+49 228 97735-44· German & English spoken
    Health Insurance for Foreigners in Germany
    All tariffsFind a tariff
    Find a tariff
    Care College — recognised for non-EU exchange / Studienkollegfrom €27.50/month (up to 5 years)
    An Erasmus+ travel-insurance package usually does NOT meet § 16b AufenthG — non-EU exchange students need recognised German cover before the first university day

    Health Insurance for Exchange Students and Doctoral Candidates in Germany

    4.9/5 · Over 10,000 policies since 2009
    Exchange students and doctoral candidates in Germany — recognised health-insurance proof for the Ausländerbehörde
    EU / EHIC
    Free
    Non-EU enrolled
    ~€135.52/mo
    Sprachk. / PhD
    €27.50 / €58

    "Exchange student" and "doctoral candidate" are two audiences, three legal frames:

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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

    4.9/5

    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.

    🏛️ Authority-approved📄 Instant proof🔒 DAK / HanseMerkur🏷️ Transparent pricing
    4.9/5· Since 2009 · 10,000+ policies· Since 2009 · Over 10,000 policies issued

    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.

    1. Choose your student plan

      DAK statutory student cover up to age 29 · Care Student private student cover up to age 39. For language school or Studienkolleg, use Care College.

    2. Complete the application

      Enter your passport, university/program and stay details. M10 applies to DAK Student and Care Student university enrollment flows.

    3. 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

    4.9/5 · Since 2009 · Over 10,000 policies issued
    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

    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

    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

    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

    Yunhee

    Australia

    Now choose your plan

    4.9/5 · Since 2009 · Over 10,000 policies issued

    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):

    Insured benefits
    DAK-Gesundheit
    BestsellerDAK + 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.

    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

    Which health insurance do exchange students need in Germany?

    Erasmus and short-term exchange students (up to 92 days) typically use Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day. For semesters longer than 3 months, Care College (from €27.50/month, 1–60 months) is the recognised recognised private tariff.

    Is EHIC enough for exchange students in Germany?

    For EU/EEA exchange students, EHIC covers medically necessary treatment during study stays up to 12 months. Universities may still request an M10 electronic notification — a top-up Care College policy (from €27.50/month) is sometimes required for enrolment.

    What health insurance do PhD candidates need in Germany?

    From €27.50/month (Care College) or €101.54/month (Care Student under § 5 SGB V): Depends on status: PhD students matriculated as regular students under 30 use DAK-Studenten (~€135.52/month); over 30 use Care Student (€101.54/month); PhD candidates on an employment contract go into GKV via the employer (~17.8% of gross).

    Can PhD researchers on a fellowship use private insurance in Germany?

    PhD scholarship holders (Stipendiaten) are typically not GKV-eligible and use Care Expatriate (from €58/month, up to 60 months) — accepted by the Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG for the researcher residence permit.

    How long can exchange or PhD students stay on private insurance in Germany?

    Care College runs 1–60 months for degree-preparation and exchange phases. Care Expatriate runs 1–60 months for PhD fellowships. Both provide instant PDF certificates typically accepted by German embassies and the Ausländerbehörde.

    What health insurance do exchange students need in Germany?

    Exchange students enrolled at a German university typically need statutory insurance (GKV) or a private plan with an exemption certificate. Visiting students often use incoming tariffs like Care College (from €27.50/month).

    How much does health insurance cost for PhD students in Germany?

    Private tariffs like Care Student start at €101.54/month. Statutory GKV rates are around €135.52/month.

    Do I need German health insurance for an Erasmus semester?

    Yes — German universities require proof of health insurance for enrollment. Private incoming tariffs like Care College are commonly used for exchange semesters of 1–2 terms.