Health insurance for students in Germany
Statutory student rate to age 30, what changes after 30, private student tariffs, incoming insurance for the visa gap and enrollment proof for university.
Last updated: July 13, 2026
How much is student health insurance in Germany?
Statutory student insurance costs about €130 per month including care insurance until age 30 (⚠️ VERIFY current rate). It is mandatory for enrollment: the university requires an insurer's digital confirmation before you can register. Over 30, the discounted rate ends and you choose voluntary statutory (~€220+) or private student tariffs.
What this guide covers
The sequence with the visa
For the visa/first weeks: incoming/travel insurance covers the gap (bundled with blocked accounts). From semester start: statutory student GKV takes over. Pick the Kasse (TK's English service leads for students), and the insurer reports enrollment digitally to your university - no paper.
Under 30: the golden rate
Same full GKV coverage as everyone (doctor, hospital, meds) at the flat student rate ~€130. Family insurance beats even that: under 25 with a parent in German GKV = FREE via Familienversicherung. Working students: stay under 20h/week in term time to keep the student rate.
Over 30 (or 14+ semesters ⚠️ VERIFY rule): the cliff
The student rate ends. Options: voluntary GKV (income-based minimum ~€220-280), private student tariffs (cheap-looking, exclusions - read them), or for short remaining study time, specialized expat student products. This cliff surprises Master's/PhD arrivals aged 30+: budget it before choosing Germany.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my home country's insurance?
EU students: EHIC works for statutory purposes with registration. Non-EU: travel policies do NOT satisfy enrollment - real GKV/recognized private is required.
PhD students?
Usually employed (real GKV via salary) or stipend-funded (voluntary GKV/private) - not the student rate.
Dentist covered?
Basics yes, like all GKV (health guide).
Switching Kasse as a student?
Same rules as everyone: 12 months, then free switching (guide).
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