Countries

Germany: statutory health insurance for students

In Germany, health insurance is compulsory, and universities will not complete enrolment without proof of cover.

Statutory insurance for students

Students at state or state-recognised universities are generally covered by the statutory health insurance scheme (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) at a reduced student rate. This compulsory student insurance runs until the end of the semester in which the student turns 30. After that, students can usually stay in the statutory scheme on different terms.

Opting for private cover

Students can ask to be exempted from statutory insurance and take out private insurance instead. The request must be made within three months of the start of compulsory insurance, and the exemption cannot be reversed for the rest of the studies. It is worth thinking carefully before choosing it.

Students from the EU

Students from EU countries with a European Health Insurance Card can often use their home cover in Germany instead.

The visa

For the national student visa, travel insurance is generally not enough. Many students show incoming-student insurance for the first weeks, then switch to statutory cover once they enrol. Some groups, such as students on preparatory or language courses, may be treated differently, so check your situation with the insurer and the university.

Universities

The Universities DB Germany page lists universities, and the guide to tuition-free and low-cost universities in Europe explains fees.

This page is general information, last reviewed in October 2026. It is not advice, and rules change. Check the official source for your visa and your university's own guidance before you buy anything.