Internship before the Studies (Incoming) in Germany
- ≤ 90 days Schengen: Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (30,000 € cover · EU 810/2009 compliant · vs. visa refusal)
- National D-visa § 17: Care College from €27.50/month (1–60 months, age 12–29 · vs. ~€830/day uninsured ER)
- Age 30+ / longer stay: Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years · recognised globally incl. home country)
Pre-studies = no GKV student tariff yet. The legal frame is the visa, not the university — three recognised routes:
- A≤ 90 days, Schengen visa (§ 6 AufenthG, EU Reg. 810/2009): Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days) — 30,000 € medical cover, repatriation, all 27,50 €/MonatSchengen states. PDF certificate by email in minutes; the exact wording the embassy looks for.
- BNational D-visa for internship (§ 17 AufenthG, 3–12 months): Care College from €27.50/month (up to 5 years) — Incoming-Versicherung (Privat) for students, language students and pre-studies interns under 30, 1–60 months, recognised by every Ausländerbehörde.
- CAge 30+ / unclear duration / freelance gap: Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) — recognised globally incl. home country, up to 5 years, no excess. The standard fallback when Care College is closed by age.
Visa appointment already booked? 30-second tariff finder →
Inside: the three exact phrases the embassy looks for in the PDF · why a Schengen policy expires the day the D-visa starts · the Care College age cap that catches 30-year-old interns
Sources: § 6 AufenthG (Schengen visa) · § 17 AufenthG (internship) · EU Regulation 810/2009 (Schengen Visa Code, 30 000 € minimum) · HanseMerkur Care Visa Protect / Care College / Care Expatriate AVB · Auswärtiges Amt visa requirements 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
Visa appointment booked? Take out Care College the same day so the embassy sees the recognised PDF certificate at the counter.
Five typical mistakes with pre-studies internship insurance
Quick answer: "Which insurance does the German embassy accept for my pre-studies internship?" — most foreign interns run into one of five issues: buying a home-country travel policy the embassy won't recognise; assuming the Schengen tariff covers the longer D-visa stay; choosing Care College above age 39; missing the 30 000 € minimum cover for Schengen; or expecting the host company's invitation letter to replace the insurance certificate.
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 a pre-studies internship 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.
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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.
Visa appointment 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 visa-appointment certificate — in 3 steps
10 minutes online, certificate by email, accepted by every German embassy and Ausländerbehörde for § 17 AufenthG. The same Care College policy stays valid into the studies if you continue at a German university — see also the study-preparation visa guide.
Ready for university enrollment in 3 steps
DAK Student or Care Student for university enrollment, M10 notification and proof of coverage.
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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 pre-studies interns say about Care College for the § 17 AufenthG internship visa 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 pre-studies interns in Germany
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
Care Visa Protect
from only €0.85 / day (1–92 days possible)
For Schengen visas, tourists, family visits & business travel
- Proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities quickly available (PDF)
- Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
- Affordable coverage from €0.85/day (minimum premium applies)
- Doctor, hospital, prescription medication & dental emergency coverage
- For Germany, Austria, the EU/Schengen Area, Liechtenstein or Switzerland
- Ideal for short stays, family visits, tourists & business travelers
- Multiple-visa option: several trips up to a total of 92 days/year
- Must be purchased before entry
- Age-based rates: from €0.85/day up to age 64 · from €2.60/day for ages 65–74
- Coverage term: 1–92 days · entry age 0–74
Why Care Visa Protect?
For foreign visitors with a Schengen visa who need fast, affordable proof of insurance for an embassy, visa office or immigration authority — suitable for tourists, family visits and short business trips.
Why a 92-day coverage term?
Ideal for typical short stays and Schengen trips: enough coverage for a visit, vacation or business trip — without buying long-term insurance.
- 🏛️ HanseMerkur Travel Insurance AG, Hamburg
- 📄 Instant proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities (PDF)
- 🔒 Doctor, clinic, dental emergency & repatriation coverage
- 🏷️ From €0.85 / day · coverage up to 92 days
→ Complete the application, receive your instant PDF, submit your proof
Age 30+ or longer than 12 months? Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) is the standard recognised replacement (up to 5 years, recognised globally). Compare all 11 tariffs in the foreign-students hub.
Full price tables — Schengen, D-visa internship and 30+ bridge
Quick answer: Three recognised products cover the entire pre-studies spectrum: Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day for the Schengen short-stay, Care College from €27.50/month for the § 17 AufenthG D-visa, and Care Expatriate from €58/month for ages 30+ or stays longer than 12 months.
≤ 90 days Schengen — Care Visa Protect
Daily premium, EU Reg. 810/2009 compliant, 30 000 € medical cover plus repatriation, valid in all 27,50 €/MonatSchengen states:
| Care Visa Protect | Daily premium | Multiple Visa (annual contract) |
|---|---|---|
| up to age 64 | €0.85/day | €110/year |
| 65 – 74 years | €2.60/day | €215/year |
Prices per person. Minimum premium €8.50 per trip. Maximum benefit €50,000 (well above the Schengen minimum of €30,000). Deductible €0. Must be purchased before travel. As of 2026.
§ 17 AufenthG D-visa internship — Care College
Three tiers (Basic / Comfort / Premium), 1–60 months, ages 12–40 (entry), recognised by every German Ausländerbehörde for the residence permit during the internship:
| 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.
Age 30+ or longer stay — Care Expatriate
Three tiers (Basic / Comfort / Premium), 1–60 months, recognised globally incl. home country, no excess — the standard fallback when Care College is closed by age:
| 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.
Sources: HanseMerkur Care Visa Protect / Care College / Care Expatriate AVB 2026, EU Reg. 810/2009, § 6 / § 17 AufenthG, Auswärtiges Amt visa requirements 2026. The exact price is calculated in the online application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which health insurance does the German embassy accept for a pre-studies internship visa?
For a Schengen visa (≤ 90 days, EU Regulation 810/2009) the embassy requires 30,000 € medical cover plus repatriation, valid in all Schengen states. <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-visa-protect/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day</a> (HanseMerkur) is the standard recognised tariff. For a national D-visa for an internship under § 17 AufenthG (typically 3–12 months), the standard is <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care College from €27.50/month</a> (Incoming-Versicherung for students, language students and pre-studies interns under 30) — the recognised PDF certificate is delivered by email in minutes.
Can I use my home-country travel insurance for a pre-studies internship in Germany?
Usually no — the German embassy and Ausländerbehörde reject policies issued by non-EU providers, single-trip cards without repatriation, and any policy that does not explicitly reference the German legal framework (§ 17 AufenthG or EU Reg. 810/2009). The recognised standard is a German Incoming insurance: <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-visa-protect/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Visa Protect</a> for ≤ 90 days or <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-college/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care College</a> for longer national D-visas — both issued by HanseMerkur and accepted nationwide.
I am 30+ and starting a pre-studies internship in Germany — which tariff is right?
Care College is closed above age 39, and the GKV student tariff is not available before enrollment. The standard recognised tariff for 30+ pre-studies interns is <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Expatriate from €58/month</a> (HanseMerkur, 1–60 months, recognised globally including the home country, no excess). The certificate is accepted by every Ausländerbehörde for § 17 AufenthG and stays valid through the transition into the actual studies — see also our <a href="/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/study-preparation-visa-language-college-health-insurance-germany/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">study preparation guide</a>.