Health Insurance for Students in Germany

To study at a German university, you need health insurance recognised by the university and, where necessary, the visa section. Students usually choose between public GKV (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) and private PKV (private Krankenversicherung), but the available options depend on age, study status, and previous insurance.

When insurance is compulsory

In Germany, health insurance is compulsory for all students. You will need proof of insurance:

• when being admitted or enrolling at a university;
• when applying for a student visa or residence permit, if the consulate or Ausländerbehörde asks for proof of coverage;
• when moving from a preparatory programme to full-time study;
• when you take up a part-time job or paid internship during study.

For students from the EU and EEA, insurance from their home country may sometimes be sufficient, for example through EHIC. But if a student starts working in Germany, completes a paid internship, or their foreign insurance is not recognised, German coverage is usually needed.

GKV or PKV: what should a student choose?

Public GKV is usually suitable for students under 30 who are enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or another full-time programme at a German university. In GKV, the basic range of benefits is regulated by law, so core coverage is similar across Krankenkassen.

Private PKV can be an option for students over 30, participants in certain preparatory programmes or language courses, or those unable to enter the GKV student tariff. It is important to understand the consequence of that choice: if a student opts out of public insurance in favour of private insurance when beginning study, returning to GKV during the same course of study may be difficult or impossible.

Studienkolleg and preparatory courses

Students in Studienkolleg and preparatory courses also need health insurance. However, not every Krankenkasse places them on the discounted GKV student tariff because a preparatory course is not always considered a full university programme. Before submitting documents, ask the chosen fund in writing which status it will apply: student tariff, voluntary public insurance, or refusal with a recommendation for private insurance.

For a visa, the name of the insurance matters less than whether German authorities and the educational institution recognise the coverage. If the university or consulate has provided a list of requirements, compare the policy directly with it.

The age limit of 30

The discounted public Krankenversicherung der Studenten generally applies until age 30. After turning 30, a student normally moves to a standard contribution: voluntary public insurance (freiwillige Versicherung) or private insurance. Exceptions can be possible in individual cases, for example because family circumstances, illness, or other reasons delayed study, but these must be confirmed individually by the Krankenkasse.

How much student insurance costs

In 2026, a typical public student-insurance contribution at many Krankenkassen is around EUR 120–130 per month. The final amount depends on the specific fund’s supplementary contribution, Pflegeversicherung, age, children, and the selected tariff.

Check the exact amount on the website of the particular Krankenkasse before enrolling. Well-known public funds that students often consider include:

• Techniker Krankenkasse (TK);
• Barmer;
• AOK;
• DAK-Gesundheit.

The difference between public funds is usually not in basic medical care but in the Zusatzbeitrag, digital services, language support, bonus programmes, and additional voluntary benefits.

What public insurance covers

GKV covers essential medical care: doctor visits, hospital treatment, necessary operations, many prescription medicines, emergency care, and part of preventive treatment. Show your electronic insurance card when visiting a doctor.

Dental care is not fully covered. Basic treatment and medically necessary care are included, but implants, expensive crowns, cosmetic procedures, and extended prosthetics often require co-payments. For such cases, some students take out Zahnzusatzversicherung, supplementary dental insurance.

How to arrange insurance before studying

A practical order is:

1. Obtain Zulassung or other confirmation from the university, Studienkolleg, or preparatory programme.
2. Check whether the university requires electronic insurance notification through the Krankenkasse system.
3. Compare GKV and PKV while taking account of your age, programme status, and visa requirements.
4. If you are under 30 and starting a full-time programme, request the GKV student tariff.
5. If you are entering Studienkolleg or a language course, or are already 30 or older, clarify recognition of the policy with the university and authority in advance.
6. Keep the insurance confirmation and application number; you may need them for enrolment, a visa, and Anmeldung.

Common mistakes

• Taking out tourist insurance instead of student health insurance.
• Choosing a private policy without checking whether the university will accept it.
• Not clarifying Studienkolleg status with the Krankenkasse before submitting documents.
• Comparing only price and not how coverage works in Germany.
• Forgetting that the discounted GKV student tariff usually ends after 30.

FAQ

Can I study without German insurance?

No, recognised health coverage is required for study. Foreign insurance may sometimes be sufficient, for example for EU students, but this must be confirmed through a German Krankenkasse or university.

Can I choose any public Krankenkasse?

Usually yes, if you are eligible for GKV. Basic coverage is similar, but contributions and extra services differ.

What is better for a student: GKV or PKV?

For students under 30 in a full-time programme, GKV is often simpler and more predictable. PKV can be useful or necessary in particular cases, but before choosing it, check the implications for continued study and changing insurance.

Do I need separate dental insurance?

It is not mandatory. But if extended prosthetics, implants, or reducing large co-payments matter to you, consider Zahnzusatzversicherung separately.