When planning your university journey, you may ask how much does student health insurance cost in Germany 2026. Health insurance is mandatory for visa approval and enrollment, and it can affect your monthly budget significantly. This guide rounds up the main options, estimated premiums, and money-saving tips so you can plan with confidence.
Compare insurance options
Germany offers two main types of student health insurance: statutory and private. Each has distinct eligibility rules, coverage scopes, and cost structures.
Statutory health insurance
- Available to students up to age 30 without children
- Premiums are fixed, based on the BAföG rate
- Covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, dental care, prescriptions and medications
Private health insurance
- Open to students who exceed public eligibility or prefer tailored plans
- Costs vary by age, health status and coverage level
- Allows add-ons for vision, dental or alternative medicine
Estimate standard premiums
Understanding base rates helps you compare options and adjust your budget.
Statutory rates under 30
- Standard monthly premium: 108.33 EUR for students up to age 30 [1]
- Reduced rate (students over 23 without children): 30.78 EUR per month [1]
Private average costs
- Typical plans: around 200 EUR per month for full private coverage [2]
- Budget options start at 79 EUR per month for legally equivalent coverage [3]
Explore private plans
If you choose private insurance, compare top student-focused offerings.
| Plan | Provider | Starting cost | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study Secure Premium | Ottonova | €79 | Covers statutory services, digital claims, Expatrio support |
| PROVISIT STUDENT | DR-WALTER | €79 | University acceptance certificate, multilingual hotline |
| Average private student plan | Various | €130–€150 | Standard private coverage with flexible extras |
Compare cost factors
Several variables influence your final premium. Review these before you buy.
Age and eligibility
- Under 30: statutory plans offer the steepest discounts
- Over 30: you must switch to voluntary coverage, starting at 205.35 EUR (+ 44.94 EUR long-term care) per month [1]
Coverage level and extras
- Basic statutory insurance covers essential care at a predictable rate
- Private add-ons for dental, vision or alternative treatments raise premiums
No-claim bonuses and cashback
- Private plans often reward claim-free years with cashbacks of up to €100 per month
- After five claim-free years, your effective premium can drop from €163 to as little as €98 per month [4]
Lower your insurance bill
Smart adjustments can reduce your out-of-pocket cost without sacrificing coverage.
Reduce coverage wisely
- Drop optional extras you won’t use, such as extensive alternative medicine
- Compare basic vs comprehensive tiers before you commit
Claim-free incentives
- Aim for claim-free years to unlock cashback rewards
- Track annual deadlines and submit documents promptly to qualify
Meet visa requirements
To secure your student visa, you need valid health insurance proof and on-time payments.
Mandatory insurance proof
- Provide your insurer’s certificate at visa application
- Ensure coverage starts before your arrival date
Payment deadlines
- Statutory and private premiums are due monthly by the 15th via direct debit or semester advance
- Missing a payment can void your coverage and delay enrollment
Review final checklist
- Decide between statutory and private plans based on age, budget and coverage needs
- Factor in base rates: 108.33 EUR (statutory) vs 79–200 EUR (private) per month
- Leverage no-claim bonuses to lower private premiums over time
- Confirm visa paperwork with your insurer’s certificate
- Set up direct debit and mark deadlines in your calendar
For details on visa health insurance rules, see student visa health insurance germany requirements 2025. If you need a broader look at student policies across Europe, check international health insurance students europe january intake. To find budget-friendly coverage options, explore affordable health insurance germany for international students 2026.
