--- title: "From €27.50/mo – student health insurance Germany" description: "Health insurance for foreign students in Germany: GKV (DAK-Gesundheit) vs private (Care Student, Care College), M10 notification, exemption, age limit 30 — recognised plans from €27.50/month." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung-Auslaender.de", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/", "logo": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/images/logo.jpg", "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+49-228-97735-44", "contactType": "customer service", "availableLanguage": [ "German", "English" ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Krankenversicherung-Auslaender.de", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/", "inLanguage": [ "de", "en" ], "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung-Auslaender.de" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@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": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "jobTitle": "Versicherungsexperte für Krankenversicherung Ausländer", "knowsAbout": [ "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer in Deutschland", "Schengen-Visum Krankenversicherung", "GKV-Befreiung Studenten", "Aufenthaltstitel Krankenversicherung", "Incoming-Versicherung" ], "worksFor": { "@type": "InsuranceAgency", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de" }, "url": "/impressum/", "sameAs": [ "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" ] }, [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Health insurance for foreign students in Germany — GKV, private & Care Student", "description": "Health insurance for foreign students in Germany: GKV (DAK-Gesundheit) vs private (Care Student, Care College), M10 notification, exemption, age limit 30 — recognised plans from €27.50/month.", "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": "2026-09-05", "dateModified": "2026-08-31", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/" }, "image": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/assets/schloss-neuschwanstein-rentner-deutschland-BUe6CLV2.jpg", "about": [ { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Health insurance for foreign students in Germany" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "DAK-Gesundheit statutory student tariff" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Care Student private student insurance (HanseMerkur)" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Care College language-course insurance" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "M10 electronic notification to the university" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "GKV exemption (Befreiung) for students § 8 SGB V" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Age limit 30 for student GKV tariff" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Werkstudent and mini-job insurance impact" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "PhD and exchange student health insurance" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Studienkolleg and language course insurance proof" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) student tariff" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Barmer student tariff" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "AOK student tariff" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "MAWISTA student insurance" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "EHIC European Health Insurance Card for EU students" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Dental and maternity benefits for foreign students" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Erasmus and DAAD scholarship health insurance" } ], "mentions": [ { "@type": "Thing", "name": "DAK-Gesundheit student tariff", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit/overview/" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Care Student", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/insurance-plans/care-student/overview/" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Care College", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "§ 5 SGB V", "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_5/__5.html" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "§ 8 SGB V (exemption)", "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_5/__8.html" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "DAAD — health insurance for international students", "url": "https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/plan-your-studies/health-insurance/" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "BAMF", "url": "https://www.bamf.de/EN/" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "GKV-Spitzenverband", "url": "https://www.gkv-spitzenverband.de/english/english.jsp" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)", "url": "https://www.tk.de/en" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Barmer", "url": "https://www.barmer.de/" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "AOK", "url": "https://www.aok.de/pk/" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Bundesmeldegesetz § 17 (Anmeldung)", "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bmg/__17.html" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "§ 5 AufenthG (residence permit)", "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__5.html" } ], "wordCount": 2500, "timeRequired": "PT10M", "inLanguage": [ "en" ], "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "[data-aeo='answer-lead']", "[data-aeo='answer']", "h1" ] } } ], { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Guide to health insurance in Germany", "item": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Health insurance for foreign students in Germany", "item": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "jobTitle": "Insurance broker for German student health-insurance (GKV & private)", "knowsAbout": [ "German statutory student health insurance (§ 5 SGB V)", "GKV exemption Befreiung (§ 8 SGB V)", "M10 electronic notification process", "Care Student and Care College private student tariffs", "Werkstudent, mini-job and PhD insurance status" ], "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": "Do foreign students under 30 need GKV or private insurance in Germany?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "As a rule, GKV (statutory) is the default for foreign degree students under 30. DAK-Gesundheit student tariff costs ~145–150 €/month including long-term care; it ships the M10 notification to the university automatically and gives you the electronic health card (eGK). Private student insurance (Care Student) is only the right path for students who are over 30, filed a GKV exemption (Befreiung), or are on a PhD programme. Individual case review applies." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the M10 notification and who sends it?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The M10 is an electronic message that the Krankenkasse (e.g. DAK-Gesundheit) or recognised private insurer sends directly to the German university. Since 2022 paper insurance certificates are no longer accepted at matriculation — the M10 is the only valid format. DAK-Gesundheit and Care Student both ship the M10 automatically once the policy is active, so the matriculation office sees the proof before the appointment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Care Student vs DAK-Gesundheit — what does each cost?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "DAK-Gesundheit student tariff: from 135,52 €/month for students with a child, ~150,65 €/month for childless students aged 23+, including the statutory long-term-care contribution. Care Student (private, HanseMerkur): 101,54 €/month total — 35 € outpatient/inpatient + 58,04 € hospital + 8,50 € long-term care — with a 300 €/year deductible. Both are M10-recognised by German universities; the choice depends on age (under or over 30) and the GKV exemption decision." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I use my home-country health insurance for a German student visa?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Generally no. Foreign travel insurance bought in the home country (Indian, Turkish, Pakistani, Nigerian, Filipino, Brazilian) is typically not accepted by the German embassy for the national D-visa for studies, nor by the Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG. EU/EEA students with a valid EHIC card are the exception. For everyone else, DAK-Gesundheit (GKV, under 30) or Care Student / Care College (private) are the standard substitutes — both ship a bilingual German + English certificate ready for the embassy file." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Studienkolleg or language course — which insurance is accepted?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Care College from 27,50 €/month (under 30) is the standard product for the language-course and study-preparation visa, accepted by Studienkollegs nationwide. Pure language-school and Studienkolleg students do not qualify for the GKV student tariff — universities and the Ausländerbehörde require a recognised private plan instead. Once you matriculate into the regular degree programme you switch to DAK-Gesundheit (under 30) or Care Student (over 30 / GKV-exempt)." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is the GKV exemption (Befreiung) really irreversible?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes — the Befreiung von der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung is filed once with the chosen Krankenkasse within the first three months of the semester. Once granted, it locks the student out of statutory student insurance for the entire degree programme — no return path, even after a job, a Werkstudent contract or a switch of subject. Individual case review applies; not legal advice." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What changes when I start a Werkstudent or part-time job?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If your weekly hours stay below 20 during semester time, the student GKV tariff (DAK-Gesundheit ~150 €/month) continues unchanged. Above 20 hours per week or above the mini-job earnings threshold, you typically switch to the regular employee GKV tariff (≈ 17.8 % of gross, split between employer and employee). The Krankenkasse re-classifies you automatically once the employer files the new DEÜV message; the M10 stays valid until de-enrolment. Mini-job side income (Minijob im Studium) below the earnings threshold does not change the student tariff. Semester breaks (Semesterferien) keep the cover continuous — there is no pause, no refund of contributions during the lecture-free weeks. At the end of studies the de-enrolment (Exmatrikulation) terminates the GKV student tariff automatically on the day matriculation ends; the next product is either employee GKV (job offer), §-16 AufenthG jobseeker cover, or Care Expatriate for a longer transition phase." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "PhD or exchange — student status or employment?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Exchange students on a stipend or Erasmus grant typically keep student status during their Auslandssemester — DAK-Gesundheit (under 30) or Care Student (over 30 / GKV-exempt) are the standard products. PhD candidates with a research-employment contract at a German university or Max-Planck institute are employees, not students — regular GKV via the employer applies (≈ 17.8 % of gross). A Doktorandenversicherung funded by a Promotionsstipendium (DAAD, DFG, Humboldt, Konrad-Adenauer) stays in the student / private path — DAK-Gesundheit under 30 or Care Student over 30. Caseworker discretion applies; not legal advice." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is health insurance free for international students in Germany?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No — health insurance is mandatory and is not free for international students in Germany. The recognised private student path (Care Student, HanseMerkur) is 101,54 €/month total. Language-school and Studienkolleg students typically use Care College from 27,50 €/month. EU/EEA students with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can use that cover for the first months but most German universities still ask for a Krankenversicherungsnachweis or M10." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which is the best health insurance for international students in Germany?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The differences are service language (English hotline, English app), how fast the M10 reaches the matriculation office, and bonus programmes. There is no single 'best' Krankenkasse — § 5 SGB V requires every recognised GKV to offer essentially the same student tariff and benefit catalogue, so DAK-Gesundheit, Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), Barmer, AOK and BKK funds all cover the same statutory benefits at a similar premium (~135–150 €/month). Foreign degree students under 30 normally pick DAK-Gesundheit through us because of its English-language enrolment file and automatic M10 to the university. Over-30 students, GKV-exempt students or PhD candidates on a stipend should compare Care Student (101,54 €/month, HanseMerkur) against MAWISTA, Hallesche and DKV private student plans for benefit and recognition fit." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does student health insurance in Germany cover dental treatment and pregnancy?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Student KV: €101.54/month (Care Student) or €150.65/month (DAK statutory, 2026). From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): GKV student tariffs (DAK-Gesundheit, TK, Barmer, AOK, BKK) include the statutory dental benefit catalogue under § 28 SGB V — annual check-up, fillings, plus the statutory share for prosthetics; cosmetic dentistry is excluded. Pregnancy, prenatal care and birth are fully covered as statutory benefits. Care Student (HanseMerkur) covers outpatient and inpatient dental treatment plus maternity care within the agreed terms and waiting periods. Care College's outpatient dental benefit is capped per tariff tier — see the bilingual policy terms. Caseworker discretion applies; not insurance advice." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which Krankenkasse is best for international students — Techniker Krankenkasse, DAK, Barmer or AOK?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Under § 5 SGB V every recognised statutory fund offers the same student benefit catalogue. That means Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), Barmer, AOK and the BKK funds all sit at roughly the same price for foreign students — around 135–150 €/month including the long-term-care contribution. A side-by-side comparison of Krankenkassen for students mostly comes down to the English service hotline, the quality of the app and how quickly the M10 reaches the matriculation office. New applicants who enrol with us default to DAK-Gesundheit because of its bilingual enrolment file and reliable M10 delivery." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the recognised private alternatives — MAWISTA, HanseMerkur, Hallesche, DKV or Allianz Travel?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Our recommended package is Care Student (underwritten by HanseMerkur) at 101,54 €/month all-in. Recognised private student insurance in Germany (sometimes labelled Incoming student insurance) is only required when the statutory path is closed — typically for students over 30, those with a § 8 SGB V exemption or PhD researchers on a contract outside the student tariff. The market includes MAWISTA, the older Mawista-Barmer combination, HanseMerkur, Hallesche, DKV and short-stay travel products such as Allianz Travel. To be accepted at matriculation, any private student plan must include outpatient and inpatient care plus the statutory long-term-care contribution." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "PhD candidate or research scholar on a Promotionsstipendium or DAAD/Fulbright grant — which plan applies?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A PhD candidate on a regular employment contract instead enters employee GKV (around 17.8 % of gross). Stipend-funded researchers without an employment contract stay in the student or private path. A doctoral student health insurance (Doktorandenversicherung) tied to a Promotionsstipendium — whether the grant comes from DAAD, DFG, the Humboldt Foundation or Fulbright — typically means DAK-Gesundheit under 30 or Care Student over 30; both are M10-recognised as proof of cover during the doctorate. The same logic applies to a research stay or a visiting-scholar appointment in Germany: if the role is paid by stipend it stays in the student path, if it is paid by payroll it follows the employee rules." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Studienkolleg or Sprachkurs — what does the Hochschule accept at enrolment?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Care College for language courses in Germany (from 27,50 €/month under 30) is the product Studienkollegs accept for matriculation and for the residence permit. For a Studienkolleg place or a Sprachkurs, the Hochschule needs a Krankenversicherungsnachweis showing a recognised plan; pure language-school students do not qualify for the statutory student tariff. It covers the whole language-preparation phase and the study-preparation visa period, until you switch to DAK-Gesundheit or Care Student the moment regular matriculation begins." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Werkstudent, Minijob and Semesterferien — does my premium change?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Student KV: €101.54/month (Care Student) or €150.65/month (DAK statutory, 2026). From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): A Werkstudent job keeps you inside the student tariff as long as the weekly hours stay below 20 during lecture periods — the contribution is the usual DAK-Gesundheit rate of around 150 €/month. A Minijob during studies with side income below the earnings threshold also keeps the student tariff. Cover during the Semesterferien runs without interruption — there is no pause and no refund during the lecture-free weeks. At Exmatrikulation the GKV student tariff ends on the day matriculation closes; the next step is either employee GKV (with a job offer), the jobseeker cover under § 16 AufenthG or Care Expatriate for a longer transition phase." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "From which countries do most foreign students apply, and does origin change the insurance?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): The recognition rules are the same worldwide, but D-visa caseworkers handle very different volumes by country. India and China are the two largest sending nations for foreign students in Germany, followed by Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Nigeria, Brazil and Indonesia. In every case the German embassy and the Ausländerbehörde accept DAK-Gesundheit (under 30) or Care Student and Care College on the private side — home-country travel cover is not accepted for the student visa file." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does student health insurance cost in Germany — and what is the cheapest option?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The cheapest recognised plan during actual studies is Care Student for over-30 or GKV-exempt students. The monthly cost depends on the route. The DAK-Gesundheit student tariff runs between 135 € and 150 € per month including long-term care, Care Student is fixed at 101,54 € per month all-in (Pflegeversicherung included) and Care College starts at 27,50 € per month under 30 for the Basic language-course tier. On paper the cheapest option is Care College, but it is only valid during the Studienkolleg or Sprachkurs phase before matriculation into a regular degree. Health insurance for international students is mandatory in Germany and is never free." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "M10, eGK and the Krankenversicherungspflicht under § 5 SGB V — what do they mean?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "§ 5 SGB V sets the Krankenversicherungspflicht — the legal duty for matriculated students under 30 to hold statutory cover. Since 2022 the only valid enrolment proof is the M10, an electronic message sent by the Krankenkasse to the university. DAK-Gesundheit or a recognised private insurer like HanseMerkur (for Care Student) transmits the M10 directly to the matriculation office. The Krankenkasse then issues the electronic health card (eGK), which the student uses at every German doctor and hospital. The opt-out is the Befreiung von der Versicherungspflicht under § 8 SGB V — a one-off, irreversible filing in the first three months of the semester, most relevant for students over 30 whose GKV exemption decision sends them into the recognised private path." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Exchange semester, Erasmus, EHIC and Auslandssemester — what does an EU student need?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Student KV: €101.54/month (Care Student) or €150.65/month (DAK statutory, 2026). From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Erasmus and exchange students from the EU or EEA can rely on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) during the first months of an Auslandssemester, but most German universities still ask for a Krankenversicherungsnachweis at matriculation. Erasmus participants therefore usually pair the EHIC with a short top-up policy or a brief DAK-Gesundheit enrolment to satisfy the registrar. Foreign guest students on a short visiting-scholar exchange typically take Care Economy or Care College depending on how long the stay lasts." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Blocked account, Bürgeramt Anmeldung and the best English-language plan — how does it all fit together?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For students under the age-30 limit on the GKV tariff, the practical answer to “how do I get student health insurance in Germany?” is a ten-minute online enrolment with DAK-Gesundheit. For the student visa the German embassy expects two things together: a blocked account (BASTI from 4,90 €/month) holding the 11,904 € annual living-cost proof, and a recognised health insurance plan. After arrival, the Bürgeramt Anmeldung is needed for the residence permit, and the same DAK-Gesundheit or Care Student certificate works for both steps. When people ask which plan offers the best English service or simply which is the best for international students, our default recommendation is still DAK-Gesundheit because of its M10 speed and bilingual enrolment file." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are dental care and pregnancy explicitly covered for international students?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes — dental basics for international students — an annual check-up, fillings and the statutory share of prosthetics — and pregnancy care — prenatal visits, birth and the maternity stay — are part of the standard benefit catalogue in both the GKV student tariff with DAK-Gesundheit and the recognised private Care Student plan from HanseMerkur. See the dental and maternity FAQ above for the full breakdown." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "QAPage", "inLanguage": "en", "mainEntity": { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do foreign students under 30 need GKV or private insurance in Germany?", "text": "Do foreign students under 30 need GKV or private insurance in Germany?", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" }, "datePublished": "2026-09-05", "upvoteCount": 0, "answerCount": 1, "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "As a rule, GKV (statutory) is the default for foreign degree students under 30. DAK-Gesundheit student tariff costs ~145–150 €/month including long-term care; it ships the M10 notification to the university automatically and gives you the electronic health card (eGK). Private student insurance (Care Student) is only the right path for students who are over 30, filed a GKV exemption (Befreiung), or are on a PhD programme. Individual case review applies.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" }, "datePublished": "2026-09-05", "upvoteCount": 0 } } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "QAPage", "inLanguage": "en", "mainEntity": { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the M10 notification and who sends it?", "text": "What is the M10 notification and who sends it?", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" }, "datePublished": "2026-09-05", "upvoteCount": 0, "answerCount": 1, "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The M10 is an electronic message that the Krankenkasse (e.g. DAK-Gesundheit) or recognised private insurer sends directly to the German university. Since 2022 paper insurance certificates are no longer accepted at matriculation — the M10 is the only valid format. DAK-Gesundheit and Care Student both ship the M10 automatically once the policy is active, so the matriculation office sees the proof before the appointment.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" }, "datePublished": "2026-09-05", "upvoteCount": 0 } } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "DefinedTermSet", "name": "Student health insurance — glossary", "inLanguage": "en", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de" }, "hasDefinedTerm": [ { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "M10 notification", "description": "Electronic message a German Krankenkasse (TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK-Gesundheit) or recognised private insurer sends directly to the university. Without the M10 the matriculation office cannot enrol you — paper certificates have not been accepted since 2022.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Student health insurance — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "GKV exemption (Befreiung von der Versicherungspflicht)", "description": "One-off, irreversible opt-out from statutory student health insurance under § 8 SGB V. Once filed within the first 3 months of the semester, the student is locked out of GKV for the entire study programme and must hold a recognised private student plan instead (e.g. Care Student).", "inDefinedTermSet": "Student health insurance — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Care Student (recognised private student insurance)", "description": "Private health insurance package (HanseMerkur) tailored to foreign students who are over 30, exempted from GKV or in PhD programmes. Total premium 101,54 €/month — covers outpatient, inpatient, statutory long-term care (Pflege) and is M10-recognised by German universities.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Student health insurance — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "DAK-Gesundheit student tariff", "description": "Statutory student health insurance under § 5 SGB V for foreign degree students under 30. Premium roughly 145–150 €/month including long-term care. Includes the M10 enrolment notification and the electronic health card (eGK) for use at every German doctor and hospital.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Student health insurance — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Studienkolleg / language course pathway", "description": "Pre-study programme for international applicants who need a Feststellungsprüfung (Studienkolleg) or German-language proof (e.g. DSH, TestDaF). Pure language-school students do not qualify for the GKV student tariff — Care College (from 27,50 €/month) is the standard substitute.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Student health insurance — glossary" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "HowTo", "name": "How to provide insurance proof for German university enrolment", "description": "Step-by-step process for foreign students to deliver the M10 notification and a Krankenversicherungsnachweis accepted by the German university and the Ausländerbehörde.", "inLanguage": "en", "step": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 1, "name": "Identify your status", "text": "Under 30 and not GKV-exempt → DAK-Gesundheit (statutory). Over 30, GKV-exempt or PhD → Care Student. Language-course or Studienkolleg student → Care College." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 2, "name": "Apply online for the recognised plan", "text": "5 minutes — name, date of birth, university and study-start date. The bilingual certificate arrives by email within minutes." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 3, "name": "M10 reaches the university automatically", "text": "DAK-Gesundheit or the recognised private insurer sends the M10 electronic notification directly to the matriculation office — no paper, no manual upload." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 4, "name": "Enrol at the university", "text": "The matriculation office releases the enrolment as soon as the M10 is on file. Carry the printed certificate to the appointment as a backup." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 5, "name": "Anmeldung and Ausländerbehörde", "text": "Register at the Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in; hand the same certificate to the Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG for the residence-permit decision." } ], "totalTime": "PT20M", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "[data-howto='step']", "[data-aeo='answer']", "h1" ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "ItemList", "@id": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/#guides-itemlist", "name": "All student health-insurance guides for Germany", "inLanguage": "en", "numberOfItems": 24, "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Insurance proof for university enrolment", "description": "What the German university expects as the Krankenversicherungsnachweis — M10 notification, exemption certificate or private confirmation.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-proof-enrollment-university-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Rejected by the university or immigration office", "description": "What to do if the university or the Ausländerbehörde does not accept your insurance proof.", "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/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Residence permit extension as a student", "description": "Which KV proof the Ausländerbehörde wants to see when you renew the Aufenthaltstitel.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/residence-permit-extension-student-health-insurance-proofs-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "GKV or private as a student?", "description": "Which option fits whom — age, country of origin and form of study decide.", "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": 2, "name": "Statutory or private student insurance — detailed compare", "description": "Side-by-side: benefits, cost and recognition status of each option.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/statutory-or-private-student-health-insurance-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "GKV exemption — what really matters", "description": "When the Befreiung makes sense — and why it is irreversible for the whole study programme.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/exemption-from-statutory-health-insurance-students-key-points-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Age limit & student-tariff end (30 years)", "description": "When the student GKV obligation ends — and which alternative cover applies after the 30th birthday.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/student-tariff-age-limit-30-years-when-it-ends-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Take out cover before study start", "description": "When does the policy need to begin? Start date, entry to Germany and enrolment deadlines.", "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": 2, "name": "Language course before study — what differs", "description": "Differences in insurance — language course vs regular degree programme.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-language-course-before-study-differences-typical-mistakes-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Blocked account, visa & insurance — combine before entry", "description": "All three proofs before entry — and the correct order to deliver them.", "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": 4, "name": "Blocked account & study start", "description": "How the blocked account and student health insurance work together at enrolment.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/blocked-account-study-start-health-insurance-enrollment-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Study applicants — pre-admission options", "description": "Insurance cover during the application phase, before the official admission letter.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-study-applicants-not-yet-enrolled-typical-options-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Studienkolleg — KV proof for preparatory college", "description": "Which Krankenversicherungsnachweis the Studienkolleg expects at registration.", "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": 3, "name": "Study preparation visa — language course & college", "description": "Insurance proof for the language-course or Studienkolleg pathway and the study-preparation visa.", "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": 4, "name": "Switch from language school to degree programme", "description": "Insurance change at the status transition — what changes and what to renew.", "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": 1, "name": "Werkstudent, mini-job & internship", "description": "Differences in student health insurance depending on the type of employment.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/working-student-mini-job-internship-health-insurance-differences-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Part-time job as a student — what changes", "description": "Impact on the student insurance status — when student GKV cover ends.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/part-time-job-student-health-insurance-what-changes-self-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Pre-studies internship (Incoming)", "description": "Insurance for pre-studies internships before the regular degree programme.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/pre-studies-internship-incoming-health-insurance-accepted-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Exchange students & PhD candidates", "description": "Insurance for exchange, research stays and doctoral studies — special rules and pitfalls.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/exchange-students-phd-students-health-insurance-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "PhD from abroad — student or employee status?", "description": "Health insurance for foreign doctoral candidates — GKV, private or Care Student?", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-phd-abroad-student-or-employment-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "De-enrolment — student status ends", "description": "What happens with the insurance when you de-enrol or finish the programme.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/de-enrollment-when-student-status-ends-what-happens-to-health-insurance-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Discontinuation or major change of study", "description": "Impact on the KV — and which options remain when the study path changes.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/study-discontinuation-major-change-health-insurance-typical-next-steps-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 5, "name": "Semester break — continuous or pause?", "description": "What happens with the insurance cover during semester breaks.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/semester-break-health-insurance-continuous-or-pause-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "After studies — job transition", "description": "What happens with the insurance after graduation — and which bridge options exist.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/after-studies-job-transition-health-insurance-status-germany/" } ] } ] --- 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) [DAK-Gesundheit student from €135.52/month (open-ended) ](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit/overview/) 1. [Home](/en/) 2. [Guide to health insurance in Germany](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/) 3. Health insurance for foreign students in Germany 📑 On this page (9) - [→ What the university and Ausländerbehörde accept](#what-is) - [→ The 4 most common student-insurance mistakes](#problems) - [→ Recommended tariffs — DAK · Care Student · Care College](#tarife) - [→ Prices — DAK, Care Student & Care College](#prices) - [→ Which tariff for which student situation?](#scenarios) - [→ Step-by-step: from admission letter to first lecture](#step-by-step) - [→ All student health-insurance guides (22 articles)](#topics) - [→ Glossary — student insurance terms](#glossary) - [→ FAQ](#faq) As a rule, the German university will not enrol you without an electronic M10 health-insurance notification — paper certificates have not been accepted since 2022 and missing the M10 typically delays matriculation by 2–6 weeks. Caseworker discretion applies. ![Foreign students on a German university campus with the M10 enrolment file and health-insurance certificate](/assets/schloss-neuschwanstein-rentner-deutschland-BUe6CLV2.jpg) Matriculation file with M10 notification ready for the university office. # Health insurance for foreign students in Germany — GKV, private & Care Student 4.9/5 · 10,000+ policies since 2009 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/) · M10 to the university By **Steffan Grund** · Reviewed September 5, 2026 "DAK M10 reached TU Berlin before the matriculation appointment — enrolled the same day." — P. S. (Berlin), degree student Quotes from internal customer feedback, anonymised and shortened. Plan: pick GKV or private based on age and study form → take out the recognised plan online in ~5 minutes → the M10 reaches the university automatically and the bilingual PDF clears the Ausländerbehörde. › **Trusted by foreign students 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 students at TU Berlin, LMU Munich, Heidelberg, RWTH Aachen, Goethe Frankfurt and most German universities — typically accepted at matriculation and by the Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG. Accepted: § 5 SGB V (GKV) § 8 SGB V (exemption) Recognised by German universities GDPR/EU M10 electronic notification to the university Bilingual PDF (German + English) for the Ausländerbehörde Electronic health card (eGK) on the GKV path No German bank account required to apply [ Statutory student tariff incl. long-term care DAK-Gesundheit student from ~€135.52/month ⟷ Residence permit delay Missed M10 typically delays matriculation by 2–6 weeks ⟷ 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: § 5 SGB V · § 8 SGB V · DAAD · DAK-Gesundheit · HanseMerkur GTC · Care Concept AG General information based on the published Social Code (SGB V), the German Residence Act (AufenthG), DAAD guidance and our 10,000+ student-insurance placements since 2009 — not legal, tax or insurance advice; the Krankenkasse, university matriculation office and Ausländerbehörde may decide case-by-case. Indicative: missing the M10 typically pushes the next matriculation slot 2–6 weeks out — at most German universities that means losing a whole semester. DAK-Gesundheit student tariff ~€135.52/month; Care Student €101.54/month; Care College from €27.50/month. Individual case review applies; not legal or insurance advice. **As a rule, no M10 notification — no matriculation, no semester.** What the German university and the _Ausländerbehörde_ (immigration office) want to see depends on your status — **degree student under 30** (DAK-Gesundheit · GKV), **over 30 / GKV-exempt / PhD** (Care Student) or **language-course / Studienkolleg** (Care College). The M10 message — not the paper certificate — is the one document the matriculation office checks first. The fix is status-led. For foreign degree students under 30: [DAK-Gesundheit student tariff from €135.52/month](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit/overview/) — statutory cover including the electronic health card (eGK) and automatic M10. For students over 30, GKV-exempt students or PhD candidates on a stipend: [Care Student €101.54/month total](/en/insurance-plans/care-student/overview/) — recognised private plan with M10 to the university. For language-course and Studienkolleg students: [Care College from €27.50/month](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) — accepted by Studienkollegs nationwide and by the embassy for the study-preparation visa. Below: which proof the matriculation office really checks, the four mistakes we still see every semester, the exact compare between DAK-Gesundheit and Care Student, all 22 deep guides on every student-insurance scenario, and the 8 questions foreign students ask most. Editor's note: since 2009 we have enrolled over 10,000 foreign students into recognised German student plans — DAK-Gesundheit, Care Student and Care College. The two mistakes we still see every semester are (1) a GKV exemption filed without realising it is irreversible for the whole study programme, and (2) a language course student trying to use the GKV student tariff, which the Krankenkasse rejects because the language-school status does not qualify under § 5 SGB V. Both are avoidable — the checklists, price tables and step-by-step flow below show exactly which product, M10 path and certificate the university and the Ausländerbehörde expect. Last reviewed by Steffan Grund on September 5, 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 the German university and Ausländerbehörde accept as student insurance **Quick answer:** For degree students under 30 the default is GKV — DAK-Gesundheit student tariff under § 5 SGB V, including the M10 electronic notification and the electronic health card (eGK). For students over 30, GKV-exempt students and PhD candidates on a stipend, a recognised private plan applies — Care Student is the standard substitute. Language-course and Studienkolleg students sit outside the GKV student path entirely — Care College is the recognised cover. Caseworker discretion applies. Three products cover almost every foreign-student pathway in Germany. **DAK-Gesundheit student tariff** for foreign degree students under 30. **Care Student** (HanseMerkur) for students over 30, after a GKV exemption (Befreiung), or for PhD candidates on a stipend. **Care College** for language-course students, Studienkollegs and the study-preparation visa. All three are M10-recognised by German universities — see the [DAAD health-insurance guidance](https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/plan-your-studies/health-insurance/) and [§ 5 SGB V](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_5/__5.html) for the official sources. Note on terminology: the university matriculation office uses "Krankenversicherungsnachweis" or "M10-Meldung", the embassy file calls the same document "Auslandskrankenversicherung Visum" and the Ausländerbehörde simply writes "Krankenversicherungsnachweis nach § 5 AufenthG" — three labels, one product family. DAK-Gesundheit, Care Student and Care College ship the M10 plus a bilingual PDF (German + English), so the same enrolment clears the university, the German embassy visa portal and the immigration office without re-issue. German-language search traffic uses several equivalent labels for the same product family — _Krankenversicherung für ausländische Studenten_, _Auslandskrankenversicherung Studium Deutschland_, _Incoming-Studentenversicherung_, and for the language-school pathway _Sprachschüler Krankenversicherung Deutschland_. They all map to the same three products above: DAK-Gesundheit (statutory student tariff), Care Student (recognised private cover for over-30 and GKV-exempt students) and Care College (language course and Studienkolleg). ![Steffan Grund](/assets/steffan-grund-B5K5tUm9.jpg)Written by **Steffan Grund** Reviewed: **August 31, 2026** Sources§ 5 SGB V · § 8 SGB V · § 5 AufenthG · DAAD · DAK-Gesundheit · HanseMerkur GTC · Care Concept AG 4.9/5 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/) Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009 ## Need a university-ready M10 certificate this week? [DAK-Gesundheit student from €135.52/month (open-ended) ](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit/overview/)[Care Student 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 31, 2026 - **M10 notification:** the electronic message from the Krankenkasse to the university — without it the matriculation office cannot enrol you (paper proofs unaccepted since 2022). (Source: GKV Spitzenverband technical standard). - **GKV student tariff age limit:** compulsory student insurance under § 5 SGB V ends at 30 (with limited extension for one Fachsemester change) — afterwards a recognised private plan such as Care Student applies. (Source: § 5 SGB V). - **GKV exemption (Befreiung):** must be filed within the first 3 months of the semester and is irreversible for the entire degree programme. (Source: § 8 SGB V). - **Anmeldung deadline after entry:** 14 days after moving into a German apartment — gates the Krankenkasse Mitgliedsbescheinigung and the residence-permit appointment. (Source: Bundesmeldegesetz § 17). ## The 4 most common student-insurance mistakes — and how each one is solved **Quick answer:** Four issues repeat at every German matriculation office and Ausländerbehörde appointment: missing M10, irreversible GKV exemption, language-course student trying to use the GKV tariff, and over-30 students stuck on a non-recognised travel policy. Each has a clean answer below — typically DAK-Gesundheit, Care Student or Care College. Matriculation rejected — missing M10 Paper certificates have not been accepted since 2022. Only the electronic M10 message from the Krankenkasse releases the enrolment. [DAK-Gesundheit ships the M10 automatically →](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit/overview/) GKV exemption filed by mistake — irreversible The Befreiung is filed once and locks you out of GKV for the whole programme. Most students under 30 should stay in GKV. [Read the exemption checklist first →](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/exemption-from-statutory-health-insurance-students-key-points-germany/) Language course — GKV not allowed Pure language-school students do not qualify for the GKV student tariff — Care College is the recognised cover. [Care College — from €27.50/month →](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) Over 30 or PhD — student GKV ends After the 30th birthday or for PhD candidates on a stipend the GKV student tariff stops — Care Student takes over with M10. [Care Student — €101.54/month total →](/en/insurance-plans/care-student/overview/) ## Reality check: what happens without recognised student 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. ## Matriculation slot, M10, Anmeldung — 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 foreign students say about DAK-Gesundheit and Care Student for the M10 enrolment file 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 — GKV vs private student plans Three products cover almost every foreign-student scenario in Germany — statutory under 30, recognised private over 30 / PhD, and the language-course / Studienkolleg pathway. 🎓 Degree students under 30 · GKV ### DAK-Gesundheit Students from €145.52 / month (effectively from €135.52 with DAK Garantietarif 120 possible) For international students in Germany up to age 29 - Accepted for university enrollment – electronic M10 notification - Visa confirmation directly after application - Statutory health insurance + mandatory long-term care insurance included - Doctor, dentist, hospital, pharmacy & prescription medication coverage - Health insurance card for medical treatment in Germany - Apply online from your home country – no German address required - Save €120 per year with DAK Garantietarif 120 possible - Alternative: DAK Fit & Travel with additional benefits - 2026 contributions: from €145.52 · effectively from €135.52 possible - Reputable statutory health insurance provider Why DAK-Gesundheit? For international students in Germany who need statutory health insurance for a visa, university and enrollment — including M10 notification and a health insurance card. Why statutory student health insurance? More security for your studies and enrollment: full statutory health coverage, electronic notification to the university and clear acceptance for enrollment. - 🏛️ DAK-Gesundheit - 📄 M10 notification + visa confirmation after application - 🔒 Doctor, dentist, clinic, pharmacy & prescription medication - 🏷️ From €145.52 / month · effectively from €135.52 possible [DAK-Gesundheit – Quick Overview](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit/plan-details/) [Apply online now](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit/apply/) → Complete the application, receive visa confirmation, secure your M10 notification 👨‍🎓 Over 30, GKV-exempt or PhD · private ### 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 🗣️ Language course / Studienkolleg ### 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 ## DAK-Gesundheit student tariff — all prices **Quick answer:** For foreign degree students under 30, DAK-Gesundheit is the standard statutory student plan: ~135–150 €/month including the statutory long-term-care contribution, M10 to the university automatic, electronic health card (eGK) on arrival. Insured benefits DAK-Gesundheit Bestseller DAK + Garantietarif 120 DAK + Fit & Travel up to age 23 €145.52 / month €145.52 €135.52 / month €145.52 / month up to age 29, childless €150.65 / month €150.65 €140.65 / month €150.65 / month up to age 29, with 1 child €145.52 / month €145.52 €135.52 / month €145.52 / month Bonus / extra benefit — saves €120/year free for under 39 Contribution incl. long-term care insurance (childless from age 23). Garantietarif 120: €120 contribution refund per year if no claims are filed. Fit & Travel: free for insured persons under 39. Entry age up to 29, term for the duration of studies (max. 14 specialist semesters / age 30). As of 2026. ### Care Student — all prices by component (over 30 / GKV-exempt / PhD) **Quick answer:** Care Student bundles the three required components — outpatient/ inpatient (CCS), hospital (PVN) and the statutory long-term-care contribution — into one M10-recognised package at 101,54 €/month total. 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 College — language course & Studienkolleg prices **Quick answer:** Care College is the recognised plan for language-school students, Studienkollegs and the study-preparation visa — three tiers (Basic, Comfort, Premium), prices by age band and duration. 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. ## Which tariff for which student situation? **Quick answer:** Use this matrix to map your status — degree student, language course, Studienkolleg, Werkstudent, PhD, exchange — to the product and entry price most commonly used for each case. Your situation Recommended tariff From Foreign degree student, under 30, not GKV-exempt [DAK-Gesundheit student](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit/overview/) from €135.52/month (open-ended) Degree student over 30, GKV-exempt, or PhD on stipend [Care Student](/en/insurance-plans/care-student/overview/) from €101.54/month (up to 5 years) Language course (DSH, TestDaF, Goethe) before study [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) from €27.50/month (up to 5 years) Studienkolleg / Feststellungsprüfung [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) from €27.50/month (up to 5 years) Exchange / Erasmus student (under 30) [DAK-Gesundheit student](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit/overview/) from €135.52/month (open-ended) PhD candidate on employment contract [GKV via employer (DAK-Gesundheit Angestellte)](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit-angestellte/overview/) 17.8% of gross Werkstudent / mini-job (under 20 h/week) [DAK-Gesundheit student (unchanged)](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit/overview/) from €135.52/month (open-ended) Study-preparation visa (language + admission pending) [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) from €27.50/month (up to 5 years) Not sure which fits? [Try the 30-second tariff finder](/en/tariffinder-germany/). Foreign students at TU Berlin, LMU Munich, Heidelberg, RWTH Aachen, Goethe Frankfurt, KIT Karlsruhe, TU Munich, Humboldt Berlin, Köln and Hamburg from India (Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai), China (Beijing, Shanghai), Pakistan (Islamabad, Karachi), Iran (Tehran), Turkey (Istanbul, Ankara), Nigeria (Lagos, Abuja), Indonesia (Jakarta), Vietnam (Hanoi), Bangladesh (Dhaka), Egypt (Cairo), Morocco (Casablanca), the Philippines (Manila) and Brazil (São Paulo) — most arriving on the national D-visa for studies or the study-preparation visa for a language course or Studienkolleg regularly use [DAK-Gesundheit](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit/overview/) for the degree-programme M10 and [Care College](/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/) for the language-course / Studienkolleg pathway. Pricing is age-based, not nationality-based; the same monthly premium applies worldwide. ## Step-by-step: from admission letter to first lecture **Quick answer:** The standard student-insurance flow takes one afternoon — pick the right product, buy online, the M10 reaches the university automatically, the bilingual PDF clears the Ausländerbehörde. 1. **Identify your student status.** Under 30 degree student → DAK-Gesundheit. Over 30 / GKV-exempt / PhD on stipend → Care Student. Language course / Studienkolleg → Care College. 2. **Apply online.** 5 minutes — name, date of birth, university and study-start date. No medical questionnaire within policy terms. 3. **M10 to the university — automatically.** DAK-Gesundheit, Care Student or Care College sends the electronic M10 directly to the matriculation office. 4. **Enrol at the university.** The matriculation office releases the enrolment as soon as the M10 is on file. Carry the printed bilingual certificate as a backup. 5. **Enter Germany.** Cover starts on the agreed date. The certificate doubles as the visa proof at the embassy and at the border. 6. **Anmeldung within 14 days.** Register at the Bürgeramt — book the slot the same day you sign the room or flat contract. 7. **Ausländerbehörde appointment.** Hand the bilingual certificate (GKV: Mitgliedsbescheinigung after the first payroll) under § 5 AufenthG for the residence-permit decision. ## All student health-insurance guides — 22 deep dives The complete library on every student-insurance question — grouped by topic so you can jump straight to the one that matches your file. ### Proof & enrolment - → [Insurance proof for university enrolment](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-proof-enrollment-university-germany/)What the German university expects as the Krankenversicherungsnachweis — M10 notification, exemption certificate or private confirmation. - → [Rejected by the university or immigration office](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/rejection-due-to-health-insurance-university-or-authority-checklist-germany/)What to do if the university or the Ausländerbehörde does not accept your insurance proof. - → [Residence permit extension as a student](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/residence-permit-extension-student-health-insurance-proofs-germany/)Which KV proof the Ausländerbehörde wants to see when you renew the Aufenthaltstitel. ### GKV or private — decision help - → [GKV or private as a student?](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/statutory-or-private-health-insurance-foreign-students-options-germany/)Which option fits whom — age, country of origin and form of study decide. - → [Statutory or private student insurance — detailed compare](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/statutory-or-private-student-health-insurance-germany/)Side-by-side: benefits, cost and recognition status of each option. - → [GKV exemption — what really matters](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/exemption-from-statutory-health-insurance-students-key-points-germany/)When the Befreiung makes sense — and why it is irreversible for the whole study programme. - → [Age limit & student-tariff end (30 years)](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/student-tariff-age-limit-30-years-when-it-ends-germany/)When the student GKV obligation ends — and which alternative cover applies after the 30th birthday. ### Timing & study start - → [Take out cover before study start](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-before-study-start-taking-out-start-date-entry-enrollment-germany/)When does the policy need to begin? Start date, entry to Germany and enrolment deadlines. - → [Language course before study — what differs](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-language-course-before-study-differences-typical-mistakes-germany/)Differences in insurance — language course vs regular degree programme. - → [Blocked account, visa & insurance — combine before entry](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/blocked-account-visa-study-health-insurance-before-entry-proof-germany/)All three proofs before entry — and the correct order to deliver them. - → [Blocked account & study start](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/blocked-account-study-start-health-insurance-enrollment-germany/)How the blocked account and student health insurance work together at enrolment. ### Study preparation & language course - → [Study applicants — pre-admission options](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-study-applicants-not-yet-enrolled-typical-options-germany/)Insurance cover during the application phase, before the official admission letter. - → [Studienkolleg — KV proof for preparatory college](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/preparatory-college-health-insurance-proof-registration-residence-germany/)Which Krankenversicherungsnachweis the Studienkolleg expects at registration. - → [Study preparation visa — language course & college](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-study-preparation-visa-language-course-proof-combining-germany/)Insurance proof for the language-course or Studienkolleg pathway and the study-preparation visa. - → [Switch from language school to degree programme](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/changing-from-language-school-to-study-health-insurance-switch-or-extend-germany/)Insurance change at the status transition — what changes and what to renew. ### Working & side income - → [Werkstudent, mini-job & internship](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/working-student-mini-job-internship-health-insurance-differences-germany/)Differences in student health insurance depending on the type of employment. - → [Part-time job as a student — what changes](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/part-time-job-student-health-insurance-what-changes-self-germany/)Impact on the student insurance status — when student GKV cover ends. - → [Pre-studies internship (Incoming)](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/pre-studies-internship-incoming-health-insurance-accepted-germany/)Insurance for pre-studies internships before the regular degree programme. ### Special cases & status change - → [Exchange students & PhD candidates](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/exchange-students-phd-students-health-insurance-germany/)Insurance for exchange, research stays and doctoral studies — special rules and pitfalls. - → [PhD from abroad — student or employee status?](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-phd-abroad-student-or-employment-germany/)Health insurance for foreign doctoral candidates — GKV, private or Care Student? - → [De-enrolment — student status ends](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/de-enrollment-when-student-status-ends-what-happens-to-health-insurance-germany/)What happens with the insurance when you de-enrol or finish the programme. - → [Discontinuation or major change of study](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/study-discontinuation-major-change-health-insurance-typical-next-steps-germany/)Impact on the KV — and which options remain when the study path changes. - → [Semester break — continuous or pause?](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/semester-break-health-insurance-continuous-or-pause-germany/)What happens with the insurance cover during semester breaks. ### After studies - → [After studies — job transition](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/after-studies-job-transition-health-insurance-status-germany/)What happens with the insurance after graduation — and which bridge options exist. ## Glossary — student insurance terms **Quick answer:** Five terms appear in nearly every matriculation appointment and Krankenkasse decision. Mastering them shortens the paperwork from weeks to one afternoon. M10 notification Electronic message a German Krankenkasse (TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK-Gesundheit) or recognised private insurer sends directly to the university. Without the M10 the matriculation office cannot enrol you — paper certificates have not been accepted since 2022. GKV exemption (Befreiung von der Versicherungspflicht) One-off, irreversible opt-out from statutory student health insurance under § 8 SGB V. Once filed within the first 3 months of the semester, the student is locked out of GKV for the entire study programme and must hold a recognised private student plan instead (e.g. Care Student). Care Student (recognised private student insurance) Private health insurance package (HanseMerkur) tailored to foreign students who are over 30, exempted from GKV or in PhD programmes. Total premium 101,54 €/month — covers outpatient, inpatient, statutory long-term care (Pflege) and is M10-recognised by German universities. DAK-Gesundheit student tariff Statutory student health insurance under § 5 SGB V for foreign degree students under 30. Premium roughly 145–150 €/month including long-term care. Includes the M10 enrolment notification and the electronic health card (eGK) for use at every German doctor and hospital. Studienkolleg / language course pathway Pre-study programme for international applicants who need a Feststellungsprüfung (Studienkolleg) or German-language proof (e.g. DSH, TestDaF). Pure language-school students do not qualify for the GKV student tariff — Care College (from 27,50 €/month) is the standard substitute. **Market context — German statutory Krankenkassen for foreign students.** The German GKV market for students is shared between several public Krankenkassen — most commonly DAK-Gesundheit, Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), Barmer, AOK and BKK funds. Every recognised Krankenkasse is required by § 5 SGB V to offer essentially the same student tariff (≈ 135–150 €/month including the statutory long-term-care contribution) and every recognised Krankenkasse ships the M10 electronic notification to the German university. On the private side the market is shared between specialised student providers — HanseMerkur (Care Student, Care College), MAWISTA, Hallesche, DKV and Allianz Travel are the names most often seen in matriculation files. This page focuses on DAK-Gesundheit (GKV) and HanseMerkur (Care Student, Care College) because they are the two product lines our brokerage actually places — not a quality ranking of the wider market. For students running a _Vergleich der Krankenkassen für Studenten_ (price comparison across statutory funds), the cheapest student health insurance in Germany for the under-30 degree path is the statutory tariff at roughly €135.52/month (DAK-Gesundheit) — TK, Barmer, AOK and BKK funds sit in the same €135–150 band under § 5 SGB V, so the DAK student tariff monthly cost is representative of the whole GKV market. For an English-language enrolment experience, DAK-Gesundheit ships the M10 to the university with a bilingual confirmation letter our team co-signs. International students often search for _Mawista vs Barmer student_, _MAWISTA vs HanseMerkur_ or _Care Student vs DAK-Gesundheit_ — the comparison guides in the cluster above (DAK vs Care Student, GKV vs private) walk through the actual benefit deltas. ## Frequently asked questions — student health insurance in Germany ## Frequently Asked Questions Do foreign students under 30 need GKV or private insurance in Germany? As a rule, GKV (statutory) is the default for foreign degree students under 30. DAK-Gesundheit student tariff costs ~145–150 €/month including long-term care; it ships the M10 notification to the university automatically and gives you the electronic health card (eGK). Private student insurance (Care Student) is only the right path for students who are over 30, filed a GKV exemption (Befreiung), or are on a PhD programme. Individual case review applies. What is the M10 notification and who sends it? The M10 is an electronic message that the Krankenkasse (e.g. DAK-Gesundheit) or recognised private insurer sends directly to the German university. Since 2022 paper insurance certificates are no longer accepted at matriculation — the M10 is the only valid format. DAK-Gesundheit and Care Student both ship the M10 automatically once the policy is active, so the matriculation office sees the proof before the appointment. Care Student vs DAK-Gesundheit — what does each cost? DAK-Gesundheit student tariff: from 135,52 €/month for students with a child, ~150,65 €/month for childless students aged 23+, including the statutory long-term-care contribution. Care Student (private, HanseMerkur): 101,54 €/month total — 35 € outpatient/inpatient + 58,04 € hospital + 8,50 € long-term care — with a 300 €/year deductible. Both are M10-recognised by German universities; the choice depends on age (under or over 30) and the GKV exemption decision. Can I use my home-country health insurance for a German student visa? From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Generally no. Foreign travel insurance bought in the home country (Indian, Turkish, Pakistani, Nigerian, Filipino, Brazilian) is typically not accepted by the German embassy for the national D-visa for studies, nor by the Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG. EU/EEA students with a valid EHIC card are the exception. For everyone else, DAK-Gesundheit (GKV, under 30) or Care Student / Care College (private) are the standard substitutes — both ship a bilingual German + English certificate ready for the embassy file. Studienkolleg or language course — which insurance is accepted? Care College from 27,50 €/month (under 30) is the standard product for the language-course and study-preparation visa, accepted by Studienkollegs nationwide. Pure language-school and Studienkolleg students do not qualify for the GKV student tariff — universities and the Ausländerbehörde require a recognised private plan instead. Once you matriculate into the regular degree programme you switch to DAK-Gesundheit (under 30) or Care Student (over 30 / GKV-exempt). Is the GKV exemption (Befreiung) really irreversible? Yes — the Befreiung von der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung is filed once with the chosen Krankenkasse within the first three months of the semester. Once granted, it locks the student out of statutory student insurance for the entire degree programme — no return path, even after a job, a Werkstudent contract or a switch of subject. Individual case review applies; not legal advice. What changes when I start a Werkstudent or part-time job? If your weekly hours stay below 20 during semester time, the student GKV tariff (DAK-Gesundheit ~150 €/month) continues unchanged. Above 20 hours per week or above the mini-job earnings threshold, you typically switch to the regular employee GKV tariff (≈ 17.8 % of gross, split between employer and employee). The Krankenkasse re-classifies you automatically once the employer files the new DEÜV message; the M10 stays valid until de-enrolment. Mini-job side income (Minijob im Studium) below the earnings threshold does not change the student tariff. Semester breaks (Semesterferien) keep the cover continuous — there is no pause, no refund of contributions during the lecture-free weeks. At the end of studies the de-enrolment (Exmatrikulation) terminates the GKV student tariff automatically on the day matriculation ends; the next product is either employee GKV (job offer), §-16 AufenthG jobseeker cover, or Care Expatriate for a longer transition phase. PhD or exchange — student status or employment? Exchange students on a stipend or Erasmus grant typically keep student status during their Auslandssemester — DAK-Gesundheit (under 30) or Care Student (over 30 / GKV-exempt) are the standard products. PhD candidates with a research-employment contract at a German university or Max-Planck institute are employees, not students — regular GKV via the employer applies (≈ 17.8 % of gross). A Doktorandenversicherung funded by a Promotionsstipendium (DAAD, DFG, Humboldt, Konrad-Adenauer) stays in the student / private path — DAK-Gesundheit under 30 or Care Student over 30. Caseworker discretion applies; not legal advice. Is health insurance free for international students in Germany? No — health insurance is mandatory and is not free for international students in Germany. The recognised private student path (Care Student, HanseMerkur) is 101,54 €/month total. Language-school and Studienkolleg students typically use Care College from 27,50 €/month. EU/EEA students with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can use that cover for the first months but most German universities still ask for a Krankenversicherungsnachweis or M10. Which is the best health insurance for international students in Germany? The differences are service language (English hotline, English app), how fast the M10 reaches the matriculation office, and bonus programmes. There is no single 'best' Krankenkasse — § 5 SGB V requires every recognised GKV to offer essentially the same student tariff and benefit catalogue, so DAK-Gesundheit, Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), Barmer, AOK and BKK funds all cover the same statutory benefits at a similar premium (~135–150 €/month). Foreign degree students under 30 normally pick DAK-Gesundheit through us because of its English-language enrolment file and automatic M10 to the university. Over-30 students, GKV-exempt students or PhD candidates on a stipend should compare Care Student (101,54 €/month, HanseMerkur) against MAWISTA, Hallesche and DKV private student plans for benefit and recognition fit. Does student health insurance in Germany cover dental treatment and pregnancy? Student KV: €101.54/month (Care Student) or €150.65/month (DAK statutory, 2026). From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): GKV student tariffs (DAK-Gesundheit, TK, Barmer, AOK, BKK) include the statutory dental benefit catalogue under § 28 SGB V — annual check-up, fillings, plus the statutory share for prosthetics; cosmetic dentistry is excluded. Pregnancy, prenatal care and birth are fully covered as statutory benefits. Care Student (HanseMerkur) covers outpatient and inpatient dental treatment plus maternity care within the agreed terms and waiting periods. Care College's outpatient dental benefit is capped per tariff tier — see the bilingual policy terms. Caseworker discretion applies; not insurance advice. Which Krankenkasse is best for international students — Techniker Krankenkasse, DAK, Barmer or AOK? Under § 5 SGB V every recognised statutory fund offers the same student benefit catalogue. That means Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), Barmer, AOK and the BKK funds all sit at roughly the same price for foreign students — around 135–150 €/month including the long-term-care contribution. A side-by-side comparison of Krankenkassen for students mostly comes down to the English service hotline, the quality of the app and how quickly the M10 reaches the matriculation office. New applicants who enrol with us default to DAK-Gesundheit because of its bilingual enrolment file and reliable M10 delivery. What are the recognised private alternatives — MAWISTA, HanseMerkur, Hallesche, DKV or Allianz Travel? Our recommended package is Care Student (underwritten by HanseMerkur) at 101,54 €/month all-in. Recognised private student insurance in Germany (sometimes labelled Incoming student insurance) is only required when the statutory path is closed — typically for students over 30, those with a § 8 SGB V exemption or PhD researchers on a contract outside the student tariff. The market includes MAWISTA, the older Mawista-Barmer combination, HanseMerkur, Hallesche, DKV and short-stay travel products such as Allianz Travel. To be accepted at matriculation, any private student plan must include outpatient and inpatient care plus the statutory long-term-care contribution. PhD candidate or research scholar on a Promotionsstipendium or DAAD/Fulbright grant — which plan applies? A PhD candidate on a regular employment contract instead enters employee GKV (around 17.8 % of gross). Stipend-funded researchers without an employment contract stay in the student or private path. A doctoral student health insurance (Doktorandenversicherung) tied to a Promotionsstipendium — whether the grant comes from DAAD, DFG, the Humboldt Foundation or Fulbright — typically means DAK-Gesundheit under 30 or Care Student over 30; both are M10-recognised as proof of cover during the doctorate. The same logic applies to a research stay or a visiting-scholar appointment in Germany: if the role is paid by stipend it stays in the student path, if it is paid by payroll it follows the employee rules. Studienkolleg or Sprachkurs — what does the Hochschule accept at enrolment? Care College for language courses in Germany (from 27,50 €/month under 30) is the product Studienkollegs accept for matriculation and for the residence permit. For a Studienkolleg place or a Sprachkurs, the Hochschule needs a Krankenversicherungsnachweis showing a recognised plan; pure language-school students do not qualify for the statutory student tariff. It covers the whole language-preparation phase and the study-preparation visa period, until you switch to DAK-Gesundheit or Care Student the moment regular matriculation begins. Werkstudent, Minijob and Semesterferien — does my premium change? Student KV: €101.54/month (Care Student) or €150.65/month (DAK statutory, 2026). From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): A Werkstudent job keeps you inside the student tariff as long as the weekly hours stay below 20 during lecture periods — the contribution is the usual DAK-Gesundheit rate of around 150 €/month. A Minijob during studies with side income below the earnings threshold also keeps the student tariff. Cover during the Semesterferien runs without interruption — there is no pause and no refund during the lecture-free weeks. At Exmatrikulation the GKV student tariff ends on the day matriculation closes; the next step is either employee GKV (with a job offer), the jobseeker cover under § 16 AufenthG or Care Expatriate for a longer transition phase. From which countries do most foreign students apply, and does origin change the insurance? From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): The recognition rules are the same worldwide, but D-visa caseworkers handle very different volumes by country. India and China are the two largest sending nations for foreign students in Germany, followed by Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Nigeria, Brazil and Indonesia. In every case the German embassy and the Ausländerbehörde accept DAK-Gesundheit (under 30) or Care Student and Care College on the private side — home-country travel cover is not accepted for the student visa file. How much does student health insurance cost in Germany — and what is the cheapest option? The cheapest recognised plan during actual studies is Care Student for over-30 or GKV-exempt students. The monthly cost depends on the route. The DAK-Gesundheit student tariff runs between 135 € and 150 € per month including long-term care, Care Student is fixed at 101,54 € per month all-in (Pflegeversicherung included) and Care College starts at 27,50 € per month under 30 for the Basic language-course tier. On paper the cheapest option is Care College, but it is only valid during the Studienkolleg or Sprachkurs phase before matriculation into a regular degree. Health insurance for international students is mandatory in Germany and is never free. M10, eGK and the Krankenversicherungspflicht under § 5 SGB V — what do they mean? § 5 SGB V sets the Krankenversicherungspflicht — the legal duty for matriculated students under 30 to hold statutory cover. Since 2022 the only valid enrolment proof is the M10, an electronic message sent by the Krankenkasse to the university. DAK-Gesundheit or a recognised private insurer like HanseMerkur (for Care Student) transmits the M10 directly to the matriculation office. The Krankenkasse then issues the electronic health card (eGK), which the student uses at every German doctor and hospital. The opt-out is the Befreiung von der Versicherungspflicht under § 8 SGB V — a one-off, irreversible filing in the first three months of the semester, most relevant for students over 30 whose GKV exemption decision sends them into the recognised private path. Exchange semester, Erasmus, EHIC and Auslandssemester — what does an EU student need? Student KV: €101.54/month (Care Student) or €150.65/month (DAK statutory, 2026). From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Erasmus and exchange students from the EU or EEA can rely on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) during the first months of an Auslandssemester, but most German universities still ask for a Krankenversicherungsnachweis at matriculation. Erasmus participants therefore usually pair the EHIC with a short top-up policy or a brief DAK-Gesundheit enrolment to satisfy the registrar. Foreign guest students on a short visiting-scholar exchange typically take Care Economy or Care College depending on how long the stay lasts. Blocked account, Bürgeramt Anmeldung and the best English-language plan — how does it all fit together? For students under the age-30 limit on the GKV tariff, the practical answer to “how do I get student health insurance in Germany?” is a ten-minute online enrolment with DAK-Gesundheit. For the student visa the German embassy expects two things together: a blocked account (BASTI from 4,90 €/month) holding the 11,904 € annual living-cost proof, and a recognised health insurance plan. After arrival, the Bürgeramt Anmeldung is needed for the residence permit, and the same DAK-Gesundheit or Care Student certificate works for both steps. When people ask which plan offers the best English service or simply which is the best for international students, our default recommendation is still DAK-Gesundheit because of its M10 speed and bilingual enrolment file. Are dental care and pregnancy explicitly covered for international students? Yes — dental basics for international students — an annual check-up, fillings and the statutory share of prosthetics — and pregnancy care — prenatal visits, birth and the maternity stay — are part of the standard benefit catalogue in both the GKV student tariff with DAK-Gesundheit and the recognised private Care Student plan from HanseMerkur. See the dental and maternity FAQ above for the full breakdown. ![Steffan Grund](/assets/steffan-grund-B5K5tUm9.jpg)Written by **Steffan Grund** Reviewed: **August 31, 2026** Sources§ 5 SGB V · § 8 SGB V · § 5 AufenthG · Bundesmeldegesetz § 17 · DAAD · DAK-Gesundheit · HanseMerkur GTC · Care Concept AG · DKG hospital statistics 4.9/5 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/) Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009 ## Ready to enrol? Pick your student plan. [DAK-Gesundheit student from €135.52/month (open-ended) ](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit/overview/)[Care Student 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 31, 2026.