When you apply for a student visa to Germany, one requirement you cannot overlook is health insurance. In fact, student visa health insurance Germany requirements 2025 are legally mandatory and enforced at every stage of your journey from your visa appointment abroad to university enrollment on arrival. This ultimate guide walks you through each requirement, explains your coverage options, and shows you how to provide proof so you can focus on your studies rather than paperwork.
Insurance requirement overview
Germany mandates health insurance for anyone residing long-term, including international students. Before your 2026 January intake visa appointment, you must obtain short-term travel health insurance that meets German consulate standards. After arrival and enrollment, you switch to a long-term policy either public or private accepted by your university and visa authorities.
Why insurance is mandatory
- Protects you against high medical costs
- Ensures access to doctors, hospitals, and medications
- Meets federal law for residents staying over 90 days
Legal basis and enrollment
Under German Social Code (SGB V), every student must prove continuous coverage. During visa processing, consulates require a valid travel health plan. Once you enroll at a university, you present your long-term plan to complete matriculation.
Visa insurance rules
Before you book your visa interview, secure a short-term travel policy that covers:
- Medical emergencies up to at least €30,000
- Repatriation and medical evacuation
- Validity for the entire visa processing period
Short-term travel insurance
Several private providers offer plans specifically for visa appointments. For example, DR-WALTER partners with Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) to deliver a digitally activated travel policy valid for 31 days, usable for both your visa appointment and initial entry [1].
Coverage minimums
Your travel insurance must:
- Cover inpatient and outpatient treatment
- Include doctor visits, lab tests, and prescriptions
- Offer a minimum coverage of €30,000
Securing long term coverage
After arrival and enrollment, you switch to student health insurance. You can choose between public and private plans, depending on your age, program, and income.
Public health insurance eligibility
Most bachelor’s and master’s students under 30 qualify for statutory student insurance, which costs around €140 – 150 per month as of January 2025 [1]. Contributions remain at roughly €108.33 monthly until you turn 30; after that, you either pay voluntary rates or choose private coverage.
Private insurance options
If you do not qualify for public insurance or prefer private benefits, consider plans like Study Secure Premium by ottonova or Provisit Student. Costs start at about €79 monthly for degree students and as low as €33 for preparatory courses. Private policies must cover general practitioner visits, hospital stays, outpatient care, dental treatments, surgeries, and maternity services to be accepted for enrollment [2].
Comparing public and private
| Feature | Public insurance (TK, etc) | Private insurance (ottonova, Provisit) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | €140 – 150 | €79 – 150 (depending on coverage) |
| Age limit | Under 30 | 18 – 37 |
| Family coverage | Typically not included | Optional add-ons available |
| Private room in hospital | No | Optional |
| Advanced dental coverage | Standard | Optional |
| Switching after 12 months | Yes | Yes |
Calculating insurance costs
Knowing your expected monthly bill helps with financial planning and visa cost proof.
Cost breakdown
- Public student insurance: €140 – 150 per month
- Private student insurance: €79 – 100 per month for full degree coverage
- Short-term travel plan: €30 – 70 for 31 days
Budgeting tips
- Pay by direct debit to avoid late fees [3]
- Factor in any optional private add-ons you may need
- Compare plans using online calculators on provider websites
Proving your coverage
To complete both your visa application and university enrollment, you must submit:
- A policy certificate in English or German
- Proof of active status (payment confirmation or direct debit authorization)
- Insurer’s confirmation that the plan meets German requirements
Required documentation
- Travel insurance policy for visa appointment
- Enrollment acceptance letter from your university
- Long-term insurance certificate for public or private plan
Digital application options
Many providers offer online portals where you can apply, pay, and download policy documents instantly. For example, DR-WALTER and TK collaborate on a unified digital process for visa travel insurance and long-term coverage activation.
Managing your insurance
Staying compliant means keeping your policy active and up to date.
Payment and contribution
- Pay student insurance by the 15th of each month
- Use SEPA direct debit for convenience
- Notify your insurer if you suspend studies or travel abroad for more than 31 days
Switching providers
After 12 months in a public plan, you may switch to another public insurer or opt for private coverage if your income exceeds €73,800 per year. To transition smoothly:
- Request a release letter from your current insurer
- Provide acceptance from your new insurer to your university
Insurance for internships and work
If you plan to work part-time or intern in Germany, you must maintain valid German health insurance regardless of any home country coverage.
Coverage during work
- Social security agreements do not exempt you
- Continue with student insurance if earnings stay below €450 mini-job threshold
- Switch to voluntary or statutory coverage if your salary exceeds the limit
Special cases
European students from social security agreement countries may use their home insurance with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but you should verify additional requirements with your university and employer.
Common questions answered
Can I use home country insurance?
If you come from an EU/EFTA country, your EHIC may cover you. All others need German plans; your home policy alone won’t suffice for visa or enrollment requirements.
What if I’m over 30?
You cannot join public student insurance after turning 30. Instead, choose a private student policy or pay voluntary contributions under social law.
How do I extend coverage after graduation?
Post-study, you have a two-month grace period. Then you must switch to voluntary statutory insurance or a private expat plan. For more details, see how to switch health insurance from student to work permit germany.
Next steps
- Apply for your short-term travel policy at least two weeks before your visa appointment
- Compare long-term plans and gather required documents before arriving in Germany
- Use cost proof student visa europe germany 2026 to prepare your financial documentation
- For alternative insurance options, explore cheapest expat health insurance europe 2025 for non eu citizens
By following these steps, you’ll meet student visa health insurance Germany requirements 2025 with confidence and focus on what matters your studies and life in Germany.
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