The short answer
In Germany, health insurance is required for your visa and to enrol at a university. Most students use statutory (public) health insurance, which is offered by public health insurance funds. Some students, depending on their situation, choose private insurance. Your university asks for proof of your cover when you enrol, so arrange it before or soon after you arrive, in a form the university and the German mission accept.
Statutory and private insurance
- Statutory insurance is provided by public funds. Students usually pay a special student rate while they meet the conditions. Student rates typically apply until a certain age and for a limited number of semesters, so check your eligibility.
- Private insurance is offered by private insurers. Rules about who can choose it, and how it affects your options later, are complex. Read the terms carefully, and check how it works with the university.
- Travel health insurance can be a short-term bridge for the visa stage, if the German mission accepts it. Check its checklist.
How it fits into your journey
- Before the visa appointment: check what proof of insurance the German mission requires for your application.
- Before or soon after arrival: choose a statutory fund or a private insurer and apply.
- At enrolment: the university asks for confirmation of your insurance. With statutory insurance this is usually a certificate from your health insurance fund.
- After enrolment: keep your insurance card with you, and learn how to book a doctor.
Checklist
- To do: Check the German mission's insurance requirements for your visa
- To do: Compare statutory funds and read the student conditions
- To do: Check your university's rules on proof of insurance
- To do: Apply for your insurance in good time before the enrolment deadline
- To do: Save your insurance confirmation and policy number in your document vault
- To do: Note how to reach your insurer and the emergency number: 112
Common mistakes
- Choosing a policy the university does not accept for enrolment.
- Skipping the question of age and semester limits for student rates.
- Buying a long private policy without understanding the long-term effects on your options.
- Missing the enrolment deadline because the insurance confirmation arrived late.
Verify before you act
Insurance rules, rates and accepted proof are updated from time to time. Use the official pages and your university's student office: DAAD and the Federal Foreign Office visa service.