--- title: "From €27.50/mo – language course insurance Germany" description: "Health insurance for foreign language-course students in Germany: § 16f AufenthG Sprachvisum, Goethe-Institut, BAMF Integrationskurs — Care College from €27.50/month, up to 5 years." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung-Auslaender.de", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/", "logo": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/images/logo.jpg", "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+49-228-97735-44", "contactType": "customer service", "availableLanguage": [ "German", "English" ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Krankenversicherung-Auslaender.de", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/", "inLanguage": [ "de", "en" ], "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung-Auslaender.de" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", 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Germany — which health insurance do foreign students need?", "description": "Health insurance for foreign language-course students in Germany: § 16f AufenthG Sprachvisum, Goethe-Institut, BAMF Integrationskurs — Care College from €27.50/month, up to 5 years.", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "sameAs": [ "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" ] }, "reviewedBy": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "sameAs": [ "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" ] }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/images/logo.jpg" }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q316831", "https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krankenversicherung", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_insurance" ] }, "datePublished": "2026-09-08", "dateModified": "2026-08-26", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": 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"https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/images/og/og-krankenversicherung-auslaender.webp", "areaServed": [ "DE", "AT", "EU" ], "audience": { "@type": "Audience", "audienceType": "Foreigners, expats, international students and visa applicants in Germany", "geographicArea": { "@type": "Country", "name": "DE" } }, "knowsAbout": [ "Krankenversicherung Ausländer Deutschland", "Schengen-Visum Krankenversicherung", "Studentische Krankenversicherung", "Expat Krankenversicherung", "Incoming-Versicherung", "Sperrkonto Deutschland" ], "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+49 228 97735-44", "contactType": "customer service", "availableLanguage": [ "German", "English" ] }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q316831", "https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krankenversicherung", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_insurance" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "[data-aeo=\"answer\"]", ".faq-answer" ] }, "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much is health insurance for a German language course?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "As a rule, from €27.50/month for Care College at entry age up to 29 (Basic tier, months 1–24) and from €33.50/month at age 30 and over. For short Schengen language stays (up to 92 days) Care Visa Protect starts at €0.85/day with a minimum premium of €8.50. The bilingual certificate (German + English) is issued by email within minutes and is recognised by German embassies, the Ausländerbehörde and most Sprachschulen — including Goethe-Institut, Volkshochschule and BAMF-partner schools. Individual case review applies; not legal or insurance advice." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which insurance does the German embassy accept for a language-course (D) visa?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For a national D-visa under § 16f AufenthG (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Spracherwerb) the embassy expects an Incoming health-insurance product that covers the entire requested course duration. Care College is the standard recognised answer because it scales up to 60 months on a single contract, ships the bilingual certificate ready for the embassy visa portal and meets the Ausländerbehörde requirements once the student arrives in Germany. For short Schengen stays the embassy accepts Care Visa Protect (Schengen-compliant, €30,000 minimum cover, repatriation included). Caseworker discretion applies — not legal advice." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does the Goethe-Institut require health insurance to enrol in a German course?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Yes — as a rule. Goethe-Institut and most private Sprachschulen (in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Leipzig) ask for proof of valid health insurance on the day of enrolment, and the BAMF Integrationskurs run by Volkshochschulen does the same. A Care College PDF (or a Care Visa Protect certificate for short courses) is what most language schools list as accepted. The certificate names the insured person, the cover period and the bilingual policy summary the school keeps on file." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Care College vs Care Visa Protect — which one fits my course?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Care College is the long-course product: from €27.50/month, up to 60 months, recognised for the national D-visa under § 16f AufenthG. Care Visa Protect is the short-Schengen product: from €0.85/day, up to 92 days, recognised under EU Regulation 810/2009 for the short visa. If the language course is longer than 90 days or you intend to switch to Studienkolleg or full study afterwards, Care College is the natural choice. For a 4-week summer course in Berlin or a 6-week intensive in Munich, Care Visa Protect is usually the cheaper fit." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Schengen visa for a short German course — what insurance proof is required?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The EU Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009) requires at least €30,000 medical cover, validity in all Schengen states and an explicit repatriation-of-remains clause. Care Visa Protect ships the Schengen-compliant bilingual certificate by email; the same PDF is uploaded to the embassy visa portal and presented at the Sprachschule on day one. Travel insurance bought at the airport rarely meets all three wording items." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I switch from Care College to DAK-Gesundheit when I enrol at a German university?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Yes — switching is the standard route once you matriculate as a regular student. Below age 30 (and within the first 14 semesters of higher education) German law requires statutory student health insurance (Krankenversicherungspflicht), and the sickness fund — typically DAK-Gesundheit, Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), AOK or Barmer — sends the electronic M10 notification to the university so enrolment can complete. Care College runs until the matriculation date and stops once DAK-Gesundheit confirms membership. Individual case review applies." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is private travel insurance from my home country enough for the language-course visa?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Generally no. Home-country travel insurance usually fails one of three checks: it is not valid in all Schengen states, its duration is too short for the requested permit period, or the repatriation wording does not match the consulate template. Care College (long course) and Care Visa Protect (short Schengen course) are the German-side products that consistently clear both the embassy upload and the Ausländerbehörde counter. Caseworker discretion applies." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if my language course is longer than 90 days?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Courses longer than 90 days move out of the Schengen short-stay frame and into the national D-visa under § 16f AufenthG. The recognised product is Care College, scaling up to 60 months on a single contract — long enough to cover an intensive Sprachschule year, a Studienkolleg programme and a follow-on DSH or TestDaF preparation. Care Visa Protect is then only useful as a short bridge if the entry date and the long-stay cover start date do not perfectly line up." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do BAMF Integrationskurs participants need separate health insurance?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Yes. The BAMF Integrationskurs covers the language and civic-orientation classes — it does not include health insurance. Participants who already hold a German residence permit are usually statutorily insured via their work or family status; participants without that status (e.g. accompanying family members, students between visa stages) typically take Care College or Care Visa Protect for the duration of the course." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Au-pair year ending and switching to a Sprachschule — what changes for the insurance?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "After the previous Care Au-Pair contract ends, the participant moves to a Sprachschule, often with a fresh language-course visa under § 16f AufenthG. Au-pairs themselves do not use Care College — the au-pair year runs on Care Au-Pair instead. Care College then picks up from day one of the new permit and runs for the full Sprachkurs phase. The Ausländerbehörde typically expects a clean bilingual Care College certificate on the day of the switch (the prior contract does not extend it)." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What about pre-existing conditions during a language course?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Care College covers acute, unforeseen treatment within the policy terms. Chronic and pre-existing conditions are generally subject to AVB exclusions and waiting periods — the binding answer is the official insurance terms (AVB / GTC) issued with the bilingual certificate. For complex case histories a personal pre-check before applying is recommended. Not medical advice; individual case review applies." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I extend Care College if my language-course visa is extended?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Yes. Care College runs up to 60 months on a single contract and the bilingual certificate is reissued at every extension at no extra fee — useful when the Sprachvisum is granted in 12-month blocks and the student keeps extending for Studienkolleg or a DSH preparation phase." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Care College include dental and pregnancy cover during a language course?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For students planning a longer Sprachkurs phase the Comfort tier (from roughly €34/month at entry age up to 29, months 1–24) is the common upgrade. The Basic tier focuses on acute medical treatment; dental, pregnancy and selected preventive items become broader on Comfort and Premium. The binding scope is the AVB. Personal advice is recommended for individual case planning." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When does cover have to start — visa date or entry date?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Care College and Care Visa Protect both issue the bilingual certificate by email within minutes — most students set the start date 2 to 4 weeks before the flight. From the date of entry. The German embassy, the Bürgeramt and the Ausländerbehörde all expect the start date on the Krankenversicherungsnachweis to be no later than the day the language student crosses the German border." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if my insurance proof is rejected by the Ausländerbehörde?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The 2026 rate applies from January 1, 2026; check § 13a AufenthV / § 5 SGB V for the current thresholds. From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): The four common reasons are: (1) travel policy submitted in place of an Incoming product, (2) end date earlier than the requested permit period, (3) missing repatriation wording, (4) cover area limited to the home country. Re-issuing a clean Care College certificate (matching the requested permit period and the bilingual policy summary) usually clears the file at the next slot. Caseworker discretion applies — not legal advice." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Refund if my language-course visa is denied?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Care College: from €27.50/month (Basic, age <30, 1–24 months). From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): As a rule, Care College and Care Visa Protect are refunded against the official visa-rejection letter — minus the days already on cover, if any. The exact refund mechanics are set out in the AVB and are usually processed within a few working days of the rejection notice being uploaded. Personal advice is recommended for individual case planning." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which German cities have the most Sprachschulen and Goethe-Institut centres?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The 2026 rate applies from January 1, 2026; check § 13a AufenthV / § 5 SGB V for the current thresholds. From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt am Main, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Leipzig, Dresden, Bonn, Bremen, Heidelberg, Freiburg and Schwäbisch Hall host the largest Goethe-Institut centres and the main private Sprachschulen (Carl Duisberg Centren, DID Deutsch-Institut, Inlingua, Eurocentres, Berlitz). The Care College certificate is national — the same bilingual PDF is accepted in every city by the Sprachschule and the local Ausländerbehörde." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What CEFR level do I need before starting a German university programme?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "As a rule, German-taught undergraduate and master programmes require C1 evidenced by DSH-2, TestDaF 4 in all four parts, telc C1 Hochschule or Goethe-Zertifikat C1. English-taught programmes usually accept B1/B2 German for daily life but specify an English certificate (IELTS, TOEFL) instead. The Krankenversicherungsnachweis is independent of the CEFR level — it has to span the full intensive phase from A1/A2 entry to the C1 exam, then switch to statutory or Care Student cover at matriculation." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do American, British, Canadian, Australian, Japanese or Korean citizens need a visa for a German language course?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For courses longer than 90 days, the national D-visa for language acquisition (§ 16f AufenthG) is required even for these passports, and the recognised long-course product is Care College. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Israel may normally enter Germany visa-free for short language stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period — Care Visa Protect is the standard short-course product for that case. Embassy practice can vary by case — not legal advice." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) from outside Germany before applying for the language-course visa?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Yes. Most language students open the Sperrkonto online from their home country with a German fintech provider, deposit the current Richtwert of €11,904 (one year × €992) and upload the blocked-account confirmation together with the Care College bilingual Krankenversicherungsnachweis to the embassy visa portal. The two documents together usually clear the financial and insurance fields of the Sprachvisum file at the next embassy slot — case officer discretion applies." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "QAPage", "inLanguage": "en", "mainEntity": { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much is health insurance for a German language course?", "text": "How much is health insurance for a German language course?", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" }, "datePublished": "2026-09-08", "upvoteCount": 0, "answerCount": 1, "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "As a rule, from €27.50/month for Care College at entry age up to 29 (Basic tier, months 1–24) and from €33.50/month at age 30 and over. For short Schengen language stays (up to 92 days) Care Visa Protect starts at €0.85/day with a minimum premium of €8.50. The bilingual certificate (German + English) is issued by email within minutes and is recognised by German embassies, the Ausländerbehörde and most Sprachschulen — including Goethe-Institut, Volkshochschule and BAMF-partner schools. Individual case review applies; not legal or insurance advice.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-language-course-german-course-germany/", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" }, "datePublished": "2026-09-08", "upvoteCount": 0 } } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "QAPage", "inLanguage": "en", "mainEntity": { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which insurance does the German embassy accept for a language-course (D) visa?", "text": "Which insurance does the German embassy accept for a language-course (D) visa?", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" }, "datePublished": "2026-09-08", "upvoteCount": 0, "answerCount": 1, "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For a national D-visa under § 16f AufenthG (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Spracherwerb) the embassy expects an Incoming health-insurance product that covers the entire requested course duration. Care College is the standard recognised answer because it scales up to 60 months on a single contract, ships the bilingual certificate ready for the embassy visa portal and meets the Ausländerbehörde requirements once the student arrives in Germany. For short Schengen stays the embassy accepts Care Visa Protect (Schengen-compliant, €30,000 minimum cover, repatriation included). Caseworker discretion applies — not legal advice.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-language-course-german-course-germany/", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" }, "datePublished": "2026-09-08", "upvoteCount": 0 } } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "DefinedTermSet", "name": "Language-course health insurance Germany — glossary", "inLanguage": "en", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de" }, "hasDefinedTerm": [ { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Sprachvisum / Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Spracherwerb (§ 16f AufenthG)", "description": "German residence permit for the purpose of learning the German language — issued for an intensive language course (typically Goethe-Institut, BAMF Integrationskurs or a recognised private Sprachschule) of usually 18 to 24 hours per week. The Ausländerbehörde checks the Krankenversicherungsnachweis for the entire requested permit period.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Language-course health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Care College", "description": "Incoming health-insurance product by HanseMerkur / Care Concept AG designed for language students, Sprachschüler and Studienkolleg participants up to 60 months on a single contract. From €27.50/month for entry age up to 29 (Basic, months 1–24); from €33.50/month from age 30. Recognised by German embassies, the Ausländerbehörde and most Sprachschulen as proof for the Sprachvisum.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Language-course health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Care Visa Protect", "description": "Short-stay Schengen-compliant Incoming product for language stays up to 92 days. From €0.85/day, minimum premium €8.50. Meets the €30,000 minimum medical cover and the repatriation wording required by EU Regulation 810/2009 (Visa Code) for short language-course visits.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Language-course health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Krankenversicherungsnachweis", "description": "German-language certificate of health-insurance cover — the single document the German embassy and the Ausländerbehörde check before granting the Sprachvisum. Care College and Care Visa Protect both ship a bilingual PDF (German + English) ready for upload to the embassy visa portal.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Language-course health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "BAMF Integrationskurs", "description": "Federal-government integration course (German language + civic orientation) run by the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF) via partner Sprachschulen and Volkshochschulen. Participants who have a residence permit also need separate health-insurance cover — the BAMF course fee does not include insurance.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Language-course health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Goethe-Institut", "description": "The official cultural institute of Germany operating language schools worldwide and inside Germany (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Düsseldorf). Goethe-Institut requires a valid health-insurance proof on the day of enrolment; a Care College certificate is the most common answer.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Language-course health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "DSH / TestDaF / telc", "description": "The three recognised German-language exams that gate access to a German university programme. Most candidates spend 6 to 12 months in a Sprachschule or Studienkolleg to reach C1 / TestDaF 4 — the entire preparation phase needs a continuous Krankenversicherungsnachweis.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Language-course health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Studienkolleg", "description": "Preparatory college (typically one year) that brings non-EU students up to the German university entry standard (Feststellungsprüfung). Studienkolleg time counts as a Sprachkurs-style stay for insurance purposes — Care College usually covers the full year on one contract.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Language-course health insurance Germany — glossary" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "HowTo", "name": "How foreign language-course students provide health-insurance proof in Germany", "description": "Step-by-step process to deliver an embassy- and Ausländerbehörde-compliant Krankenversicherungsnachweis for the Sprachvisum (§ 16f AufenthG) or a short Schengen language stay.", "inLanguage": "en", "step": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 1, "name": "Identify your language-course path", "text": "Long national D-visa course (Care College, 1–60 months) or short Schengen course (Care Visa Protect, 1–92 days). The choice follows from the course length and the visa type." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 2, "name": "Apply online and receive the bilingual certificate", "text": "Complete the online application; the German + English Krankenversicherungsnachweis arrives by email within minutes — ready for the embassy visa portal and the Sprachschule office." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 3, "name": "Submit at the German embassy", "text": "Upload the PDF in the consulate visa portal together with the Sprachschule confirmation, the blocked-account proof and the biometric documents." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 4, "name": "Anmeldung within 14 days", "text": "Register the German address at the Bürgeramt — this unlocks the Ausländerbehörde appointment and the residence-permit issuance under § 16f AufenthG." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 5, "name": "Hand the certificate at the Sprachschule and the Ausländerbehörde", "text": "Goethe-Institut, Volkshochschule and BAMF-partner Sprachschulen keep the certificate on file at enrolment; the Ausländerbehörde keeps a copy for the residence permit. Care College runs up to 60 months on a single contract." } ], "totalTime": "PT15M", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "[data-howto='step']", "[data-aeo='answer']", "h1" ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Dataset", "name": "Care College — premiums for foreign language-course students in Germany by age band, tier and duration (2026)", "description": "Monthly premiums for the Care College Incoming health-insurance product used by foreign language-course students in Germany to satisfy § 16f AufenthG for the Sprachvisum and to enrol at Goethe-Institut, Volkshochschule and private Sprachschulen. From €27.50/month at entry age up to 29 (Basic, months 1–24) and from €33.50/month from age 30. Comfort and Premium tiers extend dental and preventive scope. Duration up to 60 months on a single contract.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-language-course-german-course-germany/#prices", "inLanguage": "de", "isAccessibleForFree": true, "creator": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de" }, "license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/", "measurementTechnique": "HanseMerkur AVB / Care Concept AG official tariff registry", "variableMeasured": [ "entry age band (up to 29, 30+)", "contract duration (1–24 months, 25+ months)", "tier (Basic, Comfort, Premium)", "monthly premium in EUR", "deductible in EUR (standard tier)", "repatriation cover (included within policy terms)" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "ItemList", "@id": 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Krankenversicherungsnachweis.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-study-preparation-visa-language-course-proof-combining-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Preparatory college (Studienkolleg) — proof for registration and residence", "description": "Bürgeramt, Ausländerbehörde and the Studienkolleg office: which version of the certificate each one wants to see.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/preparatory-college-health-insurance-proof-registration-residence-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Insurance proof not accepted by the immigration office — checklist", "description": "The eight reasons the Ausländerbehörde rejects a Sprachkurs file — and how to fix each one before the next slot.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/insurance-proof-not-accepted-immediate-checklist-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Minimum €30,000 cover for the Schengen health-insurance proof", "description": "What the EU Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009) demands for short language courses up to 90 days.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/minimum-cover-30000-euro-schengen-health-insurance-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Schengen health insurance for multiple entries / multi-trip language stays", "description": "Multi-entry wording the consulate looks for when the language student plans repeated trips inside one visa.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/schengen-health-insurance-multi-entry-multiple-trips-wording-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Health insurance — national D-visa vs Schengen short visa", "description": "Which product satisfies the long-stay Sprachvisum and which one only covers the 90-day window.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/health-insurance-national-visa-difference-to-schengen-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Requirements for the Schengen health-insurance proof — Germany", "description": "30,000 € minimum, repatriation, Schengen-area validity — the three fields embassies always check.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/requirements-schengen-health-insurance-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "From language school to enrolled study — switch or extend the insurance", "description": "When matriculation triggers the statutory enrolment notification and how the file moves from the Sprachkurs cover to DAK-Gesundheit or Care Student.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/changing-from-language-school-to-study-health-insurance-switch-or-extend-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Health insurance before the study starts — start date, entry and enrolment", "description": "How to align the certificate start date with the Sprachkurs entry date, the Studienkolleg start and the matriculation day.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-before-study-start-taking-out-start-date-entry-enrollment-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Insurance proof for university enrolment after the language course", "description": "What the Immatrikulationsamt asks for once the Sprachkurs phase ends and the student status begins.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-proof-enrollment-university-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Statutory or private health insurance — student options after the language course", "description": "DAK-Gesundheit (student GKV), Care Student (PKV exemption) and Care College — which one fits which post-Sprachkurs path.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/statutory-or-private-health-insurance-foreign-students-options-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Blocked account, study visa and the insurance proof before entry", "description": "Sperrkonto + Care College + Schengen / D-visa: the order most language students follow to avoid rejection.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/blocked-account-visa-study-health-insurance-before-entry-proof-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Documents checklist — German visa and health insurance", "description": "The full embassy file for the Sprachvisum: insurance certificate, blocked-account proof, course confirmation and biometrics.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/documents-checklist-german-visa-health-insurance-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "How to avoid rejection of the insurance proof for the German visa", "description": "The four mistakes that send a Sprachvisum back to the applicant — and the clean file the consulate expects.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/avoid-rejection-of-insurance-proof-for-german-visa-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Visa rejection due to health insurance — the most common reasons", "description": "Travel policy in place of an Incoming product, end date too early, repatriation clause missing — and how to fix it.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/visa-rejection-due-to-health-insurance-common-reasons-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Rejection by the university or authority — what to do next", "description": "When the Sprachschule, Studienkolleg or Ausländerbehörde rejects the insurance proof: the recovery checklist.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/rejection-due-to-health-insurance-university-or-authority-checklist-germany/" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "CollectionPage", "@id": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-language-course-german-course-germany/#collection", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-language-course-german-course-germany/", "name": "Language course or Deutschkurs in Germany — which health insurance do foreign students need?", "description": "Health insurance for foreign language-course students in Germany: § 16f AufenthG Sprachvisum, Goethe-Institut, BAMF Integrationskurs — Care College from €27.50/month, up to 5 years.", "inLanguage": "en", "isPartOf": { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/#website", "name": 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"https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/documents-checklist-german-visa-health-insurance-germany/", "name": "Documents checklist — German visa and health insurance" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 15, "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/avoid-rejection-of-insurance-proof-for-german-visa-germany/", "name": "How to avoid rejection of the insurance proof for the German visa" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 16, "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/visa-rejection-due-to-health-insurance-common-reasons-germany/", "name": "Visa rejection due to health insurance — the most common reasons" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 17, "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/rejection-due-to-health-insurance-university-or-authority-checklist-germany/", "name": "Rejection by the university or authority — what to do next" } ] } } ] --- EN [+49 228 97735-44](tel:+4922897735-44)· German & English spoken [Health Insurance for Foreigners in Germany ](/en/) - Foreigners in Germany - Visa & Schengen - Studies & Language School - Expats - Employees - Retirees - Blocked Account - Guides [All tariffs](/en/product-overview-germany/)[Find a tariff](/en/tariffinder-germany/) [Find a tariff](/en/tariffinder-germany/) Language 🇩🇪 Deutsch 🇺🇸 English 🇸🇦 العربية Main areas 🌍 Foreigners in Germany [Overview →](/en/health-insurance-foreigners-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — all foreigners in GermanyThe umbrella hub: every visa, every audience, recognised cover under § 5 AufenthG — start here. ](/en/health-insurance-foreigners-germany/)[Visa & SchengenFast insurance proof for embassy/foreigners' authority — short stays, Schengen visa, family visit. ](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/)[Studies & Language SchoolAffordable long-term health insurance for international students, Studienkolleg, German courses, exchange students and PhD candidates. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-students-germany/)[Expats (long-term)Affordable long-term health insurance for expats, international skilled workers, freelancers and their families. ](/en/expat-health-insurance-germany/)[Employees (job start)Foreign employees, skilled workers with work visa, seasonal workers and people in the recognition procedure. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-employees-germany/)[Retirees / parent reunificationAffordable long-term health insurance for foreign retirees, seniors and their partners, family visits. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/) More topics [Blocked account & visaAccepted for visa, Opportunity Card and university enrolment. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/)[AustriaAffordable long-term health insurance for Austria. ](/en/health-insurance-foreigners-austria/)[Au-pair health insuranceAffordable health insurance for au-pairs in Germany, Austria & Switzerland — from €21/month. ](/en/au-pair-health-insurance-germany/)[Guides & FAQThe most common mistakes — and how to avoid them in 2 minutes. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/)[Costs & benefitsWhat does it really cost? Compare tariffs, prices and benefits. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/costs-benefits-germany/) Get started [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) ✈️ Visa & Schengen [Overview →](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — visa & SchengenThe visa umbrella hub: Schengen, national D-visa, short stay and family reunification at a glance. ](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/)[Schengen visa (up to 90 days)Fast health insurance proof for the Schengen visa — meet embassy requirements and avoid common mistakes. ](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/schengen-visa-health-insurance-germany/)[Short stay without visaAffordable health insurance for tourist and visa-free stays — easy, flexible and quick to apply online. ](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/short-stay-health-insurance-germany/)[Visitors & parent visits (3 months to 5 years)Cover for visitors and parents — for stays from 3 months to 5 years, affordable and online. ](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/foreign-visitors-visa-health-insurance-germany/)[Family reunificationFamily reunification: the right insurance proof for partner & children — so the application doesn't fail on missing documents. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/faq-germany/family-reunification-which-health-insurance-is-commonly-required-germany/) Info & requirements [Insurance proof for the visaWhich insurance proofs embassies and immigration offices actually require. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/insurance-proof-visa-germany/)[Schengen insurance requirementsMinimum coverage, repatriation and validity area — so your proof doesn't fail on formalities. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/requirements-schengen-health-insurance-germany/)[Documents & checklistWhich documents to prepare before the visa application — to avoid delays. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/documents-checklist-german-visa-health-insurance-germany/)[Avoid rejectionThe most common mistakes with visa, proof and insurance — and what embassies pay particular attention to. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/avoid-rejection-of-insurance-proof-for-german-visa-germany/) Get started [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) 🎓 Studies & Language School [Overview →](/en/health-insurance-foreign-students-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — students & language schoolThe student umbrella hub: GKV, private student insurance, language course, Studienkolleg, exchange and PhD at a glance. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-students-germany/)[International studentsAffordable health insurance for international students — with quick proof for enrolment, visa and study start. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-students-germany/)[Language school & German courseThe right insurance proof for language school & German course — so visa, embassy appointment and course start don't fail. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-language-course-before-study-differences-typical-mistakes-germany/)[StudienkollegAffordable health insurance for Studienkolleg — with quick proof for embassy, immigration office and course start, plus online application. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/preparatory-college-health-insurance-proof-registration-residence-germany/)[Exchange students & PhD candidatesSuitable health insurance for foreign exchange students & PhD candidates — for studies, exchange programmes, research and PhDs, with online application incl. insurance proof. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/exchange-students-phd-students-health-insurance-germany/) Info & decisions [Statutory or private student insurance?Statutory health insurance or private student insurance? Find out what really fits your status and study path. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/statutory-or-private-student-health-insurance-germany/)[Student visa & proofWhich insurance proofs really count for visa, university enrolment and authorities. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-proof-enrollment-university-germany/)[GKV exemptionExemption from statutory insurance: what to know before deciding — so it doesn't become a problem later. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/exemption-from-statutory-health-insurance-students-key-points-germany/)[Blocked account & study startHow blocked account, university enrolment and health insurance interact — so your study start isn't delayed. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/blocked-account-study-start-health-insurance-enrollment-germany/) Get started [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) 🏠 Expats [Overview →](/en/expat-health-insurance-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — expats long-termAffordable & long-term: 6–60 months, family, freelancers, GKV vs private. ](/en/expat-health-insurance-germany/)[Long-term expats in Germany (6–60 months)Affordable long-term cover in Germany — with accepted proof. ](/en/expat-health-insurance-germany/long-term-health-insurance-foreigners-germany/)[Long-term expats in Austria (6–60 months)Affordable long-term cover in Austria — accepted by MA 35. ](/en/health-insurance-foreigners-austria/)[Expats with family (partner & children)Affordable long-term cover for partner & children — no surprises. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-with-family-joint-planning-partner-children-typical-questions-and-mistakes-germany/)[Freelancers & self-employed without an employerNo employer? Affordable long-term option — GKV or private, clarified fast. ](/en/expat-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-foreign-self-employed-germany/)[Transition without a job (job search / change / termination)Job change or termination: affordable bridge — long-term cover continues. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-without-employer-during-job-search-how-to-stay-insured-germany/) Info & decisions [Which health insurance fits expats?Which health insurance fits as a long-term expat? Avoid mistakes — so registration works and you can see a doctor when needed. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/)[GKV obligation or private solution? (quick check)Clear in 2 minutes: statutory obligation or private — so you don't commit to the wrong path. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/private-vs-statutory-health-insurance-expats-which-factors-typically-matter-germany/)[Proofs for authorities (residence permit, registration, etc.)Get authority proofs right: avoid common mistakes, save time. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/checklist-documents-immigration-office-expat-insurance-proof-deadlines-germany/)[Family & pregnancy: what to watch forAlready pregnant or planning? Common pitfalls in tariffs (waiting periods/benefits) — so there are no nasty surprises. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/pregnancy-health-insurance-expats-proofs-costs-doctor-germany/) Get started [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) Other groups 💼 Employees [Overview →](/en/health-insurance-foreign-employees-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — employees & job startThe employee umbrella hub: job start, Blue Card, job change, GKV obligation and employer proof. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-employees-germany/)[Job start in GermanySo your job start works: the right health insurance + proof, fast and easy. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/common-mistakes-when-starting-in-germany-registration-checklist-germany/)[Blue Card & skilled workersBlue Card & skilled workers: get insured properly, avoid mistakes — proof for employer and registration. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/bluecard-skilled-workers-health-insurance-proof-employer-registration-germany/)[Job change / new positionJob change made easy: stay insured, avoid mistakes, done quickly. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/job-change-health-insurance-what-happens-with-insurance-and-prove-germany/)[Part-time, mini-job & probationPart-time/mini-job/probation: find the right health insurance — without a wrong decision. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/mini-job-midi-job-full-time-health-insurance-differences-germany/) Info & decisions [GKV registration step by stepGKV in 3 steps: error-free, step by step — so you finish quickly. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/statutory-insurance-registration-step-by-step-employees-germany/)[What certificate does the employer need?Employer proof: which certificate is really required — explained quickly. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/employer-asks-insurance-proof-what-must-one-submit-germany/)[GKV obligation: who must, who may choose?Who must join statutory insurance — and who may choose? Without mistakes. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/statutory-insurance-requirement-who-must-who-may-foreigners-germany/)[Documents & checklist for the job startJob start checklist: documents, deadlines, next steps — so you don't forget anything. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/common-mistakes-when-starting-in-germany-registration-checklist-germany/) [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) 🧓 Retirees [Overview →](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — retirees & parentsThe retiree umbrella hub: parent reunification, seniors 60+, short visits and pre-existing conditions at a glance. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/)[Parent reunification / bringing parents to Germany permanentlyBringing parents to Germany permanently: find the right health insurance — avoid common mistakes. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/parent-reunification-health-insurance-germany/)[Foreign retirees/parents 60+ in Germany (6 months to 5 years)For parents 60+: find the right long-term cover — so doctor, hospital and authority proofs don't become a problem. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/long-term-health-insurance-seniors-germany/)[Short stay / visiting children (up to 90 days)For parent visits up to 90 days: affordable health insurance for doctor & emergency — incl. proof, quick to apply online. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/short-visit-seniors-health-insurance-which-coverage-commonly-required-germany/)[Retirees with pre-existing conditions & medication (special cases)Pre-existing conditions or medication? We show what's possible — clearly explained, no false promises. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/health-insurance-pre-existing-conditions-what-is-commonly-checked-when-taking-out-germany/) Info & decisions [Which health insurance fits retirees? (quick overview)Find the right solution quickly for age, stay and proof — before you choose wrong. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/)[Statutory possible for retirees? Or rather private? (quick check)Statutory or private as a retiree? Clear in 2 minutes — so you don't decide wrongly. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/statutory-or-private-health-fund-foreign-retirees-germany/)[Proof for foreigners' authority & residence permit (checklist)Foreigners' authority: submit the proof correctly — avoid common mistakes, save time. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/immigration-office-insurance-proof-which-details-should-appear-germany/)[Costs in old age: contributions, deductibles, typical pitfallsWhat does it really cost in old age? Contributions, deductibles and typical cost traps — briefly explained. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/costs-in-age-premiums-deductible-cost-traps-germany/)[Acceptance, exclusions & waiting periods (age/pre-existing)Age/pre-existing conditions: what's possible, what's excluded, what waiting periods apply — briefly explained. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/health-insurance-pre-existing-conditions-what-is-commonly-checked-when-taking-out-germany/) [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) 🏦 Blocked Account [Overview →](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — blocked accountThe blocked account umbrella hub: student visa, application, timing and Opportunity Card at a glance. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/)[Blocked account for the student visa (national visa D)Combine blocked account + health insurance correctly — so the visa appointment doesn't fail. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/blocked-account-student-visa-monthly-rate-logic-and-health-insurance-proof-germany/)[Blocked account + visa applicationWhich proofs belong together (blocked account, KV, documents) — avoid common mistakes. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/blocked-account-and-health-insurance-for-visa-application-germany/)[Documents & checklist (blocked account)Which documents you really need — so nothing gets delayed. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/blocked-account-documents-checklist-providers-mistakes-the-delay-germany/)[Timing: when to open, when to take out insurance?Order & timing: blocked account + KV in time before the visa appointment. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/blocked-account-timing-opening-and-health-insurance-taking-out-before-visa-appointment-germany/)[Opportunity Card / stay without studiesWhen the blocked account is used for other purposes: what to watch for. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/opportunity-card-residence-without-study-blocked-account-health-insurance-proofs-germany/) Info & decisions [Blocked account explained in 2 minutesWhat it is, what it's needed for, common misunderstandings. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/)[Health insurance as proof for the visa (checklist)Which information must be on the proof — so the embassy/authority accepts it. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/documents-checklist-german-visa-health-insurance-germany/)[Avoid rejection (queries / proof errors)Top mistakes + quick fix — so you don't have to resubmit. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/avoid-rejection-of-insurance-proof-for-german-visa-germany/)[Which insurance fits at study start?How blocked account, university enrolment & health insurance interact. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/blocked-account-study-start-health-insurance-enrollment-germany/)[Blocked Account productIf you want to open the account directly: overview + application. ](/en/insurance-plans/blocked-account/overview/) [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) 📚 Guides [Overview →](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — guides & FAQThe guides umbrella hub: all topics, FAQs and checklists on health insurance in Germany. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/)[Visa & residenceAvoid common mistakes before applying. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/)[StudentsWhich insurance fits enrolment and visa. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/)[FAQShort answers to the most common questions. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/faq-germany/)[Costs & benefitsWhat to look out for in affordable tariffs. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/costs-benefits-germany/) More topics [ExpatsWhat matters during a longer stay. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/)[EmployeesHow employees avoid expensive wrong decisions. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/)[Language course / German courseWhich insurance is needed for language course and visa. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-language-course-german-course-germany/)[RetireesWhat retirees should watch for when moving to Germany. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/)[StudienkollegSuitable cover for the time at Studienkolleg. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-preparatory-college-germany/) [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) [All tariffs](/en/product-overview-germany/)[Find a tariff](/en/tariffinder-germany/) 1 Step 1/3: Check plan (you are here) › 2 Step 2/3: Get PDF proof › 3 Step 3/3: Submit to authority [See plans →](#tarife) [Care College ab nur 27,50 € / Monat (bis 5 Jahre) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) 1. [Home](/en/) 2. [Guide to health insurance in Germany](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/) 3. Health insurance for language-course students 📑 On this page (12) - [→ What insurance the embassy and Sprachschule accept](#what-is) - [→ The 4 most common language-course proof mistakes](#problems) - [→ Recommended tariffs — long course vs short Schengen](#tarife) - [→ Prices — Care College by age band and duration](#prices) - [→ Which tariff for which language-course situation?](#scenarios) - [→ Step-by-step: from Sprachschule booking to residence permit](#step-by-step) - [→ All language-course guides](#topics) - [→ Glossary — language-course insurance terms](#glossary) - [→ Studying a language in Germany — what to plan for](#studying-german-in-germany) - [→ From language course to enrolled study — what changes](#switch-to-study) - [→ CEFR levels, Feststellungsprüfung & questions before booking](#cefr-and-paa) - [→ FAQ](#faq) As a rule, no recognised Krankenversicherungsnachweis means no language-course visa and no Sprachschule enrolment. The Ausländerbehörde and the German embassy decide on a single document — the bilingual insurance certificate covering the entire requested permit period. Caseworker discretion applies. ![Foreign language student in Germany with bilingual health-insurance certificate for the Sprachschule and Ausländerbehörde](/assets/students-health-insurance-germany-hero-Bov_zsJp.webp) Sprachkurs file with bilingual Care College certificate ready for Goethe-Institut and the Ausländerbehörde. # Language course or Deutschkurs in Germany — which health insurance do foreign students need? 4.9/5 · 10,000+ policies since 2009 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/) · Ausländerbehörde-ready bilingual PDF By **Steffan Grund** · Reviewed September 8, 2026 "Care College certificate accepted at Goethe-Institut Berlin on day one — Sprachvisum cleared the embassy in São Paulo." — L. R. (São Paulo → Berlin), C1 intensive Quotes from internal customer feedback, anonymised and shortened. Quotes from internal customer feedback, anonymized and shortened. Individual case review applies; not legal or insurance advice. Plan: identify your language-course path → buy the recognised cover online in ~5 minutes → hand the bilingual certificate to the Sprachschule and the Ausländerbehörde under the Aufenthaltsgesetz (residence-permit law for language acquisition). › **Trusted by language-course students arriving in Germany from** — show country list Pakistan (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore), India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai), Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Türkiye, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, China, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Ukraine, Russia, Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia, North Macedonia and Albania. Used since 2009 by foreign language-course students arriving in Germany — typically accepted at Goethe-Institut, Volkshochschule, BAMF-partner Sprachschulen and the Ausländerbehörde under the Aufenthaltsgesetz. Accepted: Aufenthaltsgesetz (Sprachvisum) EU Visa Code 810/2009 (Schengen) Ausländerbehörde (typically) GDPR/EU Bilingual PDF (German + English) No upfront medical exam (within policy terms) No German bank account required Free re-issue for visa extensions [ Care College, Basic tier, months 1–24, HanseMerkur AVB Care College from €27.50/month (entry age up to 29) ⟷ Residence permit delay Embassy Sprachvisum appointments in São Paulo, Mexico City, New Delhi and Manila typically run 4–10 weeks out ⟷ average DRG day-rate, DKG hospital statistics 2024 (Richtwert) German hospital day rate: ~€830/day (Indicative DKG hospital day-rate 2024 — varies by Bundesland and hospital) ](#tarife) No commitment · monthly cancellation · confirmation by email (typically immediate). Sources: Aufenthaltsgesetz (§ 5) · EU Regulation 810/2009 (Visa Code) · BAMF · Goethe-Institut · HanseMerkur GTC · Care Concept AG General information based on the Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG), the EU Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009) and our placements for language-course visa files since 2009 — not legal, tax or insurance advice; individual embassy, Sprachschule and Ausländerbehörde caseworkers may decide case-by-case. Indicative: a denied Sprachvisum or rejected Sprachschule enrolment typically pushes the next embassy slot 4–10 weeks out — Care College from €27.50/month at entry age up to 29 covers the same window. Individual case review applies; not legal or insurance advice. **As a rule, no recognised Krankenversicherungsnachweis — no Sprachschule enrolment, no Sprachvisum.** What the German _Ausländerbehörde_ (immigration office), the German embassy and the Sprachschule want to see depends on the course path — long **national D-visa course** (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Spracherwerb, up to five years), short **Schengen language stay** (EU Visa Code 810/2009, up to 92 days), **BAMF Integrationskurs** at a Volkshochschule, or a **Studienkolleg** phase before full study. A single short-dated certificate can mean weeks of waiting for a new appointment. The fix is product-led. For the long Sprachvisum (3 months to 5 years): [Care College from €27.50/month for entry age up to 29](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) — recognised under the Aufenthaltsgesetz and accepted at Goethe-Institut, Volkshochschule and most private Sprachschulen. Entry ages 30 and above start from €33.50/month on the same Basic tier. For short Schengen courses up to 92 days: [Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day](/en/insurance-plans/care-visa-protect/overview/), meeting the €30,000 Schengen minimum cover. For medium bridges between visa stages (1 day to 2 years) [Care Economy](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/) fills the gap; once the student matriculates as an enrolled university student, the file usually moves to [DAK-Gesundheit](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit-angestellte/overview/) (statutory student insurance, M10 notification). Below: which certificate fields the Ausländerbehörde and the embassy actually check, the four language-course proof mistakes we still see weekly, the price tables for [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) and [Care Visa Protect](/en/insurance-plans/care-visa-protect/overview/), the language-course guides for every scenario, and the 16 questions language students ask the most. Editor's note: since 2009 we have issued bilingual insurance certificates for Sprachvisum files at German embassies, for Goethe-Institut enrolment desks, for BAMF Integrationskurs registrations at Volkshochschulen and for the Ausländerbehörde. The two mistakes we still see weekly are (1) a home-country travel policy submitted in place of a Sprachvisum-compliant Incoming product, and (2) a Schengen-only product used for a course longer than 90 days. Both are avoidable — the checklists, price tables and step-by-step flow below show exactly which product, age band and certificate wording the embassy and the Sprachschule expect. Last reviewed by Steffan Grund on September 8, 2026. Education Stay Cover Care College by HanseMerkur Versicherungsgruppe / Advigon Visa & School Proof For language school, Studienkolleg, DSH or educational stays Online Application Receive confirmation after successful application ## What insurance the embassy and the Sprachschule accept for a German language course **Quick answer:** For the long Sprachvisum the cover must be comparable to German cover for the entire requested permit period under § 16f AufenthG. Travel insurance bought in the home country generally does not qualify. For a short Schengen language course (up to 92 days) the EU Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009) demands at least €30,000 medical cover plus repatriation. The standard recognised products are Care College (long) and Care Visa Protect (short Schengen) — caseworker discretion applies. Two Incoming products cover almost every foreign language-course pathway to Germany. [**Care College**](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) for the long Sprachvisum (3 months to 5 years), for Studienkolleg and for university-preparatory DSH and TestDaF phases. [**Care Visa Protect**](/en/insurance-plans/care-visa-protect/overview/) for short summer courses, intensive 4-to-6-week programmes and visa-free Schengen language stays. Both ship a bilingual certificate (German + English) ready for the Ausländerbehörde and the embassy visa portal — see the [BAMF](https://www.bamf.de/EN/) and [§ 16f AufenthG](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__16f.html) for the official sources. Note on terminology: the residence permit for learning German is the "Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Spracherwerb" under § 16f AufenthG — commonly called "Sprachvisum" in everyday usage. The [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) bilingual PDF carries the wording the embassy and the Ausländerbehörde expect, including the policy summary the Sprachschule keeps on file. ![Steffan Grund](/assets/steffan-grund-B5K5tUm9.jpg)Written by **Steffan Grund** Reviewed: **August 26, 2026** Sources§ 16f AufenthG · § 5 AufenthG · EU Regulation 810/2009 (Visa Code) · BAMF · Goethe-Institut · Federal Foreign Office · HanseMerkur GTC · Care Concept AG 4.9/5 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/) Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009 ## Need a Sprachvisum-ready certificate today? [Care College (up to 5 years) from €27.50/month (up to 5 years) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/)[Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-visa-protect/overview/) [🔍 Plan Finder](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[📋 All Plans](/en/product-overview-germany/) 🏛️ Authority-approved 📄 Instant proof 🔒 DAK / HanseMerkur 🏷️ Transparent pricing 4.9/5 · Over 10,000 policies placed since 2009 from 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/), not independently verified · [How this rating works](/en/review-methodology/) Key facts at a glance Reviewed August 26, 2026 - **Sprachvisum (§ 16f AufenthG):** Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Spracherwerb — issued for an intensive German course (typically 18–24 hours per week) up to 12 months, extendable to a total of 24 months in many cases. (Source: § 16f AufenthG). - **Schengen short course:** EU Visa Code requires at least €30,000 medical cover, all-Schengen validity and an explicit repatriation clause for stays up to 90 days. (Source: EU Regulation 810/2009). - **Care College age bands:** from €27.50/month at entry age up to 29 (Basic, months 1–24) and from €33.50/month from age 30 — same scope, age-based pricing. (Source: HanseMerkur AVB / Care Concept AG). - **BAMF Integrationskurs:** language + civic-orientation course run via Volkshochschulen — the course fee does not include health insurance, separate cover required. (Source: BAMF). ## 📌 TL;DR — at a glance - **Long Sprachvisum:** Care College from €27.50/month (entry age up to 29) and from €33.50/month (age 30+) — recognised under § 16f AufenthG, up to 60 months on one contract. - **Short Schengen course:** Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day, minimum premium €8.50 — meets the €30,000 minimum cover and the repatriation wording of the EU Visa Code. - **Sprachschule day one:** Goethe-Institut, Volkshochschule and BAMF-partner Sprachschulen ask for the bilingual certificate on enrolment day — the PDF is issued by email within minutes. - **Switch to study:** Once the student matriculates below age 30, statutory cover (DAK-Gesundheit, TK, AOK, Barmer) takes over via the electronic M10 notification. - **Studienkolleg:** Care College covers the full preparatory year on a single contract — no break between the language phase and the Feststellungsprüfung. ## The 4 most common language-course proof mistakes — and how each one is solved **Quick answer:** Four issues repeat at every Sprachvisum file and every Sprachschule enrolment: home-country travel policy instead of an Incoming product, certificate end date before the requested permit period, Schengen-only product used for a course longer than 90 days, and missing repatriation wording on the certificate. Travel policy submitted instead of Incoming Home-country travel insurance usually fails § 16f AufenthG — wrong validity area, wrong duration, missing repatriation. [Care College clears § 16f AufenthG →](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) Certificate ends before the requested permit period The Ausländerbehörde expects cover for the entire requested Sprachvisum period — a 3-month policy for a 12-month language course is rejected. [Care College covers up to 60 months →](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) Schengen-only product used for a long course Care Visa Protect maxes out at 92 days — a longer Sprachkurs needs Care College on the national D-visa route. [Schengen vs national differences →](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-language-course-before-study-differences-typical-mistakes-germany/) Repatriation clause missing on the certificate The EU Visa Code (810/2009) requires an explicit repatriation clause for the short Schengen language stay — many travel policies fail exactly this field. [Schengen requirements explained →](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/requirements-schengen-health-insurance-germany/) ## Avoid the mistakes that can delay your application ### M10 is not your main issue Language school, Studienkolleg and DSH students usually need suitable educational-stay proof, not a university M10 flow. ### School proof needed quickly? Care College can provide confirmation after successful application for visa, school or authority documents. ### Course length uncertain? Pick Basic, Comfort or Premium and choose a coverage period that matches your educational stay. ### Austria is not included For Austria, use the Austria route instead. Care College is for Germany or EU/Schengen educational stays except Austria. ## Reality check: what happens without recognised language-course insurance ## One wrong insurance choice can cost you money, time and your application deadline A medical incident can become expensive fast — but the wrong certificate can also delay your visa, enrollment, residence permit or work start. 🏥 €500–€1,500 Emergency doctor visit One urgent doctor or emergency-room visit can already create a painful bill — before tests, medication or follow-up treatment are added. 🏨 €2,000–€10,000+ Hospital treatment If observation, surgery, overnight stay or specialist treatment is needed, costs can quickly move from hundreds to thousands of euros. 🏫 1 wrong route Language school is not M10 Language school, Studienkolleg and DSH students usually need educational-stay proof — not a university M10 flow. - Wrong or incomplete proof can delay your visa, enrollment or authority process. - Cheap home-country policies may miss the exact coverage, dates or repatriation wording required. - The cheapest policy can become expensive if it is the wrong proof for your situation. Before you apply, check: coverage amount, validity dates, destination area and repatriation cover. ## Anmeldung, Sprachschule enrolment and the visa window — why timing matters ## Why act before your course starts Language school, Studienkolleg and DSH students often need proof for visa, school or authority documents before the course begins. 🏫 Course start date is fixed If your insurance proof is not ready, school or visa documents can become stressful. 📄 Care College, not M10 Educational-stay proof is different from a university M10 enrollment flow. ⚡ Choose the right plan level Basic, Comfort and Premium offer different benefit levels. Pick the version before applying. 🌍 Austria is separate For Austria, use an Austria-specific route instead of Care College. ## What foreign language-course students say about Care College for the Sprachvisum and the Sprachschule 4.9/5 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/) “ 5/5 > “My biggest worry was that the embassy wouldn't accept the insurance. > The proof was accepted immediately — no questions asked. > That saved me a lot of stress.” ![Georges from Cameroon](/assets/georges-kamerun-C6GQZGzu.jpg) Georges Cameroon “ 5/5 > “I needed proof of insurance urgently for my visa appointment. > The confirmation arrived within minutes by email. > Everything worked first time at the embassy.” ![Olga from Russia](/assets/olga-russland--B_6p7O-.jpg) Olga Russia “ 5/5 > “Found the best solution and best service for health insurance for foreign visitors and guests in Germany. > Fast, simple and affordable. > Highly recommended!” ![Michael from Germany](/assets/michael-deutschland-CFcwSzJg.jpg) Michael Germany “ 5/5 > “The online sign-up was done in just a few minutes. > When I actually had to see a doctor, the billing went smoothly. > I was really covered — not just on paper.” ![Yunhee from Australia](/assets/yunhee-australien-CaHyNO5z.jpg) Yunhee Australia ### Now choose your plan 4.9/5 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/) ## Recommended health insurance — long Sprachvisum vs short Schengen course Two Incoming products cover every language-course scenario in Germany — no brand jungle, no hidden cost. Long Sprachvisum and short Schengen language stay. 🎓 Long Sprachvisum · up to 5 years ### Care College from only €27.50 / month (coverage up to 5 years) For language schools, Studienkolleg, DSH, continuing education, visiting researchers & educational stays - Proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities quickly available (PDF) - Affordable health insurance from €27.50 / month - Doctor, hospital, prescription medication & dental treatment coverage - For educational stays in Germany or the EU/Schengen Area — except Austria - Suitable for language students, Studienkolleg, DSH, continuing education & visiting researchers - Coverage up to 5 years – less renewal stress - 3 plan levels available: Basic, Comfort & Premium - 24/7 assistance + digital insurance card - Coverage term: 1 month to 5 years · entry age up to 40 - Reputable insurance carrier Why Care College? For foreign nationals with an educational stay who need affordable health insurance and proof of coverage for authorities — suitable for language school, Studienkolleg, DSH, continuing education or visiting researchers. Why a 5-year coverage term? More planning security during training, language courses or study preparation: less renewal stress and a lower risk of a coverage gap. - 🏛️ HanseMerkur Insurance Group Hamburg – Advigon Insurance AG - 📄 Instant proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities (PDF) - 🔒 Doctor, clinic, dental treatment & repatriation coverage - 🏷️ From €27.50 / month · coverage up to 5 years [Care College – Quick Overview](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/plan-details/) [Apply online now](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/apply/) → Complete the application, receive your instant PDF, submit your proof ✈️ Short Schengen · 1–92 days ### Care Visa Protect from only €0.85 / day (1–92 days possible) For Schengen visas, tourists, family visits & business travel - Proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities quickly available (PDF) - Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements - Affordable coverage from €0.85/day (minimum premium applies) - Doctor, hospital, prescription medication & dental emergency coverage - For Germany, Austria, the EU/Schengen Area, Liechtenstein or Switzerland - Ideal for short stays, family visits, tourists & business travelers - Multiple-visa option: several trips up to a total of 92 days/year - Must be purchased before entry - Age-based rates: from €0.85/day up to age 64 · from €2.60/day for ages 65–74 - Coverage term: 1–92 days · entry age 0–74 Why Care Visa Protect? For foreign visitors with a Schengen visa who need fast, affordable proof of insurance for an embassy, visa office or immigration authority — suitable for tourists, family visits and short business trips. Why a 92-day coverage term? Ideal for typical short stays and Schengen trips: enough coverage for a visit, vacation or business trip — without buying long-term insurance. - 🏛️ HanseMerkur Travel Insurance AG, Hamburg - 📄 Instant proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities (PDF) - 🔒 Doctor, clinic, dental emergency & repatriation coverage - 🏷️ From €0.85 / day · coverage up to 92 days [Care Visa Protect – Quick Overview](/en/insurance-plans/care-visa-protect/plan-details/) [Apply online now](/en/insurance-plans/care-visa-protect/apply/) → Complete the application, receive your instant PDF, submit your proof ## Care College — all prices by age band, tier and duration (up to 5 years) **Quick answer:** For the long Sprachvisum, Care College is the standard Incoming product: from €27.50/month at entry age up to 29 (Basic, months 1–24) and from €33.50/month from age 30 — Comfort and Premium tiers extend the dental, pregnancy and preventive scope. The contract runs up to 60 months on a single policy. Care College Basic Bestseller Comfort Premium Deductible / yr 120,– Deductible / yr 0,– Deductible / yr 0,– Months 1–24 month up to 29 yrs (€ / month) 27,50 34,– 48,– Months 1–24 month from 30 yrs (€ / month) 33,50 50,– 75,– From 25th month up to 29 yrs (€ / month) 49,50 57,– 73,– From 25th month from 30 yrs (€ / month) 55,– 73,– 99,– All prices per month/person in euros. Deductible applies per insurance year. Maximum entry age 40. As of 2026. [Care College — Overview](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) [Apply now](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) ### Care Visa Protect — short Schengen language stay (1–92 days) **Quick answer:** Care Visa Protect is the short-Schengen cover for summer courses and 4-to-6-week intensives. Prices start at €0.85/day with a minimum premium of €8.50, meeting the €30,000 minimum cover and the repatriation wording of the EU Visa Code. Care Visa Protect Daily premium Multiple Visa (annual contract) up to age 64 €0.85/day €110/year 65 – 74 years €2.60/day €215/year Prices per person. Minimum premium €8.50 per trip. Maximum benefit €50,000 (well above the Schengen minimum of €30,000). Deductible €0. Must be purchased before travel. As of 2026. [Care Visa Protect — Overview](/en/insurance-plans/care-visa-protect/overview/) [Apply now](/en/insurance-plans/care-visa-protect/overview/) ## Which tariff for which language-course situation? **Quick answer:** Use this matrix to map the course path — Goethe-Institut intensive, BAMF Integrationskurs, Volkshochschule, private Sprachschule, Studienkolleg, DSH or TestDaF preparation, summer course — to the product and entry price most commonly used. Your situation Recommended tariff From Long intensive course (3–24 months), age up to 29 [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) from €27.50/mo Long intensive course, age 30 and above [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) from €33.50/mo Studienkolleg — preparatory college year (up to 12 months) [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) from €27.50/month (up to 5 years) Short Schengen course, up to 92 days [Care Visa Protect](/en/insurance-plans/care-visa-protect/overview/) from €0.85/day (up to 92 days) Medium bridge (1 day – 2 years) — between visa stages [Care Economy](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/) from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) After matriculation as enrolled student (below age 30) [DAK-Gesundheit (statutory student)](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit-angestellte/overview/) statutory rate BAMF Integrationskurs at Volkshochschule (no other cover) [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) from €27.50/month (up to 5 years) Not sure which fits? [Try the 30-second tariff finder](/en/tariffinder-germany/). Foreign learners coming to Germany to learn German — from the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Brazil (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro), Mexico (Mexico City, Guadalajara), Colombia (Bogotá), Argentina (Buenos Aires), Russia, Ukraine (Kyiv), Turkey (Istanbul, Izmir), Iran (Tehran), Egypt (Cairo), Morocco (Casablanca), Tunisia (Tunis), India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru), Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore), Bangladesh (Dhaka), China (Shanghai, Beijing), Japan (Tokyo, Osaka), South Korea (Seoul), Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City), Indonesia (Jakarta), the Philippines (Manila), Nigeria (Lagos), Kenya (Nairobi), Ghana (Accra) and South Africa (Cape Town, Johannesburg) — regularly use [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) for the Sprachvisum at Goethe-Institut, Volkshochschule and private Sprachschulen in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Leipzig and Stuttgart. Pricing is age-based, not nationality-based; the same monthly premium applies worldwide. ## Step-by-step: from Sprachschule booking to Sprachvisum residence permit ## Ready for language school in 3 steps Care College for language school, Studienkolleg, DSH, continuing education & educational stays. 1. 1 🎯 Choose Care College Pick Basic, Comfort or Premium for language school, Studienkolleg, DSH, continuing education, visiting researchers or educational stays. 2. 2 📝 Complete the application Enter your passport, course/school and stay details online. Choose the coverage period that matches your educational stay. 3. 3 ✅ Receive your proof After successful application, receive your insurance confirmation by email and submit it with your visa, school or authority documents. **Quick answer:** The clean language-course flow runs from the Sprachschule confirmation to the residence permit in five steps — pick the cover, apply online, file at the embassy, fly in, register at the Bürgeramt and hand the bilingual certificate to the Ausländerbehörde under § 16f AufenthG. 1. **Book the Sprachschule.** Goethe-Institut, Volkshochschule, private intensive school or Studienkolleg — the school issues a course confirmation needed for the embassy file. 2. **Pick the cover.** Long course (3 months and up) → Care College; short Schengen course (≤ 92 days) → Care Visa Protect. 3. **Apply online.** 5 minutes — name, date of birth, planned entry date, requested duration. No upfront medical exam within policy terms. 4. **Receive the bilingual certificate.** The Krankenversicherungsnachweis (German + English) arrives by email within minutes. 5. **Submit at the German embassy.** Upload to the visa portal or hand in at the Sprachvisum appointment, together with the Sprachschule confirmation and the blocked-account proof if applicable. 6. **Anmeldung within 14 days.** Register the German address at the Bürgeramt — this unlocks the Ausländerbehörde appointment for the language-course residence permit under § 16f AufenthG. 7. **Sprachschule day one.** Goethe-Institut, Volkshochschule and BAMF-partner Sprachschulen keep the bilingual certificate on file at enrolment; the Care College contract runs up to 60 months on a single policy. ## All language-course guides — deep dives by topic The complete library on every Sprachvisum and Sprachkurs insurance question — grouped by topic so you can jump straight to the one that matches your file. ### Visa, embassy and the language-course residence permit - → [Language course before the study — differences and typical mistakes](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-language-course-before-study-differences-typical-mistakes-germany/)Why the Sprachkurs phase is not the same legal slot as enrolled study — and what proof the embassy actually checks. - → [Study-preparation visa, language course, Studienkolleg — combining the insurance proof](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-study-preparation-visa-language-course-proof-combining-germany/)How to bundle the Sprachvisum (D-visa) and the Studienkolleg phase under one continuous Krankenversicherungsnachweis. - → [Preparatory college (Studienkolleg) — proof for registration and residence](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/preparatory-college-health-insurance-proof-registration-residence-germany/)Bürgeramt, Ausländerbehörde and the Studienkolleg office: which version of the certificate each one wants to see. - → [Insurance proof not accepted by the immigration office — checklist](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/insurance-proof-not-accepted-immediate-checklist-germany/)The eight reasons the Ausländerbehörde rejects a Sprachkurs file — and how to fix each one before the next slot. ### Schengen vs national (D) visa — short course vs long course - → [Minimum €30,000 cover for the Schengen health-insurance proof](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/minimum-cover-30000-euro-schengen-health-insurance-germany/)What the EU Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009) demands for short language courses up to 90 days. - → [Schengen health insurance for multiple entries / multi-trip language stays](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/schengen-health-insurance-multi-entry-multiple-trips-wording-germany/)Multi-entry wording the consulate looks for when the language student plans repeated trips inside one visa. - → [Health insurance — national D-visa vs Schengen short visa](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/health-insurance-national-visa-difference-to-schengen-germany/)Which product satisfies the long-stay Sprachvisum and which one only covers the 90-day window. - → [Requirements for the Schengen health-insurance proof — Germany](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/requirements-schengen-health-insurance-germany/)30,000 € minimum, repatriation, Schengen-area validity — the three fields embassies always check. ### Switching, extending and changing course type - → [From language school to enrolled study — switch or extend the insurance](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/changing-from-language-school-to-study-health-insurance-switch-or-extend-germany/)When matriculation triggers the statutory enrolment notification and how the file moves from the Sprachkurs cover to DAK-Gesundheit or Care Student. - → [Health insurance before the study starts — start date, entry and enrolment](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-before-study-start-taking-out-start-date-entry-enrollment-germany/)How to align the certificate start date with the Sprachkurs entry date, the Studienkolleg start and the matriculation day. - → [Insurance proof for university enrolment after the language course](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-proof-enrollment-university-germany/)What the Immatrikulationsamt asks for once the Sprachkurs phase ends and the student status begins. - → [Statutory or private health insurance — student options after the language course](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/statutory-or-private-health-insurance-foreign-students-options-germany/)DAK-Gesundheit (student GKV), Care Student (PKV exemption) and Care College — which one fits which post-Sprachkurs path. ### Blocked account, financing and the Sperrkonto link - → [Blocked account, study visa and the insurance proof before entry](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/blocked-account-visa-study-health-insurance-before-entry-proof-germany/)Sperrkonto + Care College + Schengen / D-visa: the order most language students follow to avoid rejection. - → [Documents checklist — German visa and health insurance](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/documents-checklist-german-visa-health-insurance-germany/)The full embassy file for the Sprachvisum: insurance certificate, blocked-account proof, course confirmation and biometrics. ### Common mistakes and rejection avoidance - → [How to avoid rejection of the insurance proof for the German visa](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/avoid-rejection-of-insurance-proof-for-german-visa-germany/)The four mistakes that send a Sprachvisum back to the applicant — and the clean file the consulate expects. - → [Visa rejection due to health insurance — the most common reasons](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/visa-rejection-due-to-health-insurance-common-reasons-germany/)Travel policy in place of an Incoming product, end date too early, repatriation clause missing — and how to fix it. - → [Rejection by the university or authority — what to do next](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/rejection-due-to-health-insurance-university-or-authority-checklist-germany/)When the Sprachschule, Studienkolleg or Ausländerbehörde rejects the insurance proof: the recovery checklist. ## Glossary — language-course insurance terms **Quick answer:** Eight terms appear in nearly every Sprachvisum file, Sprachschule enrolment and Ausländerbehörde appointment. Mastering them shortens the paperwork from days to one afternoon. Sprachvisum / Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Spracherwerb (§ 16f AufenthG) German residence permit for the purpose of learning the German language — issued for an intensive language course (typically Goethe-Institut, BAMF Integrationskurs or a recognised private Sprachschule) of usually 18 to 24 hours per week. The Ausländerbehörde checks the Krankenversicherungsnachweis for the entire requested permit period. Care College Incoming health-insurance product by HanseMerkur / Care Concept AG designed for language students, Sprachschüler and Studienkolleg participants up to 60 months on a single contract. From €27.50/month for entry age up to 29 (Basic, months 1–24); from €33.50/month from age 30. Recognised by German embassies, the Ausländerbehörde and most Sprachschulen as proof for the Sprachvisum. Care Visa Protect Short-stay Schengen-compliant Incoming product for language stays up to 92 days. From €0.85/day, minimum premium €8.50. Meets the €30,000 minimum medical cover and the repatriation wording required by EU Regulation 810/2009 (Visa Code) for short language-course visits. Krankenversicherungsnachweis German-language certificate of health-insurance cover — the single document the German embassy and the Ausländerbehörde check before granting the Sprachvisum. Care College and Care Visa Protect both ship a bilingual PDF (German + English) ready for upload to the embassy visa portal. BAMF Integrationskurs Federal-government integration course (German language + civic orientation) run by the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF) via partner Sprachschulen and Volkshochschulen. Participants who have a residence permit also need separate health-insurance cover — the BAMF course fee does not include insurance. Goethe-Institut The official cultural institute of Germany operating language schools worldwide and inside Germany (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Düsseldorf). Goethe-Institut requires a valid health-insurance proof on the day of enrolment; a Care College certificate is the most common answer. DSH / TestDaF / telc The three recognised German-language exams that gate access to a German university programme. Most candidates spend 6 to 12 months in a Sprachschule or Studienkolleg to reach C1 / TestDaF 4 — the entire preparation phase needs a continuous Krankenversicherungsnachweis. Studienkolleg Preparatory college (typically one year) that brings non-EU students up to the German university entry standard (Feststellungsprüfung). Studienkolleg time counts as a Sprachkurs-style stay for insurance purposes — Care College usually covers the full year on one contract. ## Studying a language in Germany — what foreign learners actually need to plan for **Quick answer:** Coming to Germany to learn German means lining up four pieces in parallel — a recognised Sprachschule (Goethe-Institut, Volkshochschule, BAMF Integrationskurs partner or a private intensive school), a residence permit under § 16f AufenthG (for courses longer than 90 days) or a short Schengen visa, a recognised health-insurance certificate, and a German address for the Anmeldung. The Aufenthaltsgesetz does not set a minimum age for the language-course permit — what matters is a confirmed Sprachschule slot, sufficient funds and an Incoming cover the embassy recognises. ### Pathways and visa types For courses longer than 90 days the standard route is the national long-stay D-visa for the purpose of learning German — "Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Spracherwerb" under § 16f AufenthG. The course must be intensive (typically 18 to 24 hours per week), confirmed by a recognised Sprachschule, and the applicant must show health insurance and the means to live (often via a Sperrkonto / blocked account, currently €11,904 for one year as a financial-proof Richtwert). For courses up to 90 days the Schengen short visa applies — Americans, Canadians, Australians, British, Japanese, Korean, Israeli and many Latin-American passport holders can typically enter visa-free for the short course and book the Sprachschule from inside Germany, while applicants from many African, Middle Eastern and South-Asian countries apply for the Schengen visa at the German embassy beforehand. ### Course providers and exam tracks The largest provider network for foreign learners is the Goethe-Institut, with language schools in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Bonn, Bremen, Dresden, Freiburg and Schwäbisch Hall. Volkshochschulen (VHS) run the BAMF Integrationskurs — the federal-government language and civic orientation programme — in nearly every German city. Private schools such as DID Deutsch-Institut, Eurocentres, Carl Duisberg Centren, Inlingua, Berlitz and Speakeasy offer intensive A1 to C2 modules. The three exam tracks foreign learners usually aim for are **DSH** (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang, run by individual German universities), **TestDaF** (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache, a standardised C1-equivalent exam) and **telc** (B1/B2/C1 certificates accepted by many vocational programmes). Most candidates spend 6 to 12 months in an intensive Sprachschule or Studienkolleg to reach the C1 / TestDaF 4 level — the entire preparation phase needs a continuous Krankenversicherungsnachweis on file. ### Living costs and financial proof For the cost of living a useful Richtwert is roughly 950 to 1,200 EUR per month for a language student in mid-sized German cities, and 1,200 to 1,600 EUR in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt — rent dominates that range. For the Sprachvisum the embassy typically asks for a financial proof of around €11,904 per year (€992 per month) held in a Sperrkonto (blocked account), plus a separate line item for the Krankenversicherung premium in the relevant age band. Once the student arrives, the first weeks run on a fixed sequence: sign the rental contract, register the address at the Bürgeramt within 14 days (Anmeldung), open a German bank account once the Meldebescheinigung is in hand, then book the Ausländerbehörde appointment with the Care College bilingual certificate, the Sprachschule confirmation and the rental contract. ## From language course to enrolled study — what changes for your insurance **Quick answer:** Important: [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) itself is not the M10 — only a statutory sickness fund (DAK-Gesundheit, TK, AOK, Barmer) or [Care Student](/en/insurance-plans/care-student/overview/) with a GKV exemption can issue the M10 the university requires. Once the Sprachkurs ends and the student matriculates at a German university, the insurance file usually moves from the private Incoming product to that statutory route — provided the student is below age 30 and within the first 14 semesters of higher education. Above age 30 or in second-degree programmes Care Student becomes the typical answer. Individual case review applies; not legal or insurance advice. Below age 30, German law (Krankenversicherungspflicht für Studenten) requires statutory student health insurance from the day of matriculation. The student picks a Krankenkasse — DAK-Gesundheit, TK, AOK and Barmer are the four most common — and the fund (not [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/), which is not an M10 instrument) sends the electronic M10 notification directly to the university's Immatrikulationsamt. Until that notification arrives, enrolment stays open. Once it arrives, the previous Care College contract ends on the matriculation date and the eGK (electronic health card) takes over for Hausarzt (family doctor), Facharzt (specialist) and Apotheke (pharmacy) visits. Above age 30, after the 14-semester cap or in a second qualifying programme, statutory student cover usually no longer applies. The standard answer then is [**Care Student**](/en/insurance-plans/care-student/overview/) — the recognised PKV-style student product that universities accept as a GKV-equivalent exemption (Befreiung von der Versicherungspflicht). The Befreiung is irrevocable for the entire study programme — a point worth weighing carefully before choosing the post-Sprachkurs route. For PhD candidates, visiting researchers and DAAD scholarship holders the cover often shifts again — typically to [**Care Expatriate**](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) as the long-term Incoming product, because PhD candidates without an employment contract are usually not eligible for statutory student insurance. Once an employment contract is signed (research associate, lecturer, postdoc), DAK-Gesundheit for employees becomes the standard route. ## CEFR levels, Feststellungsprüfung and the most-asked language-course questions **Quick answer:** Foreign learners typically work along the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) ladder — A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 — and the Sprachvisum is normally granted for an intensive course that takes the learner at least one full level forward. The health-insurance certificate must cover every week of that ladder, including the gap between modules, the exam date and (where applicable) the Feststellungsprüfung that closes the Studienkolleg year. Individual case review applies — not legal advice. ### CEFR ladder and the typical insurance window CEFR level Typical intensive duration Common exit exam Typical insurance window A1 → A2 8–12 weeks Goethe A2 / telc A2 Care Visa Protect (short) or Care College (if combined) B1 3–4 months Goethe B1 / telc B1 / BAMF DTZ Care College — long Sprachvisum B2 4–6 months Goethe B2 / telc B2 Care College — long Sprachvisum C1 5–8 months Goethe C1 / telc C1 Hochschule / TestDaF 4 / DSH-2 Care College — extendable up to 60 months C2 6–9 months Goethe C2 (GDS) Care College or transition to Care Student / DAK-Gesundheit Durations are typical Richtwerte for intensive courses (18–24 hours per week) at Goethe-Institut, Volkshochschule, Carl Duisberg Centren, DID Deutsch-Institut, Inlingua, Eurocentres and recognised private Sprachschulen — individual progression depends on prior knowledge, study hours and the specific exam. Not language-school advice. ### Feststellungsprüfung and the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung For non-EU applicants whose school-leaving certificate is not recognised as a direct Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (university entry qualification), the Studienkolleg path ends with the **Feststellungsprüfung** — the assessment test that opens access to a German university programme. The Krankenversicherungsnachweis must remain valid from the first day of the Sprachkurs through the Feststellungsprüfung and the following matriculation week. Care College on a single contract typically covers this entire bridge without a renewal gap; the change to statutory student cover (Krankenkassen such as DAK-Gesundheit, Techniker Krankenkasse, AOK or Barmer) only happens once the student is officially matriculated. ### Questions foreign learners ask before booking - **How much does a German language course in Germany cost?** Intensive courses at Goethe-Institut and large private Sprachschulen typically run €600–€1,400 per month (Richtwert); Volkshochschule BAMF Integrationskurs modules are subsidised and far cheaper. Health insurance is a separate line item — [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) from €27.50/month (entry age up to 29) and from €33.50/month (age 30+) — and is what the embassy and the Ausländerbehörde actually verify. - **How long can I stay in Germany on a language-course visa?** The Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Spracherwerb (§ 16f AufenthG) is typically granted in 12-month blocks and can in most cases be extended up to a total of about 24 months for the language phase. [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) runs up to 60 months on one contract, so the same certificate carries through every extension — case officer discretion applies. - **Can I work while on a Sprachvisum?** In general, the language-course residence permit allows only very limited employment (typically internships related to the course, with prior Ausländerbehörde approval) — full part-time work is normally tied to the student visa under § 16b AufenthG after matriculation. This is a regulatory question, not an insurance question — not legal advice. - **Do I need German health insurance for a Goethe-Institut summer course?** Yes — Goethe-Institut requires a valid health-insurance proof on enrolment day. For a short summer course under 90 days, [Care Visa Protect](/en/insurance-plans/care-visa-protect/overview/) is the standard answer; for a longer intensive (3 months and above) [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) is the recognised long-stay product. - **How much money do I need in my blocked account for the Sprachvisum?** The current financial-proof Richtwert is €11,904 per year (€992 per month) held in a Sperrkonto / blocked account, plus the line item for the Krankenversicherung premium. Individual embassy practice may differ — not legal advice. - **Which city is best for a German language course?** Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Leipzig, Dresden, Heidelberg, Freiburg and Bonn all host Goethe-Institut centres or major private Sprachschulen. The insurance question is identical in every city — the certificate is national. The cost-of-living answer is not: rent is the main differentiator (see the cost-of-living Richtwerte above). - **Can my family join me on a language-course visa?** The Sprachvisum (§ 16f AufenthG) is, as a rule, not a basis for family reunification — that route normally opens only after matriculation under § 16b AufenthG or with a work residence permit. This is a regulatory question — not legal advice; individual case review applies. ## Frequently asked questions — health insurance for foreign language-course students in Germany ## Frequently Asked Questions How much is health insurance for a German language course? As a rule, from €27.50/month for Care College at entry age up to 29 (Basic tier, months 1–24) and from €33.50/month at age 30 and over. For short Schengen language stays (up to 92 days) Care Visa Protect starts at €0.85/day with a minimum premium of €8.50. The bilingual certificate (German + English) is issued by email within minutes and is recognised by German embassies, the Ausländerbehörde and most Sprachschulen — including Goethe-Institut, Volkshochschule and BAMF-partner schools. Individual case review applies; not legal or insurance advice. Which insurance does the German embassy accept for a language-course (D) visa? For a national D-visa under § 16f AufenthG (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Spracherwerb) the embassy expects an Incoming health-insurance product that covers the entire requested course duration. Care College is the standard recognised answer because it scales up to 60 months on a single contract, ships the bilingual certificate ready for the embassy visa portal and meets the Ausländerbehörde requirements once the student arrives in Germany. For short Schengen stays the embassy accepts Care Visa Protect (Schengen-compliant, €30,000 minimum cover, repatriation included). Caseworker discretion applies — not legal advice. Does the Goethe-Institut require health insurance to enrol in a German course? From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Yes — as a rule. Goethe-Institut and most private Sprachschulen (in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Leipzig) ask for proof of valid health insurance on the day of enrolment, and the BAMF Integrationskurs run by Volkshochschulen does the same. A Care College PDF (or a Care Visa Protect certificate for short courses) is what most language schools list as accepted. The certificate names the insured person, the cover period and the bilingual policy summary the school keeps on file. Care College vs Care Visa Protect — which one fits my course? Care College is the long-course product: from €27.50/month, up to 60 months, recognised for the national D-visa under § 16f AufenthG. Care Visa Protect is the short-Schengen product: from €0.85/day, up to 92 days, recognised under EU Regulation 810/2009 for the short visa. If the language course is longer than 90 days or you intend to switch to Studienkolleg or full study afterwards, Care College is the natural choice. For a 4-week summer course in Berlin or a 6-week intensive in Munich, Care Visa Protect is usually the cheaper fit. Schengen visa for a short German course — what insurance proof is required? The EU Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009) requires at least €30,000 medical cover, validity in all Schengen states and an explicit repatriation-of-remains clause. Care Visa Protect ships the Schengen-compliant bilingual certificate by email; the same PDF is uploaded to the embassy visa portal and presented at the Sprachschule on day one. Travel insurance bought at the airport rarely meets all three wording items. Can I switch from Care College to DAK-Gesundheit when I enrol at a German university? From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Yes — switching is the standard route once you matriculate as a regular student. Below age 30 (and within the first 14 semesters of higher education) German law requires statutory student health insurance (Krankenversicherungspflicht), and the sickness fund — typically DAK-Gesundheit, Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), AOK or Barmer — sends the electronic M10 notification to the university so enrolment can complete. Care College runs until the matriculation date and stops once DAK-Gesundheit confirms membership. Individual case review applies. Is private travel insurance from my home country enough for the language-course visa? From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Generally no. Home-country travel insurance usually fails one of three checks: it is not valid in all Schengen states, its duration is too short for the requested permit period, or the repatriation wording does not match the consulate template. Care College (long course) and Care Visa Protect (short Schengen course) are the German-side products that consistently clear both the embassy upload and the Ausländerbehörde counter. Caseworker discretion applies. What if my language course is longer than 90 days? Courses longer than 90 days move out of the Schengen short-stay frame and into the national D-visa under § 16f AufenthG. The recognised product is Care College, scaling up to 60 months on a single contract — long enough to cover an intensive Sprachschule year, a Studienkolleg programme and a follow-on DSH or TestDaF preparation. Care Visa Protect is then only useful as a short bridge if the entry date and the long-stay cover start date do not perfectly line up. Do BAMF Integrationskurs participants need separate health insurance? From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Yes. The BAMF Integrationskurs covers the language and civic-orientation classes — it does not include health insurance. Participants who already hold a German residence permit are usually statutorily insured via their work or family status; participants without that status (e.g. accompanying family members, students between visa stages) typically take Care College or Care Visa Protect for the duration of the course. Au-pair year ending and switching to a Sprachschule — what changes for the insurance? After the previous Care Au-Pair contract ends, the participant moves to a Sprachschule, often with a fresh language-course visa under § 16f AufenthG. Au-pairs themselves do not use Care College — the au-pair year runs on Care Au-Pair instead. Care College then picks up from day one of the new permit and runs for the full Sprachkurs phase. The Ausländerbehörde typically expects a clean bilingual Care College certificate on the day of the switch (the prior contract does not extend it). What about pre-existing conditions during a language course? From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Care College covers acute, unforeseen treatment within the policy terms. Chronic and pre-existing conditions are generally subject to AVB exclusions and waiting periods — the binding answer is the official insurance terms (AVB / GTC) issued with the bilingual certificate. For complex case histories a personal pre-check before applying is recommended. Not medical advice; individual case review applies. Can I extend Care College if my language-course visa is extended? From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Yes. Care College runs up to 60 months on a single contract and the bilingual certificate is reissued at every extension at no extra fee — useful when the Sprachvisum is granted in 12-month blocks and the student keeps extending for Studienkolleg or a DSH preparation phase. Does Care College include dental and pregnancy cover during a language course? For students planning a longer Sprachkurs phase the Comfort tier (from roughly €34/month at entry age up to 29, months 1–24) is the common upgrade. The Basic tier focuses on acute medical treatment; dental, pregnancy and selected preventive items become broader on Comfort and Premium. The binding scope is the AVB. Personal advice is recommended for individual case planning. When does cover have to start — visa date or entry date? Care College and Care Visa Protect both issue the bilingual certificate by email within minutes — most students set the start date 2 to 4 weeks before the flight. From the date of entry. The German embassy, the Bürgeramt and the Ausländerbehörde all expect the start date on the Krankenversicherungsnachweis to be no later than the day the language student crosses the German border. What if my insurance proof is rejected by the Ausländerbehörde? The 2026 rate applies from January 1, 2026; check § 13a AufenthV / § 5 SGB V for the current thresholds. From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): The four common reasons are: (1) travel policy submitted in place of an Incoming product, (2) end date earlier than the requested permit period, (3) missing repatriation wording, (4) cover area limited to the home country. Re-issuing a clean Care College certificate (matching the requested permit period and the bilingual policy summary) usually clears the file at the next slot. Caseworker discretion applies — not legal advice. Refund if my language-course visa is denied? Care College: from €27.50/month (Basic, age <30, 1–24 months). From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): As a rule, Care College and Care Visa Protect are refunded against the official visa-rejection letter — minus the days already on cover, if any. The exact refund mechanics are set out in the AVB and are usually processed within a few working days of the rejection notice being uploaded. Personal advice is recommended for individual case planning. Which German cities have the most Sprachschulen and Goethe-Institut centres? The 2026 rate applies from January 1, 2026; check § 13a AufenthV / § 5 SGB V for the current thresholds. From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt am Main, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Leipzig, Dresden, Bonn, Bremen, Heidelberg, Freiburg and Schwäbisch Hall host the largest Goethe-Institut centres and the main private Sprachschulen (Carl Duisberg Centren, DID Deutsch-Institut, Inlingua, Eurocentres, Berlitz). The Care College certificate is national — the same bilingual PDF is accepted in every city by the Sprachschule and the local Ausländerbehörde. What CEFR level do I need before starting a German university programme? As a rule, German-taught undergraduate and master programmes require C1 evidenced by DSH-2, TestDaF 4 in all four parts, telc C1 Hochschule or Goethe-Zertifikat C1. English-taught programmes usually accept B1/B2 German for daily life but specify an English certificate (IELTS, TOEFL) instead. The Krankenversicherungsnachweis is independent of the CEFR level — it has to span the full intensive phase from A1/A2 entry to the C1 exam, then switch to statutory or Care Student cover at matriculation. Do American, British, Canadian, Australian, Japanese or Korean citizens need a visa for a German language course? For courses longer than 90 days, the national D-visa for language acquisition (§ 16f AufenthG) is required even for these passports, and the recognised long-course product is Care College. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Israel may normally enter Germany visa-free for short language stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period — Care Visa Protect is the standard short-course product for that case. Embassy practice can vary by case — not legal advice. Can I open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) from outside Germany before applying for the language-course visa? From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Yes. Most language students open the Sperrkonto online from their home country with a German fintech provider, deposit the current Richtwert of €11,904 (one year × €992) and upload the blocked-account confirmation together with the Care College bilingual Krankenversicherungsnachweis to the embassy visa portal. The two documents together usually clear the financial and insurance fields of the Sprachvisum file at the next embassy slot — case officer discretion applies. ![Steffan Grund](/assets/steffan-grund-B5K5tUm9.jpg)Written by **Steffan Grund** Reviewed: **August 26, 2026** Sources§ 16f AufenthG · § 5 AufenthG · § 16b AufenthG (study) · EU Regulation 810/2009 (Visa Code) · BAMF · Goethe-Institut · Federal Foreign Office · HanseMerkur GTC · Care Concept AG 4.9/5 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/) Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009 ## Ready for the Sprachvisum and the Sprachschule? Pick your plan. [Care College (up to 5 years) from €27.50/month (up to 5 years) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/)[Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-visa-protect/overview/) [🔍 Plan Finder](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[📋 All Plans](/en/product-overview-germany/) 🏛️ Authority-approved 📄 Instant proof 🔒 DAK / HanseMerkur 🏷️ Transparent pricing Editorial guidance only. Embassy and immigration-office requirements can vary by consulate, city and individual file; final acceptance always rests with the responsible authority. [Imprint (German)](/impressum/)[Privacy (German)](/datenschutz/)[Contact (German)](/kontakt/) Copyright © 2026 Health insurance for foreigners, foreign guests and visitors in Germany and the EU. All rights reserved. All information without guarantee, errors excepted. Note: The content of this site is for general information and orientation purposes only. It does not constitute legal or insurance advice. For binding information, please contact the responsible Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' authority) or a lawyer. Last updated: August 26, 2026.