Health Insurance for Exchange Students and Doctoral Candidates in Germany
- EU / EEA / Swiss exchange: EHIC — free (EU Reg. 883/2004 · valid for the entire exchange)
- Non-EU enrolled exchange: DAK Studenten ~€135.52/month (M10 via university · standard GKV proof)
- Language / Studienkolleg / PhD < 30: Care College from €27.50/month (1–60 mo, age 12–29 · or Care Expatriate €58/mo for 30+ / stipend)
"Exchange student" and "doctoral candidate" are two audiences, three legal frames:
- AEU / EEA / Switzerland exchange student: EHIC — free — the European Health Insurance Card (EU Regulation 883/2004) is the recognised proof for the entire exchange. Top up with Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days) for non-Schengen side trips.
- BNon-EU exchange student enrolled at a German university: DAK Studenten from €135.52/month (open-ended) — GKV student tariff under § 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 9 SGB V; M10 to the university; the cheapest long-term route for any exchange ≥ 6 months.
- CLanguage course / Studienkolleg / pre-studies / doctoral candidate: Care College from €27.50/month (up to 5 years) for under 30, or Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) for 30+ / stipend-funded — Incoming-Versicherung (Privat) recognised for § 16b AufenthG.
Doctoral candidate with a contract or a stipend? Read the dedicated PhD guide →
Inside: why an Erasmus+ travel package fails the § 16b AufenthG check · the EHIC limit that doesn't cover non-Schengen side trips · the legal frame that turns a 'doctoral student' into an employee
Sources: EU Regulation 883/2004 (EHIC) · § 16b AufenthG (study) · § 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 9 SGB V (student GKV, age 30 cap) · § 257 SGB V (equivalence) · HanseMerkur Care College / Care Expatriate / Care Visa Protect AVB · DAK-Gesundheit tariff sheet 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
Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009
Non-EU exchange or pre-studies frame? Take out Care College the same day so the Ausländerbehörde sees the recognised PDF — covering the full exchange period — at the appointment.
Five typical mistakes exchange students and PhD candidates make
Quick answer: "Which insurance does an exchange student or PhD candidate need in Germany?" — most international candidates run into one of five issues: assuming an Erasmus+ travel package satisfies § 16b AufenthG; non-EU students using only a home-country card; EU students forgetting the EHIC for non-Schengen trips; doctoral candidates assuming the GKV student tariff applies past age 30; or stipend-funded PhDs missing the gap between contract end and visa renewal.
Avoid the mistakes that can delay your application
Enrollment can stall without M10
DAK Student and Care Student support electronic M10 notification for eligible university enrollment flows.
Under 30 or over 30?
DAK Student fits many students up to age 29; Care Student can fit private student coverage up to age 39.
Private or statutory confusion
Choosing the wrong route can create extra steps. Check statutory, private and exemption rules before applying.
Language school is different
Care College is better for language school, Studienkolleg, DSH and educational stays — not M10 university enrollment.
What an uninsured day during an exchange semester actually costs
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.
First university day in the next 14 days? Care College delivers the recognised PDF in minutes
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.
From application to exchange certificate — in 3 steps
10 minutes online, certificate by email, accepted by every German Ausländerbehörde for § 16b AufenthG. For doctoral candidates the decision tree is split into three frames — see also the dedicated PhD insurance guide.
Ready for university enrollment in 3 steps
DAK Student or Care Student for university enrollment, M10 notification and proof of coverage.
-
Choose your student plan
DAK statutory student cover up to age 29 · Care Student private student cover up to age 39. For language school or Studienkolleg, use Care College.
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Complete the application
Enter your passport, university/program and stay details. M10 applies to DAK Student and Care Student university enrollment flows.
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Receive your proof
Receive visa or insurance proof after application; where applicable, the electronic M10 notification can be sent to the university.
What exchange students say about Care College for the § 16b AufenthG exchange semester in Germany
“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
Cameroon
“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
Russia
“Found the best solution and best service for health insurance for foreign visitors and guests in Germany.
Fast, simple and affordable.
Highly recommended!”
Michael
Germany
“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
Australia
Now choose your plan
The 2 products that cover non-EU exchange students and doctoral candidates
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
→ Complete the application, receive your instant PDF, submit your proof
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
→ Complete the application, receive visa confirmation, secure your M10 notification
Stipend-funded PhD or any candidate aged 30+? Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) is the recognised solution (1–60 months, no excess). Compare all 11 tariffs in the foreign-students hub.
Full price tables — Non-EU exchange, enrolled GKV and PhD 30+ fallback
Quick answer: Three recognised products cover non-EU exchange students and doctoral candidates: Care College from €27.50/month for the language / Studienkolleg / pre-studies frame, DAK Studenten ~€135.52/month for any enrolled non-EU exchange ≥ 6 months, and Care Expatriate from €58/month for stipend-funded or 30+ candidates.
Language course / Studienkolleg / PhD < 30 — Care College
Three tiers (Basic / Comfort / Premium), 1–60 months, ages 12–40 (entry), recognised by every German Ausländerbehörde for § 16b AufenthG:
| Care College |
Basic
|
BestsellerComfort
|
Premium
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Deductible / yr
120,–
|
Deductible / yr
0,–
|
Deductible / yr
0,–
|
|
| Months 1–24 monthup to 29 yrs (€ / month) | 27,50 | 34,– | 48,– |
| Months 1–24 monthfrom 30 yrs (€ / month) | 33,50 | 50,– | 75,– |
| From 25th monthup to 29 yrs (€ / month) | 49,50 | 57,– | 73,– |
| From 25th monthfrom 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.
Enrolled non-EU exchange ≥ 6 months — DAK Studenten
GKV student tariff under § 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 9 SGB V, M10 automatic to the university, valid for the entire enrolled period (age cap 30):
| Versicherte Leistungen |
DAK-Gesundheit
|
BestsellerDAK + Garantietarif 120
|
DAK + Fit & Travel
|
|---|---|---|---|
| bis 23 Jahre | 145,52 € / Monat | 145,52 €135,52 € / Monat | 145,52 € / Monat |
| bis 29 Jahre, kinderlos | 150,65 € / Monat | 150,65 €140,65 € / Monat | 150,65 € / Monat |
| bis 29 Jahre, mit 1 Kind | 145,52 € / Monat | 145,52 €135,52 € / Monat | 145,52 € / Monat |
| Bonus / Zusatznutzen | — | spart 120 €/Jahr | kostenlos für unter 39 |
Beitrag inkl. Pflegeversicherung (kinderlos ab 23 J.). Garantietarif 120: 120 € Beitragsrückerstattung pro Jahr bei Leistungsfreiheit. Fit & Travel: gratis für Versicherte unter 39 Jahre. Eintrittsalter bis 29 Jahre, Laufzeit Studiendauer (max. 14 Fachsemester / 30. Lebensjahr). Stand 2026.
Stipend / age 30+ doctoral candidate — Care Expatriate
Three tiers (Basic / Comfort / Premium), 1–60 months, recognised globally incl. home country, no excess — the standard fallback for stipend-funded PhDs and 30+ candidates:
| Care Expatriateworldwide without USA, Canada and Mexico |
Basic
|
BestsellerComfort
|
Premium
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Deductible / yr
150,–
|
Deductible / yr
150,–
|
Deductible / yr
500,–
|
Deductible / yr
0,–
|
Deductible / yr
500,–
|
Deductible / yr
1.000,–
|
|
| Entry age:0–12 (€ / month) | 64,– | 104,– | 81,– | 191,– | 149,– | 117,– |
| Entry age:13–40 (€ / month) | 58,– | 84,– | 63,– | 181,– | 141,– | 109,– |
| Entry age:41–60 (€ / month) | 68,– | 103,– | 77,– | 256,– | 201,– | 156,– |
| Entry age:61–74 (€ / month) | 246,– | 322,– | 248,– | 432,– | 336,– | 263,– |
All prices per month/person in euros. Deductible applies per insurance year. As of 2026.
FAQ — Health insurance for exchange students and doctoral candidates in Germany
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EHIC enough for an EU exchange student in Germany?
Yes — for EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals with valid statutory health insurance at home, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is the recognised proof under EU Regulation 883/2004 for the entire exchange semester or year. Bring the physical card to the university enrolment and to any Ausländerbehörde meeting; no German policy is required. For non-Schengen side trips (UK, Balkans) take out a short <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-visa-protect/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day</a> as a top-up.
Which insurance does a non-EU exchange student need in Germany?
For non-EU exchange students enrolled at a German university the standard recognised cover is <a href="/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">DAK Studenten ~€135.52/month</a> (GKV student tariff, M10 sent automatically to the university). For exchanges via a language course, Studienkolleg or pre-studies frame the recognised solution is <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care College from €27.50/month</a> (HanseMerkur Incoming-Versicherung, 1–60 months, accepted by every Ausländerbehörde for § 16b AufenthG).
I am an international PhD candidate — what changes compared to an exchange student?
Doctoral candidates are NOT automatically students in the GKV sense. The route depends on the legal frame: enrolled and under 30 with no employment > 20 h/week → DAK Studenten ~€135.52/month; Wissenschaftliche/r Mitarbeiter/in (TV-L E13, > 20 h/week) → DAK Angestellte 17.8 % gross with the employer paying half; stipend-funded (DAAD, Max-Planck) or any PhD aged 30+ → <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Expatriate from €58/month</a> (HanseMerkur, recognised globally, 1–60 months). Full decision tree in the <a href="/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-phd-abroad-student-or-employment-germany/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">dedicated PhD guide</a>.