--- title: "From €27.50/mo – Studienkolleg insurance Germany" description: "Health insurance for foreign Studienkolleg (preparatory college) students in Germany: § 16b AufenthG study-preparation visa, T/M/W/G/S course, FSP — 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": 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"Studienkolleg in Germany — which health insurance do foreign preparatory-college students need?", "description": "Health insurance for foreign Studienkolleg (preparatory college) students in Germany: § 16b AufenthG study-preparation visa, T/M/W/G/S course, FSP — 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": "2026-08-24", 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"name": "Steffan Grund", "jobTitle": "Insurance broker for German Studienkolleg and study-preparation health cover", "knowsAbout": [ "Studienkolleg and Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Studium (§ 16b AufenthG)", "T-/M-/W-/G-/S-Kurs course tracks", "Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) and Hochschulzugangsberechtigung", "Care College age bands (€27.50 / €33.50 / Comfort / Premium)", "Care Student — GKV-equivalent for ages 30 and above", "Studienkolleg to enrolled study transition (M10 notification, DAK-Gesundheit)", "Bürgeramt, Anmeldung and the 14-day registration window", "Sperrkonto / blocked account €11,904 financial proof" ], "worksFor": { "@type": "InsuranceAgency", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de" }, "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/", "sameAs": [ "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/", "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/ueber-uns/" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "InsuranceAgency", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de", "alternateName": [ "Krankenversicherung Ausländer Deutschland", "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "Health insurance for foreigners in Germany", "Insurance for expats in Germany", "Insurance for international students in Germany" ], "logo": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/images/logo.jpg", "image": "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 the Studienkolleg in Germany?", "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. Care College is recognised by every Studienkolleg in Germany and by the Ausländerbehörde for the study-preparation residence permit under § 16b AufenthG. The bilingual certificate (German + English) is issued by email within minutes. For Studienkolleg attendees aged 30 and above, Care Student at €101.54/month is the GKV-equivalent alternative. Individual case review applies; not legal or insurance advice." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is statutory health insurance (GKV) available during the Studienkolleg year?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Statutory student insurance under § 5 Abs. As a rule, no. 1 Nr. 9 SGB V only opens on the first day of official matriculation at a German university — i.e. after the Feststellungsprüfung is passed and the chosen degree programme has issued the admission letter. During the Studienkolleg phase the Krankenversicherungsnachweis runs on a private Incoming product, typically Care College. Caseworker discretion applies — not legal advice." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which insurance does the German embassy accept for a Studienkolleg visa?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For the study-preparation visa under § 16b AufenthG the embassy expects an Incoming health-insurance product that covers the entire requested Studienkolleg period (typically 12–24 months). 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 Studienkolleg attendees aged 30 and above, Care Student at €101.54/month is the standard alternative." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does the Studienkolleg require health insurance to enrol?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A Care College PDF (or a Care Student certificate for 30+ attendees) is what most Studienkollegs list as accepted. Yes — as a rule. Every public Studienkolleg (and the state-recognised private Studienkollegs) asks for proof of valid health insurance on the day of registration. The certificate names the insured person, the cover period and the bilingual policy summary the Studienkolleg office keeps on file." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Care College vs Care Student — which one fits my Studienkolleg track?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Care College is the standard Studienkolleg product up to and including age 29: from €27.50/month, up to 60 months, recognised under § 16b AufenthG for the study-preparation visa. Care Student is the GKV-equivalent product for ages 30 and above or for students formally exempt from statutory cover: €101.54/month all-in. Both are typically accepted at every public Studienkolleg and at the state-recognised private Studienkollegs on our file; individual school review applies. The T-, M-, W-, G- or S-Kurs choice does not change the insurance product — only age does." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I switch from Care College to DAK-Gesundheit once I pass the Feststellungsprüfung and matriculate?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Yes — this 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 home-country travel insurance enough for the Studienkolleg visa?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Care College (Studienkolleg standard) and Care Student (30+) are the German-side products that consistently clear both the embassy upload and the Ausländerbehörde counter. Generally no. Home-country travel insurance usually fails one of three checks: it is not valid for the full requested permit period (typically 12 months), it is limited in scope to short-stay travel, or the repatriation wording does not match the consulate template. Caseworker discretion applies." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if my Studienkolleg programme is longer than 12 months?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Studienkolleg programmes often run 12 months but can extend to 24 months in cases where the FSP is taken twice or the entry was at the language phase. Care College scales up to 60 months on a single contract — long enough to cover a 24-month Studienkolleg, a follow-on DSH or TestDaF preparation block and the matriculation transition. The Ausländerbehörde typically extends the residence permit in 12-month blocks; Care College carries through every extension at no extra fee." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need a blocked account (Sperrkonto) for the Studienkolleg visa?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes — for non-EU citizens the German embassy typically requires a Sperrkonto financial-proof at the current Richtwert of €11,904 per year (€992 per month). The blocked-account confirmation is uploaded alongside the Care College Krankenversicherungsnachweis to the embassy visa portal. The two documents together usually clear the financial and insurance fields of the Studienkolleg file at the next embassy slot — case officer discretion applies." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What about pre-existing conditions during the Studienkolleg year?", "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": "Does Care College include dental and pregnancy cover during the Studienkolleg?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For Studienkolleg attendees planning a 12-to-24-month stay, 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 issues the bilingual certificate by email within minutes — most students set the start date 2 to 4 weeks before the flight to leave a buffer for delays. 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 Studienkolleg 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) home-country travel policy submitted in place of an Incoming product, (2) end date earlier than the requested permit period (often a 3-month policy for a 12-month Studienkolleg), (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 Studienkolleg 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 Student 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 public Studienkollegs?", "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): Public Studienkollegs operate in Berlin, Hamburg, Hannover, Köln (Cologne), Frankfurt am Main, Darmstadt, Karlsruhe, München (Munich), Halle (Saale), Leipzig, Greifswald, Mainz, Heidelberg and several others. Most universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) also run their own Studienkolleg for the FH track. The Care College certificate is national — the same bilingual PDF is accepted in every city by the Studienkolleg office and the local Ausländerbehörde." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which course type — T, M, W, G or S — do I need for my future programme?", "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): T-Kurs prepares for technical, mathematical and natural-science degrees; M-Kurs for medicine, biology, pharmacy; W-Kurs for economics, business and social sciences; G-Kurs for humanities and German studies; S-Kurs for language and literature programmes. The Studienkolleg admission test (Aufnahmetest) assigns the track. The Krankenversicherungsnachweis is independent of the course type — Care College covers all five tracks identically." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I retake the Feststellungsprüfung if I fail it the first time?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "As a rule, the FSP can be retaken once, usually after a further 6 months of preparation. The Ausländerbehörde typically extends the study-preparation residence permit accordingly, and Care College — on the same single contract up to 60 months — carries through the extension. Individual case review applies; not legal or academic advice." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do American, British, Canadian, Australian, Japanese or Korean citizens need a visa for the Studienkolleg?", "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): Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Israel may normally enter Germany visa-free for short stays up to 90 days, but the Studienkolleg year always requires a long-stay residence permit under § 16b AufenthG — which must be applied for at the local Ausländerbehörde after entry, with a valid Care College certificate already in hand. For other passports, the national D-visa is applied for at the German embassy before travel. Embassy practice can vary by case — not legal advice." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Studienkolleg in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg or Frankfurt — does the city change the insurance answer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): No. The Care College premium, the Care Student premium and the recognition by the Studienkolleg and the Ausländerbehörde are identical across Germany. What changes city by city is the cost of living: typical monthly Richtwerte run €950–€1,200 in mid-sized cities (Hannover, Halle, Leipzig, Greifswald) and €1,200–€1,600 in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt — rent dominates that range." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I work alongside the Studienkolleg year?", "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): In general, the study-preparation residence permit (§ 16b AufenthG, Studienkolleg phase) allows limited employment — typically up to 140 full or 280 half days per year and internships related to the course, with prior Ausländerbehörde approval. This is a regulatory question and is unrelated to the insurance product itself. Not legal advice — individual case review applies." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is the Studienkolleg in Germany free?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "As a rule, the public Studienkollegs are tuition-free; students normally pay only the Semesterbeitrag (semester fee), typically €150–€350 per semester (Richtwert, Studentenwerk Deutschland 2025). State-recognised private Studienkollegs charge tuition, often €5,000–€12,000 per year. Health insurance is a separate, mandatory line item — Care College from €27.50/month at entry age up to 29, or Care Student at €101.54/month in the 30–39 band. Individual federal-state rules apply; not legal or financial advice." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does the Studienkolleg cost in total?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A private Studienkolleg adds €5,000–€12,000 in tuition. For a public Studienkolleg, plan roughly €150–€350 per semester for the Semesterbeitrag, €11,904 per year as the Sperrkonto financial-proof Richtwert (BAMF/AA, study-preparation visa) and €27.50–€101.54 per month for the recognised health insurance depending on age band. Cost-of-living Richtwerte run €950–€1,600 per month depending on city (Studentenwerk Deutschland 2025). Individual case review applies." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is the Studienkolleg in English or in German?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Applicants typically arrive at roughly B1/B2 German and reach C1 before the Feststellungsprüfung. Almost all Studienkolleg courses are taught in German — that is the entire point of the preparatory year. A small number of internationally oriented programmes offer English-language preparatory courses, but for the public Studienkollegs the working language is German. The Krankenversicherungsnachweis is issued bilingually (German + English) regardless, so the embassy file and the Ausländerbehörde counter are covered in both languages." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long does the Studienkolleg take?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Studienkolleg typically runs for two semesters (about 12 months) and closes with the Feststellungsprüfung. A retake of the FSP can extend the path to about 24 months, and the residence permit under § 16b AufenthG is usually extended in 12-month blocks accordingly. Care College on a single contract scales up to 60 months, so the same bilingual certificate carries through every extension and into the matriculation week — case officer discretion applies." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "DSH, TestDaF or FSP — which language and admission test do I actually need after the Studienkolleg?", "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): Most foreign Studienkolleg attendees need two things to enrol: a language certificate (DSH from the host university or the international TestDaF, both at roughly C1 level) and the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) from the Studienkolleg as the academic Hochschulzugangsberechtigung. The FSP track (T, M, W, G, S) is matched to the intended degree subject; the language exam is a separate proof. Recognition rules vary by university — check with the Immatrikulationsamt. Not academic advice." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "QAPage", "inLanguage": "en", "mainEntity": { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much is health insurance for the Studienkolleg in Germany?", "text": "How much is health insurance for the Studienkolleg in Germany?", "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. Care College is recognised by every Studienkolleg in Germany and by the Ausländerbehörde for the study-preparation residence permit under § 16b AufenthG. The bilingual certificate (German + English) is issued by email within minutes. For Studienkolleg attendees aged 30 and above, Care Student at €101.54/month is the GKV-equivalent alternative. Individual case review applies; not legal or insurance advice.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-preparatory-college-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": "Is statutory health insurance (GKV) available during the Studienkolleg year?", "text": "Is statutory health insurance (GKV) available during the Studienkolleg year?", "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": "Statutory student insurance under § 5 Abs. As a rule, no. 1 Nr. 9 SGB V only opens on the first day of official matriculation at a German university — i.e. after the Feststellungsprüfung is passed and the chosen degree programme has issued the admission letter. During the Studienkolleg phase the Krankenversicherungsnachweis runs on a private Incoming product, typically Care College. Caseworker discretion applies — not legal advice.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-preparatory-college-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": "Studienkolleg health insurance Germany — glossary", "inLanguage": "en", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de" }, "hasDefinedTerm": [ { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Studienkolleg", "description": "Public or state-recognised preparatory college (typically 12 months, sometimes 24 months) that brings non-EU students up to the German university entry standard. The course closes with the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP), which serves as the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung for the chosen subject group.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Studienkolleg health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Studium / zur Studienbewerbung (§ 16b AufenthG)", "description": "German residence permit for study and study-preparation purposes. The Studienkolleg phase is covered under this title; the Ausländerbehörde checks the Krankenversicherungsnachweis for the entire requested permit period.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Studienkolleg health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Feststellungsprüfung (FSP)", "description": "Assessment test that closes the Studienkolleg year and replaces the missing direct Hochschulzugangsberechtigung. Recognised for the matching subject group (T, M, W, G, S) at most German universities. The health-insurance cover must remain valid through the FSP date and the first matriculation week.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Studienkolleg health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "T-/M-/W-/G-/S-Kurs", "description": "The five Studienkolleg course tracks: T-Kurs (technical, mathematical and natural-science programmes), M-Kurs (medical, biological and pharmaceutical), W-Kurs (economics and social sciences), G-Kurs (humanities and German studies) and S-Kurs (language and literature). The insurance product is identical across tracks.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Studienkolleg 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. Typically recognised by the public Studienkollegs, the state-recognised private Studienkollegs and the Ausländerbehörde; individual school review applies.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Studienkolleg health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Care Student", "description": "Recognised GKV-equivalent student product for ages 30 and above or for students formally exempt from statutory cover. €101.54/month all-in (CCS health + PVN supplement + Pflegeversicherung). Accepted by German universities for the Befreiung von der Versicherungspflicht once the student matriculates after the FSP.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Studienkolleg health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "DAK-Gesundheit", "description": "Statutory sickness fund (Krankenkasse) most commonly chosen by international students under 30 once they matriculate at a German university. Sends the electronic M10 notification to the Immatrikulationsamt so enrolment can complete. Approx. €135.52/month at the standard student rate.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Studienkolleg health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Krankenversicherungsnachweis", "description": "German-language certificate of health-insurance cover — the single document the German embassy, the Studienkolleg office and the Ausländerbehörde check before granting and extending the study-preparation residence permit. Care College ships a bilingual PDF (German + English) ready for upload to the embassy visa portal.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Studienkolleg health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)", "description": "German-language proficiency exam administered by individual German universities, certifying roughly C1-level German. One of the two standard language proofs (alongside TestDaF) accepted for university enrolment after the Studienkolleg. Recognition rules vary by university — check with the Immatrikulationsamt.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Studienkolleg health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache)", "description": "Standardised international German-language exam, broadly recognised by German universities as a C1-level proof for matriculation. The alternative to DSH for foreign Studienkolleg attendees and direct applicants. The Krankenversicherungsnachweis (Care College / Care Student) is independent of which language test is sat.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Studienkolleg health insurance Germany — glossary" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "HowTo", "name": "How foreign Studienkolleg students provide health-insurance proof in Germany", "description": "Step-by-step process to deliver an embassy- and Ausländerbehörde-compliant Krankenversicherungsnachweis for the Studienkolleg phase of the study-preparation residence permit (§ 16b AufenthG).", "inLanguage": "en", "step": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 1, "name": "Confirm the Studienkolleg admission", "text": "Pass the Aufnahmetest (admission test) at a public Studienkolleg or accept the place at a state-recognised private Studienkolleg. The admission letter is needed for the embassy file." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 2, "name": "Pick the cover for your age band", "text": "Up to age 29 → Care College from €27.50/month. Age 30 and above → Care Student at €101.54/month all-in. Both run up to 60 months on a single contract." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 3, "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 Studienkolleg office." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 4, "name": "Submit at the German embassy", "text": "Upload the PDF in the consulate visa portal together with the Studienkolleg admission letter, the blocked-account proof and the biometric documents." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 5, "name": "Anmeldung within 14 days and Ausländerbehörde", "text": "Register the German address at the Bürgeramt — this unlocks the Ausländerbehörde appointment for the study-preparation residence permit under § 16b AufenthG." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 6, "name": "Hand the certificate at the Studienkolleg", "text": "Studienkolleg offices keep the bilingual Care College or Care Student certificate on file at enrolment. The contract carries through every 12-month residence-permit extension until matriculation after the Feststellungsprüfung." } ], "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 Studienkolleg students in Germany by age band, tier and duration (2026)", "description": "Monthly premiums for the Care College Incoming health-insurance product used by foreign Studienkolleg students in Germany to satisfy § 16b AufenthG for the study-preparation residence permit and to register at the public and state-recognised Studienkollegs. 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-preparatory-college-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": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-preparatory-college-germany/#guides-itemlist", "name": "All Studienkolleg health-insurance guides for Germany", "inLanguage": "en", "numberOfItems": 13, "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Studienkolleg health insurance — proof for registration and residence", "description": "Which version of the bilingual certificate the Studienkolleg office, the Bürgeramt and the Ausländerbehörde each expect.", "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": 2, "name": "Study-preparation visa, language course, Studienkolleg — combining the insurance proof", "description": "How to bundle the § 16b AufenthG study-preparation visa, the language phase and the Studienkolleg year under one continuous 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) — deep guide", "description": "Care College from €27.50/month, age bands, T/M/W/G/S course, FSP and the clean handover to DAK or Care Student after matriculation.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/health-insurance-foreign-students-germany/preparatory-college-health-insurance-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Insurance proof not accepted by the immigration office — checklist", "description": "The eight reasons the Ausländerbehörde rejects a Studienkolleg 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": "Changing from language school to study — switch or extend the insurance", "description": "When matriculation triggers the statutory M10 notification and how the file moves from Care College 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": "Aligning the certificate start date with the Studienkolleg start, the FSP date and the first day of matriculation.", "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 Studienkolleg", "description": "What the Immatrikulationsamt asks for once the FSP is passed 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 Studienkolleg", "description": "DAK-Gesundheit (student GKV), Care Student (GKV exemption) and Care College — which one fits which post-FSP 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-preparation visa and the insurance proof before entry", "description": "Sperrkonto + Care College + D-visa: the order most Studienkolleg applicants 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 Studienkolleg visa: insurance certificate, blocked-account proof, Studienkolleg admission letter 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 Studienkolleg file 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 — 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 Studienkolleg or authority — what to do next", "description": "When the Studienkolleg office or the 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-preparatory-college-germany/#collection", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-preparatory-college-germany/", "name": "Studienkolleg in Germany — which health insurance do foreign preparatory-college students need?", "description": "Health insurance for foreign Studienkolleg (preparatory college) students in Germany: § 16b AufenthG study-preparation visa, T/M/W/G/S course, FSP — Care College from €27.50/month, up to 5 years.", "inLanguage": "en", "isPartOf": { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/#website", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de" }, "about": [ { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Health insurance for foreign Studienkolleg students in Germany" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Studium / zur Studienbewerbung (§ 16b AufenthG)" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Studienkolleg — T/M/W/G/S course tracks and the Feststellungsprüfung" } ], "mainEntity": { "@type": "ItemList", "name": "All Studienkolleg health-insurance guides for Germany", "numberOfItems": 13, "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/preparatory-college-health-insurance-proof-registration-residence-germany/", "name": "Studienkolleg health insurance — proof for registration and residence" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "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/", "name": "Study-preparation visa, language course, Studienkolleg — combining the insurance proof" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/health-insurance-foreign-students-germany/preparatory-college-health-insurance-germany/", "name": "Preparatory college (Studienkolleg) — deep guide" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/insurance-proof-not-accepted-immediate-checklist-germany/", "name": "Insurance proof not accepted by the immigration office — checklist" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 5, "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/", "name": "Changing from language school to study — switch or extend the insurance" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 6, "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/", "name": "Health insurance before the study starts — start date, entry and enrolment" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 7, "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-proof-enrollment-university-germany/", "name": "Insurance proof for university enrolment after Studienkolleg" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 8, "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/statutory-or-private-health-insurance-foreign-students-options-germany/", "name": "Statutory or private health insurance — student options after Studienkolleg" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 9, "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/", "name": "Blocked account, study-preparation visa and the insurance proof before entry" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 10, "url": "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": 11, "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": 12, "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 — most common reasons" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 13, "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 Studienkolleg 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 (Studienkolleg) 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. Studienkolleg health insurance in Germany 📑 On this page (12) - [→ What insurance the embassy and the Studienkolleg accept](#what-is) - [→ The 4 most common Studienkolleg proof mistakes](#problems) - [→ Recommended tariffs — Studienkolleg and FSP year](#tarife) - [→ Prices — Care College by age band and duration](#prices) - [→ Which tariff for which Studienkolleg situation?](#scenarios) - [→ Step-by-step: from Studienkolleg admission to residence permit](#step-by-step) - [→ All Studienkolleg guides](#topics) - [→ Glossary — Studienkolleg insurance terms](#glossary) - [→ Studienkolleg in Germany — what to plan for](#studienkolleg-in-germany) - [→ From Studienkolleg to enrolled study — what changes](#switch-to-study) - [→ T/M/W/G/S course types, FSP and questions before booking](#course-types-and-paa) - [→ FAQ](#faq) As a rule, no recognised Krankenversicherungsnachweis means no Studienkolleg place and no study-preparation visa. The Ausländerbehörde, the embassy and the Studienkolleg office all decide on a single document — the bilingual insurance certificate covering the entire requested permit period. Caseworker discretion applies. ![Foreign Studienkolleg student in Germany with bilingual Care College health-insurance certificate for the Ausländerbehörde and the preparatory college](/assets/students-health-insurance-germany-hero-Bov_zsJp.webp) Studienkolleg file with bilingual Care College certificate ready for the preparatory college and the Ausländerbehörde. # Studienkolleg in Germany — which health insurance do foreign preparatory-college 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 Studienkolleg Hannover on day one — study-preparation visa cleared the embassy in Tehran." — N. K. (Tehran → Hannover), T-Kurs 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: confirm the Studienkolleg admission → buy the recognised cover online in ~5 minutes → hand the bilingual certificate to the Studienkolleg office and the Ausländerbehörde under the Aufenthaltsgesetz (residence-permit law for study preparation). › **Trusted by Studienkolleg 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 Studienkolleg students arriving in Germany — typically accepted at every public Studienkolleg, at the state-recognised private Studienkollegs and at the Ausländerbehörde under the Aufenthaltsgesetz. Accepted: Aufenthaltsgesetz (§ 16b) KMK Studienkolleg framework 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 Study-preparation visa appointments in Tehran, New Delhi, Shanghai and Lagos 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: § 16b AufenthG · § 5 AufenthG · § 5 SGB V · KMK Studienkolleg framework · HanseMerkur AVB · Care Concept AG › **Frequently used by Studienkolleg applicants 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 Studienkolleg students arriving in Germany — typically accepted by the public Studienkollegs, the state-recognised private Studienkollegs and the Ausländerbehörde under § 16b AufenthG. Individual school and embassy review applies. General information based on the Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG), the KMK Studienkolleg framework and our placements for Studienkolleg visa files since 2009 — not legal, tax or insurance advice; individual embassy, Studienkolleg and Ausländerbehörde caseworkers may decide case-by-case. Indicative: a denied study-preparation visa or rejected Studienkolleg registration 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 Studienkolleg registration, no study-preparation visa.** What the German _Ausländerbehörde_ (immigration office), the German embassy and the Studienkolleg office want to see depends on age and course length — the typical 12-month **T-, M-, W-, G- or S-Kurs** closing with the **Feststellungsprüfung (FSP)**, an extended 24-month track, or a Studienkolleg phase that bridges into a full degree under **§ 16b AufenthG**. A short-dated travel policy in place of an Incoming product can mean weeks of waiting for a new appointment. The fix is age-led. Up to age 29: [Care College from €27.50/month](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) — recognised under the Aufenthaltsgesetz and accepted at every public Studienkolleg and at the state-recognised private Studienkollegs. Entry ages 30 and above start from €33.50/month on the same Basic tier, or move to [Care Student at €101.54/month](/en/insurance-plans/care-student/overview/) as the GKV-equivalent alternative. Once the student passes the FSP and matriculates at the chosen degree programme, 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 Studienkolleg actually check, the four Studienkolleg proof mistakes we still see weekly, the price tables for [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) and [Care Student](/en/insurance-plans/care-student/overview/), the deep guides for every Studienkolleg scenario, and the 20 questions Studienkolleg students ask the most. Editor's note: since 2009 we have issued bilingual insurance certificates for Studienkolleg visa files at German embassies, for the registration desks at the public Studienkollegs (Berlin, Hamburg, Hannover, Köln, München, Halle, Heidelberg, Mainz, Greifswald) and for the Ausländerbehörde. The two mistakes we still see weekly are (1) a home-country travel policy submitted in place of a Studienkolleg-compliant Incoming product, and (2) a 3-month policy used for a 12-month Studienkolleg residence permit. 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 Studienkolleg expect. Last reviewed by Steffan Grund on September 8, 2026. Student Coverage DAK-Gesundheit or HanseMerkur student options Enrollment Proof M10 notification for eligible university enrollment flows Visa & University Documents Receive confirmation for visa or enrollment steps where applicable ## What insurance the embassy and the Studienkolleg accept for the preparatory college year **Quick answer:** For the Studienkolleg phase under § 16b AufenthG the cover must be comparable to German cover for the entire requested permit period (typically 12 months, extendable to 24 months). Travel insurance bought in the home country generally does not qualify. The standard recognised products are [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) up to age 29 and Care Student from age 30 — caseworker discretion applies. Two Incoming products cover almost every foreign Studienkolleg pathway to Germany. Care College for entry age up to 29 covers the T-, M-, W-, G- and S-Kurs and the closing Feststellungsprüfung on a single contract up to 60 months. [**Care Student**](/en/insurance-plans/care-student/overview/) covers Studienkolleg attendees aged 30 and above (and any student formally exempt from GKV) at €101.54/month — the GKV-equivalent route accepted by every German university for the Befreiung. Both ship a bilingual certificate (German + English) ready for the Ausländerbehörde and the embassy visa portal — see [§ 16b AufenthG](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__16b.html) for the official source. Note on terminology: the residence permit for the Studienkolleg year is the "Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Zweck des Studiums / zur Studienbewerbung" under § 16b AufenthG. The Care College bilingual PDF carries the wording the embassy and the Ausländerbehörde expect, including the policy summary the Studienkolleg office keeps on file. ![Steffan Grund](/assets/steffan-grund-B5K5tUm9.jpg)Written by **Steffan Grund** Reviewed: **August 24, 2026** Sources§ 16b AufenthG · § 5 AufenthG · § 5 SGB V · KMK Studienkolleg framework · Federal Foreign Office · HanseMerkur AVB · Care Concept AG 4.9/5 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/) Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009 ## Need a Studienkolleg-ready certificate today? [Care College (up to 5 years) from €27.50/month (up to 5 years) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/)[Care Student (30+) from €101.54/month (up to 5 years) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-student/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 24, 2026 - **Study-preparation permit (§ 16b AufenthG):** Issued for the Studienkolleg year — typically 12 months, extendable to 24 months in cases where the FSP is retaken or the entry was at the language phase. (Source: § 16b AufenthG). - **Care College — up to age 29:** From €27.50/month (Basic, months 1–24); recognised by every Studienkolleg in Germany and by the Ausländerbehörde for the study-preparation residence permit. (Source: HanseMerkur AVB / Care Concept AG). - **Care Student — age 30 and above:** €101.54/month all-in (CCS health + PVN supplement + Pflegeversicherung); GKV-equivalent route accepted by German universities at matriculation. (Source: Care Concept AG · GKV-Spitzenverband). - **Why GKV does not apply yet:** Statutory student insurance (§ 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 9 SGB V) only opens on the first day of matriculation at a German university — i.e. after the Feststellungsprüfung is passed. (Source: § 5 SGB V). ## 📌 TL;DR — at a glance - **Up to age 29:** Care College from €27.50/month — recognised under § 16b AufenthG, up to 60 months on one contract. - **Age 30 and above:** Care Student at €101.54/month — GKV-equivalent, recognised at every German Studienkolleg. - **Studienkolleg day one:** The Studienkolleg office keeps the bilingual certificate on file at enrolment — the PDF is issued by email within minutes. - **After the FSP:** On the first day of degree matriculation, switch to DAK-Gesundheit (statutory student insurance, M10) — Care College ends the day before. - **12 vs 24 months:** Care College covers extended Studienkolleg tracks (24 months) on the same single contract — no break around the FSP retake window. ## The 4 most common Studienkolleg proof mistakes — and how each one is solved **Quick answer:** Four issues repeat at every Studienkolleg file and every study-preparation visa appointment: home-country travel policy instead of an Incoming product, certificate end date before the requested permit period, wrong product for the over-30 applicant, and missing repatriation wording on the certificate. Travel policy submitted instead of Incoming Home-country travel insurance usually fails § 16b AufenthG — wrong validity area, wrong duration, missing repatriation. [Care College clears § 16b AufenthG →](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) Certificate ends before the requested permit period The Ausländerbehörde expects cover for the entire Studienkolleg period — a 3-month policy for a 12-month Studienkolleg is rejected. [Care College covers up to 60 months →](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) Wrong product for the over-30 applicant Care College tightens above the standard age band — for Studienkolleg attendees aged 30+ the GKV-equivalent answer is Care Student at €101.54/month. [Care Student for ages 30 and above →](/en/insurance-plans/care-student/overview/) Repatriation clause missing on the certificate The Ausländerbehörde and the embassy expect explicit repatriation wording on the Krankenversicherungsnachweis — many travel policies fail exactly this field. [Requirements explained →](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/requirements-schengen-health-insurance-germany/) ## Avoid the mistakes that can delay your application ### Enrollment can stall without M10 DAK Student and Care Student support electronic M10 notification for eligible university enrollment flows. ### Under 30 or over 30? DAK Student fits many students up to age 29; Care Student can fit private student coverage up to age 39. ### Private or statutory confusion Choosing the wrong route can create extra steps. Check statutory, private and exemption rules before applying. ### Language school is different Care College is better for language school, Studienkolleg, DSH and educational stays — not M10 university enrollment. ## Reality check: what happens without recognised Studienkolleg 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 missed M10 Enrollment can get stuck For university enrollment, the wrong insurance route can delay the electronic M10 notification to your university. - 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, Studienkolleg registration and the visa window — why timing matters ## Why act before university enrollment University enrollment can depend on the right insurance route. Waiting too long can delay M10 notification or create extra steps. 🎓 M10 timing matters DAK Student and Care Student can support M10 university enrollment flows where applicable. 📄 Wrong route creates delays Language school, Studienkolleg and DSH usually need Care College, not the university M10 route. ⚡ Apply before enrollment pressure Prepare insurance proof before the university or visa office asks for it urgently. ✅ Under 30 or over 30? DAK Student and Care Student serve different student situations. Check age and eligibility before applying. ## What Studienkolleg students say about Care College for the § 16b study-preparation visa 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 for the Studienkolleg year Two Incoming products cover every Studienkolleg scenario in Germany — no brand jungle, no hidden cost. The choice follows from age, not from the T/M/W/G/S course track. 🎓 Studienkolleg standard · 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 🛡️ Age 30+ / GKV-exempt ### Care Student from €101.54 / month (coverage up to 5 years) For international students in Germany: bachelor's, master's, doctoral studies & eligible university enrollment cases - Accepted for university enrollment – electronic M10 notification - Health insurance + mandatory long-term care insurance from €101.54/month - Save at least €50/month compared with statutory student health insurance - For bachelor's, master's, doctoral studies & eligible university enrollment flows - Private-patient status: free choice of doctor, often faster appointments - Doctor, hospital, prescription medication & dental treatment coverage - Support with exemption from statutory health insurance - Recognized by universities and immigration authorities - Coverage term up to 5 years · entry age 12–39 - Reputable insurance carrier Why Care Student? For international students in Germany who need private health insurance for enrollment, M10 notification and proof of coverage for authorities — with strong benefits and potential savings compared with statutory health insurance. Why a 5-year coverage term? More planning security during your studies: less renewal stress and a lower risk of a coverage gap during a bachelor's, master's, doctoral program or eligible university enrollment case. - 🏛️ HanseMerkur Insurance AG - 📄 M10 notification + proof for universities & immigration authorities - 🔒 Doctor, clinic, dental treatment & prescription medication - 🏷️ From €101.54 / month · coverage up to 5 years [Care Student – Quick Overview](/en/insurance-plans/care-student/plan-details/) [Apply online now](/en/insurance-plans/care-student/apply/) → Complete the application, secure your M10 notification, prepare for enrollment Want the deep tariff page? [Studienkolleg health insurance — full guide and price tables](/en/health-insurance-foreign-students-germany/preparatory-college-health-insurance-germany/). ## Care College — all Studienkolleg rates by age band, tier and duration **Quick answer:** For the Studienkolleg year, Care College is the standard Incoming product up to age 29: from €27.50/month (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 Student — fixed €101.54/month for Studienkolleg attendees aged 30 and above **Quick answer:** Care Student is the GKV-equivalent recognised tariff for Studienkolleg attendees aged 30 and above (or for students formally exempt from statutory cover). €101.54/month all-in (CCS health + PVN supplement + Pflegeversicherung), up to 60 months on a single contract. Care Student Health insurance for students Compulsory long-term care for students Total 12–29 years 69,62 € / month 31,92 € / month 101,54 € / month 30–39 years 95,68 € / month 31,92 € / month 127,60 € / month All prices per month/person in euros. Health insurance deductible: €300 per calendar year. Entry age 12–39, term up to 60 months. Premium guarantee for the full term. As of 2026. [Care Student — Overview](/en/insurance-plans/care-student/overview/) [Apply now](/en/insurance-plans/care-student/overview/) ## Which tariff for which Studienkolleg situation? **Quick answer:** Use this matrix to map the Studienkolleg path — T/M/W/G/S course, 12-month or 24-month track, FSP retake year, transition to enrolled study — to the product and entry price most commonly used. Your situation Recommended tariff From Studienkolleg T/M/W/G/S course, age up to 29 [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) from €27.50/mo Studienkolleg, age 30 and above [Care Student](/en/insurance-plans/care-student/overview/) from €101.54/month (up to 5 years) Extended 24-month Studienkolleg (FSP retake) [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) from €27.50/month (up to 5 years) Language phase before Studienkolleg admission [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) from €27.50/month (up to 5 years) Schengen short visit before D-visa appointment [Care Visa Protect](/en/insurance-plans/care-visa-protect/overview/) from €0.85/day After FSP and matriculation (below age 30) [DAK-Gesundheit (statutory student)](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit-angestellte/overview/) statutory rate After FSP and matriculation (age 30+ or GKV-exempt) [Care Student](/en/insurance-plans/care-student/overview/) from €101.54/month (up to 5 years) Not sure which fits? [Try the 30-second tariff finder](/en/tariffinder-germany/). Foreign learners coming to Germany for the Studienkolleg — from China (Shanghai, Beijing), Iran (Tehran), India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru), Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore), Vietnam (Hanoi), Turkey (Istanbul), Russia, Ukraine (Kyiv), Brazil (São Paulo), Mexico (Mexico City), Colombia (Bogotá), Egypt (Cairo), Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, Iraq, Nigeria (Lagos), Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Indonesia — typically use Care College up to age 29 (and Care Student from age 30) for the T-, M-, W-, G- or S-Kurs at the public Studienkollegs in Berlin, Hamburg, Hannover, Köln, Frankfurt, Darmstadt, Karlsruhe, München, Halle, Leipzig, Greifswald, Mainz and Heidelberg. Pricing is age-based, not nationality-based; the same monthly premium applies worldwide. ## Step-by-step: from Studienkolleg admission to study-preparation residence permit ## Ready for university enrollment in 3 steps DAK Student or Care Student for university enrollment, M10 notification and proof of coverage. 1. 1 🎯 Choose your student plan DAK statutory student cover up to age 29 · Care Student private student cover up to age 39. For language school or Studienkolleg, use Care College. 2. 2 📝 Complete the application Enter your passport, university/program and stay details. M10 applies to DAK Student and Care Student university enrollment flows. 3. 3 ✅ Receive your proof Receive visa or insurance proof after application; where applicable, the electronic M10 notification can be sent to the university. **Quick answer:** The clean Studienkolleg flow runs from the admission letter to the residence permit in seven steps — pick the cover by age band, apply online, file at the embassy, fly in, register at the Bürgeramt and hand the bilingual certificate to the Ausländerbehörde under § 16b AufenthG. 1. **Confirm the Studienkolleg admission.** Pass the Aufnahmetest at a public Studienkolleg or accept the place at a state-recognised private Studienkolleg — the admission letter is needed for the embassy file. 2. **Pick the cover by age band.** Up to age 29 → Care College from €27.50/month. Age 30 and above → Care Student at €101.54/month. 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 study-preparation visa appointment, together with the Studienkolleg admission letter and the blocked-account proof. 6. **Anmeldung within 14 days.** Register the German address at the Bürgeramt — this unlocks the Ausländerbehörde appointment for the residence permit under § 16b AufenthG. 7. **Studienkolleg day one.** The Studienkolleg office keeps the bilingual certificate on file at registration; the contract carries through every 12-month residence-permit extension until matriculation after the Feststellungsprüfung. ## All Studienkolleg guides — deep dives by topic The complete library on every Studienkolleg insurance question — grouped by topic so you can jump straight to the one that matches your file. ### Visa, embassy and the Studienkolleg residence permit - → [Studienkolleg health insurance — proof for registration and residence](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/preparatory-college-health-insurance-proof-registration-residence-germany/)Which version of the bilingual certificate the Studienkolleg office, the Bürgeramt and the Ausländerbehörde each expect. - → [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 § 16b AufenthG study-preparation visa, the language phase and the Studienkolleg year under one continuous Krankenversicherungsnachweis. - → [Preparatory college (Studienkolleg) — deep guide](/en/health-insurance-foreign-students-germany/preparatory-college-health-insurance-germany/)Care College from €27.50/month, age bands, T/M/W/G/S course, FSP and the clean handover to DAK or Care Student after matriculation. - → [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 Studienkolleg file — and how to fix each one before the next slot. ### From language phase to Studienkolleg to university - → [Changing from language school to 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 M10 notification and how the file moves from Care College 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/)Aligning the certificate start date with the Studienkolleg start, the FSP date and the first day of matriculation. - → [Insurance proof for university enrolment after Studienkolleg](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-proof-enrollment-university-germany/)What the Immatrikulationsamt asks for once the FSP is passed and the student status begins. - → [Statutory or private health insurance — student options after Studienkolleg](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/statutory-or-private-health-insurance-foreign-students-options-germany/)DAK-Gesundheit (student GKV), Care Student (GKV exemption) and Care College — which one fits which post-FSP path. ### Blocked account, financing and the Sperrkonto link - → [Blocked account, study-preparation 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 + D-visa: the order most Studienkolleg applicants 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 Studienkolleg visa: insurance certificate, blocked-account proof, Studienkolleg admission letter 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 Studienkolleg file back to the applicant — and the clean file the consulate expects. - → [Visa rejection due to health insurance — 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 Studienkolleg 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 Studienkolleg office or the Ausländerbehörde rejects the insurance proof: the recovery checklist. ## Glossary — Studienkolleg insurance terms **Quick answer:** Eight terms appear in nearly every Studienkolleg file, study-preparation visa appointment and Ausländerbehörde counter visit. Mastering them shortens the paperwork from days to one afternoon. Studienkolleg Public or state-recognised preparatory college (typically 12 months, sometimes 24 months) that brings non-EU students up to the German university entry standard. The course closes with the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP), which serves as the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung for the chosen subject group. Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Studium / zur Studienbewerbung (§ 16b AufenthG) German residence permit for study and study-preparation purposes. The Studienkolleg phase is covered under this title; the Ausländerbehörde checks the Krankenversicherungsnachweis for the entire requested permit period. Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) Assessment test that closes the Studienkolleg year and replaces the missing direct Hochschulzugangsberechtigung. Recognised for the matching subject group (T, M, W, G, S) at most German universities. The health-insurance cover must remain valid through the FSP date and the first matriculation week. T-/M-/W-/G-/S-Kurs The five Studienkolleg course tracks: T-Kurs (technical, mathematical and natural-science programmes), M-Kurs (medical, biological and pharmaceutical), W-Kurs (economics and social sciences), G-Kurs (humanities and German studies) and S-Kurs (language and literature). The insurance product is identical across tracks. 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. Typically recognised by the public Studienkollegs, the state-recognised private Studienkollegs and the Ausländerbehörde; individual school review applies. Care Student Recognised GKV-equivalent student product for ages 30 and above or for students formally exempt from statutory cover. €101.54/month all-in (CCS health + PVN supplement + Pflegeversicherung). Accepted by German universities for the Befreiung von der Versicherungspflicht once the student matriculates after the FSP. DAK-Gesundheit Statutory sickness fund (Krankenkasse) most commonly chosen by international students under 30 once they matriculate at a German university. Sends the electronic M10 notification to the Immatrikulationsamt so enrolment can complete. Approx. €135.52/month at the standard student rate. Krankenversicherungsnachweis German-language certificate of health-insurance cover — the single document the German embassy, the Studienkolleg office and the Ausländerbehörde check before granting and extending the study-preparation residence permit. Care College ships a bilingual PDF (German + English) ready for upload to the embassy visa portal. DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) German-language proficiency exam administered by individual German universities, certifying roughly C1-level German. One of the two standard language proofs (alongside TestDaF) accepted for university enrolment after the Studienkolleg. Recognition rules vary by university — check with the Immatrikulationsamt. TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) Standardised international German-language exam, broadly recognised by German universities as a C1-level proof for matriculation. The alternative to DSH for foreign Studienkolleg attendees and direct applicants. The Krankenversicherungsnachweis (Care College / Care Student) is independent of which language test is sat. ## Studienkolleg in Germany — what foreign preparatory-college students actually need to plan for **Quick answer:** Coming to Germany for the Studienkolleg means lining up four pieces in parallel — a confirmed Studienkolleg place (Aufnahmetest passed at a public Studienkolleg, or admission at a state-recognised private Studienkolleg), a residence permit under § 16b AufenthG, a recognised health-insurance certificate, and a German address for the Anmeldung within 14 days. The KMK framework lays out the T/M/W/G/S course tracks; the Krankenversicherungsnachweis is independent of the track and depends only on age. ### Studienkolleg pathways and the visa types For most non-EU applicants the Studienkolleg requires the national long-stay D-visa for study preparation under § 16b AufenthG. The course must be confirmed by the Studienkolleg office (admission letter, often after passing the Aufnahmetest) and the applicant must show health insurance and the means to live — typically via a Sperrkonto (blocked account, currently €11,904 for one year as a financial-proof Richtwert). Americans, Canadians, Australians, British, Japanese, Korean and Israeli passport holders may enter visa-free for the first 90 days and apply for the residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde after entry; applicants from many African, Middle Eastern and South-Asian countries apply for the D-visa at the German embassy beforehand. ### Public and state-recognised private Studienkollegs The public Studienkollegs operate in Berlin, Hamburg, Hannover, Köln (Cologne), Frankfurt am Main, Darmstadt, Karlsruhe, München (Munich), Halle (Saale), Leipzig, Greifswald, Mainz and Heidelberg, among others. Many universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) run their own Studienkolleg for the FH track, and a small number of state-recognised private Studienkollegs offer the same KMK-framework FSP. The five course tracks — T-Kurs (technical and natural sciences), M-Kurs (medical track), W-Kurs (economics and social sciences), G-Kurs (humanities and German studies) and S-Kurs (language and literature) — close with the Feststellungsprüfung, which serves as the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung for the matching subject group at most German universities. Named Studienkollegs that international applicants ask about most often include the **Studienkolleg an der TU Berlin**, the **Rheinisches Studienkolleg Berlin**, **Studienkolleg Köln** at the University of Cologne, **Studienkolleg München**at LMU, **Studienkolleg Hamburg**, **Studienkolleg Hannover**, the **Studienkolleg an der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt**, **Studienkolleg Mittelhessen**in Marburg, **Studienkolleg Mainz**, **Internationales Studienzentrum Heidelberg**, **Studienkolleg Halle**, **Sächsisches Studienkolleg Leipzig**, **Studienkolleg Greifswald** and **Studienkolleg Karlsruhe**; the FH track is served by Studienkollegs in Hannover, Köthen, Wismar and Nordhausen. German students sometimes shorten the word to "Studkol" in everyday speech. The recognised insurance answer — Care College up to age 29, Care Student from age 30 — is the same at every named school above. ### DSH, TestDaF and the Feststellungsprüfung — what each test does Three German exams come up around the Studienkolleg year and are easy to confuse. The **DSH**(Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) is the German-language proficiency test administered by individual universities. **TestDaF**(Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) is the standardised international alternative recognised by most German universities. Both certify language ability at roughly C1 level. The **Feststellungsprüfung (FSP)**, by contrast, is the academic assessment test that closes the Studienkolleg year and serves as the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung for the matching subject group. Many applicants need both a language certificate (DSH or TestDaF) and the FSP before matriculation; Care College on a single contract typically covers all three exam windows. Embassy and university practice can vary by case — not academic or legal advice. ### Tuition, living costs and the financial proof Public Studienkollegs are tuition-free in most German federal states; students typically pay only the Semesterbeitrag (semester fee, roughly €150–€350 — Richtwert, Studentenwerk 2025). State-recognised private Studienkollegs can run €5,000–€12,000 per year. For the cost of living a useful Richtwert is roughly 950 to 1,200 EUR per month for a Studienkolleg student in mid-sized German cities (Hannover, Halle, Leipzig, Greifswald), and 1,200 to 1,600 EUR in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt — rent dominates that range (Richtwerte, Studentenwerk Deutschland 2025). For the study-preparation visa the embassy typically asks for a financial proof of around €11,904 per year (€992 per month) held in a Sperrkonto, 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 or Care Student bilingual certificate, the Studienkolleg admission letter and the rental contract. ## From Studienkolleg 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 with a GKV exemption can issue the M10 the university requires. Once the Feststellungsprüfung is passed and the student matriculates, 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, 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-FSP 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. ## T/M/W/G/S course types, Feststellungsprüfung and the most-asked Studienkolleg questions **Quick answer:** The Studienkolleg admission test assigns each applicant to one of five course tracks — T, M, W, G or S — based on the intended degree subject. The Krankenversicherungsnachweis is identical across tracks; what matters is that the cover spans every week of the year, including the FSP date and the transition into the first university semester. Individual case review applies — not legal advice. ### Course tracks and the typical insurance window Course track Subject focus Typical duration Typical insurance window T-Kurs Engineering, mathematics, natural sciences, IT 12 months (24 with retake) Care College / Care Student — up to 60 months M-Kurs Medicine, dentistry, biology, pharmacy 12 months (24 with retake) Care College / Care Student — up to 60 months W-Kurs Economics, business, social sciences, law 12 months (24 with retake) Care College / Care Student — up to 60 months G-Kurs Humanities, German studies, history, arts 12 months (24 with retake) Care College / Care Student — up to 60 months S-Kurs Languages, literature, translation, philology 12 months (24 with retake) Care College / Care Student — up to 60 months Course-track assignments follow the KMK Studienkolleg framework and the individual Studienkolleg's Aufnahmetest. Insurance pricing depends on age band, not on the course track. Not academic advice. ### Feststellungsprüfung and the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung For non-EU applicants whose school-leaving certificate is not recognised as a direct Hochschulzugangsberechtigung, the Studienkolleg path closes with the **Feststellungsprüfung** — the assessment test that opens access to a German university programme in the matching subject group. The Krankenversicherungsnachweis must remain valid from the first day of the Studienkolleg through the FSP date and the following matriculation week. [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) 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 Studienkolleg students ask before booking - **How much does the Studienkolleg in Germany cost?** Public Studienkollegs are tuition-free or charge only the Semesterbeitrag (typically €150–€350 per semester). State-recognised private Studienkollegs can run €5,000–€12,000 per year. 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 Care Student at €101.54/month from age 30 — and is what the embassy and the Ausländerbehörde actually verify. - **How long can I stay in Germany on a Studienkolleg residence permit?** The Aufenthaltserlaubnis under § 16b AufenthG for study preparation is typically granted in 12-month blocks and can in most cases be extended to a total of about 24 months for the Studienkolleg 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 alongside the Studienkolleg?** In general, the study-preparation residence permit allows limited employment — typically up to 140 full or 280 half days per year and internships related to the course, with prior Ausländerbehörde approval. This is a regulatory question, not an insurance question — not legal advice. - **Do I need German health insurance for the FSP exam day?** Yes — the Krankenversicherungsnachweis must be valid on the FSP date and through to matriculation. Care College on the same single contract typically covers this transition; for Studienkolleg attendees aged 30 and above, [Care Student](/en/insurance-plans/care-student/overview/) is the GKV-equivalent answer. - **How much money do I need in my blocked account for the Studienkolleg visa?** The current financial-proof Richtwert is €11,904 per year (€992 per month) held in a Sperrkonto, plus the line item for the Krankenversicherung premium. Individual embassy practice may differ — not legal advice. - **Which Studienkolleg is best — Hamburg, Hannover, München, Berlin, Köln?** All public Studienkollegs follow the same KMK framework and issue the FSP recognised across Germany. The insurance question is identical in every city — the bilingual 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 during the Studienkolleg year?** The study-preparation residence permit under § 16b AufenthG is, as a rule, not a basis for family reunification — that route normally opens only after matriculation 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 Studienkolleg students in Germany ## Frequently Asked Questions How much is health insurance for the Studienkolleg in Germany? 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. Care College is recognised by every Studienkolleg in Germany and by the Ausländerbehörde for the study-preparation residence permit under § 16b AufenthG. The bilingual certificate (German + English) is issued by email within minutes. For Studienkolleg attendees aged 30 and above, Care Student at €101.54/month is the GKV-equivalent alternative. Individual case review applies; not legal or insurance advice. Is statutory health insurance (GKV) available during the Studienkolleg year? Statutory student insurance under § 5 Abs. As a rule, no. 1 Nr. 9 SGB V only opens on the first day of official matriculation at a German university — i.e. after the Feststellungsprüfung is passed and the chosen degree programme has issued the admission letter. During the Studienkolleg phase the Krankenversicherungsnachweis runs on a private Incoming product, typically Care College. Caseworker discretion applies — not legal advice. Which insurance does the German embassy accept for a Studienkolleg visa? For the study-preparation visa under § 16b AufenthG the embassy expects an Incoming health-insurance product that covers the entire requested Studienkolleg period (typically 12–24 months). 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 Studienkolleg attendees aged 30 and above, Care Student at €101.54/month is the standard alternative. Does the Studienkolleg require health insurance to enrol? A Care College PDF (or a Care Student certificate for 30+ attendees) is what most Studienkollegs list as accepted. Yes — as a rule. Every public Studienkolleg (and the state-recognised private Studienkollegs) asks for proof of valid health insurance on the day of registration. The certificate names the insured person, the cover period and the bilingual policy summary the Studienkolleg office keeps on file. Care College vs Care Student — which one fits my Studienkolleg track? Care College is the standard Studienkolleg product up to and including age 29: from €27.50/month, up to 60 months, recognised under § 16b AufenthG for the study-preparation visa. Care Student is the GKV-equivalent product for ages 30 and above or for students formally exempt from statutory cover: €101.54/month all-in. Both are typically accepted at every public Studienkolleg and at the state-recognised private Studienkollegs on our file; individual school review applies. The T-, M-, W-, G- or S-Kurs choice does not change the insurance product — only age does. Can I switch from Care College to DAK-Gesundheit once I pass the Feststellungsprüfung and matriculate? From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Yes — this 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 home-country travel insurance enough for the Studienkolleg visa? Care College (Studienkolleg standard) and Care Student (30+) are the German-side products that consistently clear both the embassy upload and the Ausländerbehörde counter. Generally no. Home-country travel insurance usually fails one of three checks: it is not valid for the full requested permit period (typically 12 months), it is limited in scope to short-stay travel, or the repatriation wording does not match the consulate template. Caseworker discretion applies. What if my Studienkolleg programme is longer than 12 months? Studienkolleg programmes often run 12 months but can extend to 24 months in cases where the FSP is taken twice or the entry was at the language phase. Care College scales up to 60 months on a single contract — long enough to cover a 24-month Studienkolleg, a follow-on DSH or TestDaF preparation block and the matriculation transition. The Ausländerbehörde typically extends the residence permit in 12-month blocks; Care College carries through every extension at no extra fee. Do I need a blocked account (Sperrkonto) for the Studienkolleg visa? Yes — for non-EU citizens the German embassy typically requires a Sperrkonto financial-proof at the current Richtwert of €11,904 per year (€992 per month). The blocked-account confirmation is uploaded alongside the Care College Krankenversicherungsnachweis to the embassy visa portal. The two documents together usually clear the financial and insurance fields of the Studienkolleg file at the next embassy slot — case officer discretion applies. What about pre-existing conditions during the Studienkolleg year? 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. Does Care College include dental and pregnancy cover during the Studienkolleg? For Studienkolleg attendees planning a 12-to-24-month stay, 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 issues the bilingual certificate by email within minutes — most students set the start date 2 to 4 weeks before the flight to leave a buffer for delays. 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 Studienkolleg 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) home-country travel policy submitted in place of an Incoming product, (2) end date earlier than the requested permit period (often a 3-month policy for a 12-month Studienkolleg), (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 Studienkolleg 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 Student 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 public Studienkollegs? 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): Public Studienkollegs operate in Berlin, Hamburg, Hannover, Köln (Cologne), Frankfurt am Main, Darmstadt, Karlsruhe, München (Munich), Halle (Saale), Leipzig, Greifswald, Mainz, Heidelberg and several others. Most universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) also run their own Studienkolleg for the FH track. The Care College certificate is national — the same bilingual PDF is accepted in every city by the Studienkolleg office and the local Ausländerbehörde. Which course type — T, M, W, G or S — do I need for my future programme? 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): T-Kurs prepares for technical, mathematical and natural-science degrees; M-Kurs for medicine, biology, pharmacy; W-Kurs for economics, business and social sciences; G-Kurs for humanities and German studies; S-Kurs for language and literature programmes. The Studienkolleg admission test (Aufnahmetest) assigns the track. The Krankenversicherungsnachweis is independent of the course type — Care College covers all five tracks identically. Can I retake the Feststellungsprüfung if I fail it the first time? As a rule, the FSP can be retaken once, usually after a further 6 months of preparation. The Ausländerbehörde typically extends the study-preparation residence permit accordingly, and Care College — on the same single contract up to 60 months — carries through the extension. Individual case review applies; not legal or academic advice. Do American, British, Canadian, Australian, Japanese or Korean citizens need a visa for the Studienkolleg? 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): Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Israel may normally enter Germany visa-free for short stays up to 90 days, but the Studienkolleg year always requires a long-stay residence permit under § 16b AufenthG — which must be applied for at the local Ausländerbehörde after entry, with a valid Care College certificate already in hand. For other passports, the national D-visa is applied for at the German embassy before travel. Embassy practice can vary by case — not legal advice. Studienkolleg in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg or Frankfurt — does the city change the insurance answer? From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): No. The Care College premium, the Care Student premium and the recognition by the Studienkolleg and the Ausländerbehörde are identical across Germany. What changes city by city is the cost of living: typical monthly Richtwerte run €950–€1,200 in mid-sized cities (Hannover, Halle, Leipzig, Greifswald) and €1,200–€1,600 in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt — rent dominates that range. Can I work alongside the Studienkolleg year? 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): In general, the study-preparation residence permit (§ 16b AufenthG, Studienkolleg phase) allows limited employment — typically up to 140 full or 280 half days per year and internships related to the course, with prior Ausländerbehörde approval. This is a regulatory question and is unrelated to the insurance product itself. Not legal advice — individual case review applies. Is the Studienkolleg in Germany free? As a rule, the public Studienkollegs are tuition-free; students normally pay only the Semesterbeitrag (semester fee), typically €150–€350 per semester (Richtwert, Studentenwerk Deutschland 2025). State-recognised private Studienkollegs charge tuition, often €5,000–€12,000 per year. Health insurance is a separate, mandatory line item — Care College from €27.50/month at entry age up to 29, or Care Student at €101.54/month in the 30–39 band. Individual federal-state rules apply; not legal or financial advice. How much does the Studienkolleg cost in total? A private Studienkolleg adds €5,000–€12,000 in tuition. For a public Studienkolleg, plan roughly €150–€350 per semester for the Semesterbeitrag, €11,904 per year as the Sperrkonto financial-proof Richtwert (BAMF/AA, study-preparation visa) and €27.50–€101.54 per month for the recognised health insurance depending on age band. Cost-of-living Richtwerte run €950–€1,600 per month depending on city (Studentenwerk Deutschland 2025). Individual case review applies. Is the Studienkolleg in English or in German? Applicants typically arrive at roughly B1/B2 German and reach C1 before the Feststellungsprüfung. Almost all Studienkolleg courses are taught in German — that is the entire point of the preparatory year. A small number of internationally oriented programmes offer English-language preparatory courses, but for the public Studienkollegs the working language is German. The Krankenversicherungsnachweis is issued bilingually (German + English) regardless, so the embassy file and the Ausländerbehörde counter are covered in both languages. How long does the Studienkolleg take? The Studienkolleg typically runs for two semesters (about 12 months) and closes with the Feststellungsprüfung. A retake of the FSP can extend the path to about 24 months, and the residence permit under § 16b AufenthG is usually extended in 12-month blocks accordingly. Care College on a single contract scales up to 60 months, so the same bilingual certificate carries through every extension and into the matriculation week — case officer discretion applies. DSH, TestDaF or FSP — which language and admission test do I actually need after the Studienkolleg? 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): Most foreign Studienkolleg attendees need two things to enrol: a language certificate (DSH from the host university or the international TestDaF, both at roughly C1 level) and the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) from the Studienkolleg as the academic Hochschulzugangsberechtigung. The FSP track (T, M, W, G, S) is matched to the intended degree subject; the language exam is a separate proof. Recognition rules vary by university — check with the Immatrikulationsamt. Not academic advice. ![Steffan Grund](/assets/steffan-grund-B5K5tUm9.jpg)Written by **Steffan Grund** Reviewed: **August 24, 2026** Sources§ 16b AufenthG · § 5 AufenthG · § 5 SGB V · KMK Studienkolleg framework · Federal Foreign Office · HanseMerkur AVB · 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 Studienkolleg and the study-preparation visa? Pick your plan. [Care College (up to 5 years) from €27.50/month (up to 5 years) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/)[Care Student (30+) from €101.54/month (up to 5 years) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-student/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 24, 2026.