Exemption from Statutory Health Insurance for Students in Germany: Key Points
- Recognised counterparty: Care Student €101.54/month (HanseMerkur · § 257 SGB V · M10 to GKV and university)
- Default if you do nothing: DAK Studenten ~€135.52/month (GKV student tariff · age cap 30 · free Familienversicherung)
- Pre-Imma (no Befreiung yet): Care College from €27.50/month (language / Studienkolleg · § 16b AufenthG)
Three immovable rules of the Befreiung from GKV under § 8 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 SGB V:
- 1Deadline — 3 months from formal Immatrikulation: Filed at a German statutory health insurer (e.g. DAK) using the standard "Antrag auf Befreiung von der Versicherungspflicht". After 3 months the GKV student tariff (DAK Studenten from €135.52/month (open-ended)) is mandatory until the age cap of 30 — no second chance during the studies.
- 2Counterparty — recognised GKV-equivalent under § 257 SGB V: The GKV only grants the Befreiung against a private carrier that issues an M10. The standard product is Care Student from €101.54/month (up to 5 years) (HanseMerkur, €300/year excess, valid up to 60 months) — the M10 reaches the GKV and the university in the same email.
- 3Scope — irreversible for the entire studies: No return to GKV until the studies end, the student leaves Germany, or compulsory employee membership starts (Wiss. Mitarbeiter / working > 20 h/week, § 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 SGB V). The Befreiung does NOT cover the language course / Studienkolleg phase — that phase uses Care College from €27.50/month (up to 5 years).
Inside the 3-month window? 30-second Befreiung-vs-stay finder →
Inside: the €4,440 mistake students make to save €34/month · why the Befreiung never covers your future partner or children · the only three legal exits back into GKV
Sources: § 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 9 SGB V (student GKV, age 30 cap) · § 8 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 SGB V (Befreiung — irreversible, 3-month window) · § 257 SGB V (equivalence) · § 16b AufenthG (study) · HanseMerkur Care Student / Care College 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
Inside the 3-month Befreiung window? Take out Care Student so the M10 reaches the GKV before the deadline — once the window closes the GKV student tariff is mandatory until age 30.
Five typical mistakes around the Befreiung from statutory student insurance
Quick answer: "How and when do I file the Befreiung from GKV as a student in Germany?" — most foreign students run into one of five issues: missing the 3-month deadline; filing the Befreiung in month 1 to save €34 and losing the right to return to GKV; not knowing that the partner and children no longer qualify for free Familienversicherung; using a travel policy as Befreiung counterparty (not § 257 SGB V-equivalent); or trying to file the Befreiung during the language / Studienkolleg phase before formal Immatrikulation.
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 missing the Befreiung deadline can cost you over a 5-year studies
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.
Already enrolled? The Befreiung clock has started — file before the 3-month window closes
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 decision to Befreiungsbescheinigung — in 3 steps
10 minutes online for Care Student, M10 by email, the GKV processes the Antrag auf Befreiung von der Versicherungspflicht and notifies the university automatically. The Care Student / DAK decision is irreversible from day 1 of the studies — file only if you are sure the lower premium beats GKV benefits.
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.
-
Complete the application
Enter your passport, university/program and stay details. M10 applies to DAK Student and Care Student university enrollment flows.
-
Receive your proof
Receive visa or insurance proof after application; where applicable, the electronic M10 notification can be sent to the university.
What students say about Care Student for the GKV-Befreiung at German universities
“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 the Befreiung path in Germany
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
→ Complete the application, secure your M10 notification, prepare for enrollment
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
Need the full GKV-vs-private comparison? See the GKV vs private decision guide. Pre-Imma language / Studienkolleg? Care College from €27.50/month (up to 5 years). Compare all 11 tariffs in the foreign-students hub.
Full price tables — Care Student · DAK Studenten · Care College
Quick answer: Three recognised products cover the full Befreiung path: Care Student €101.54/month (Befreiung counterparty, § 257 SGB V), DAK Studenten ~€135.52/month (default GKV under 30, applies if the Befreiung is not filed), and Care College from €27.50/month (language / Studienkolleg phase before Immatrikulation, where no Befreiung is possible yet).
Befreiung counterparty — Care Student
HanseMerkur, GKV-equivalent under § 257 SGB V, M10 accepted by every German university and every GKV, €300/year excess, valid up to 60 months:
| 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.
Default if no Befreiung is filed — DAK Studenten
GKV student tariff under § 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 9 SGB V, M10 to the university, free Familienversicherung, 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.
Pre-Immatrikulation (no Befreiung yet) — Care College
Three tiers (Basic / Comfort / Premium), 1–60 months, ages 12–40 (entry), recognised by every 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.
FAQ — Befreiung from statutory student health insurance in Germany
Frequently Asked Questions
How and where do I apply for the Befreiung from statutory health insurance as a student in Germany?
The Befreiung is filed at a German statutory health insurer (e.g. <a href="/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">DAK-Gesundheit</a>) using the standard "Antrag auf Befreiung von der Versicherungspflicht" form, within the first 3 months of formal Immatrikulation. The application requires (a) the Immatrikulationsbescheinigung from the German university, (b) the M10 electronic notification from a recognised GKV-equivalent private carrier under § 257 SGB V — typically <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-student/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Student €101.54/month</a> (HanseMerkur). The GKV processes the form, issues the Befreiungsbescheinigung, and notifies the university automatically.
Can I reverse the Befreiung and switch back to statutory GKV during my studies?
No — § 8 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 SGB V makes the Befreiung irreversible for the entire studies. The only legal exits during the studies are: (a) leaving Germany permanently; (b) starting compulsory employee membership through a Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter contract or working-student status > 20 h/week (§ 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 SGB V); (c) reaching the GKV student-tariff age cap of 30, at which point the GKV student tariff is no longer available anyway. File the Befreiung only if you are sure the lower premium beats the GKV benefits you may need later — see the full <a href="/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/statutory-or-private-student-health-insurance-germany/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">GKV vs private decision guide</a>.
Does the Befreiung also cover my language course or Studienkolleg before formal Immatrikulation?
No — the Befreiung mechanics under § 8 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 SGB V apply only to formally enrolled students at recognised German universities. Before formal Immatrikulation (language course, Studienkolleg, pre-studies) the GKV student tariff is unavailable and there is nothing to be befreit from. The standard recognised cover for that phase 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, ages 12–40, accepted by every Ausländerbehörde for § 16b AufenthG). On day 1 of formal Immatrikulation the Befreiung clock starts and you have 3 months to file or stay in the GKV by default.