for your study period abroad in Germany.
However, the coverage of the European Health Insurance Card or private insurance may not be sufficient, especially in case of repatriation and specific medical intervention. In that case, a complementary private insurance might be useful.
Taking out an additional insurance during your study abroad in Germany is specially needed for the risks that are not covered for with your EHIC. This to be certain that you are properly insured during your study period.As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country like Germany.
