Residence Permit-Renewal as Student in Germany
- Enrolled < 30: DAK Studenten ~€135.52/month (M10 via university · standard GKV proof)
- Enrolled 30+ / befreit: Care Student €101.54/month (GKV-equivalent · M10 accepted by every uni)
- Gap / language course / Studienkolleg: Care College from €27.50/month (1–60 months, age 12–29 · or Care Expatriate €58/mo for 30+)
The Ausländerbehörde renews on one rule — recognised cover for the entire new permit period. Three routes:
- AStill enrolled, under 30, no employment > 20 h/week: DAK Studenten from €135.52/month (open-ended) — GKV student tariff under § 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 9 SGB V; the M10 notification is sent automatically to the university and forwarded to the Ausländerbehörde.
- BEnrolled, age 30+ or GKV-befreit: Care Student from €101.54/month (up to 5 years) — GKV-equivalent (HanseMerkur), M10 accepted by every university and Ausländerbehörde, valid up to 60 months.
- CGap (language course, Studienkolleg, awaiting Immatrikulation): 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+. Both PDF certificates accepted by every Ausländerbehörde for the new permit period.
Verlängerungstermin in the next 14 days? 30-second tariff finder →
Inside: why a 12-month policy caps the new permit at 12 months · the M10 vs. Krankenkassenkarte mistake at the appointment · what changes the semester you turn 30 mid-extension
Sources: § 16b AufenthG (study) · § 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 9 SGB V (student GKV, age 30 cap) · § 257 SGB V (equivalence) · § 9 SGB V (Familien-/freiwillige Versicherung) · HanseMerkur Care College / Care Student / Care Expatriate 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
Verlängerungstermin booked? Take out Care College or Care Expatriate so the Ausländerbehörde sees the recognised PDF — covering the full new permit period — at the counter.
Five typical mistakes at the student permit Verlängerungstermin
Quick answer: "Which insurance proof does the Ausländerbehörde accept for my student residence-permit extension?" — most students run into one of five issues: bringing only a Krankenkassenkarte instead of the M10 letter; presenting a 12-month policy for a 24-month permit; using a Schengen travel policy beyond 90 days; missing the age-30 GKV cap mid-extension; or having no cover during the gap between two enrolment periods.
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 the extension gap 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.
Verlängerungstermin 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 extension certificate — in 3 steps
10 minutes online, certificate by email, accepted by every German Ausländerbehörde for the § 16b AufenthG student permit. The same policy stays valid into the post-study transition — see also the post-study job-transition 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 students say about Care College for the § 16b AufenthG student permit extension 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 the student permit extension 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
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
Age 30+ or GKV-befreit? Care Student from €101.54/month (up to 5 years) is the GKV-equivalent recognised replacement (M10 to the university). Compare all 11 tariffs in the foreign-students hub.
Full price tables — Enrolled GKV, gap (Care College) and 30+ (Care Expatriate)
Quick answer: Three recognised products cover every student-permit extension scenario: DAK Studenten ~€135.52/month for enrolled candidates under 30, Care College from €27.50/month for the gap or language-course period, and Care Expatriate from €58/month for candidates aged 30+ or with unclear enrolment status.
Enrolled student < 30 — 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.
Gap / language course / Studienkolleg — Care College
Three tiers (Basic / Comfort / Premium), 1–60 months, ages 12–40 (entry), recognised by every German Ausländerbehörde for the new permit period:
| 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+ / unclear enrolment — Care Expatriate
Three tiers (Basic / Comfort / Premium), 1–60 months, recognised globally incl. home country, no excess — the standard fallback when the GKV student tariff 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.
FAQ — Health-insurance proof for the student residence-permit extension in Germany
Frequently Asked Questions
Which health-insurance proof is needed to extend a German student residence permit?
Under 30 → DAK-Studenten (~€135.52/month) M10 confirmation; over 30 or exempt → Care Student (€101.54/month) M10; during a transition phase → Care College (from €27.50/month) or Care Expatriate (from €58/month). The Ausländerbehörde requires proof of continuous cover for the full extension period.
Does DAK-Studenten cover the whole student residence permit extension in Germany?
Yes, as long as you remain matriculated and under age 30 / 14th semester. DAK-Studenten (~€135.52/month) is accepted for extensions under § 16b AufenthG without an end date — the Ausländerbehörde checks the M10 confirmation directly.
What insurance certificate does the Ausländerbehörde accept for a student permit extension in Germany?
A digital M10 confirmation from a recognised insurer — DAK-Studenten (~€135.52/month) or Care Student (€101.54/month) — is sufficient. For preparatory phases, a Care College PDF (from €27.50/month) is accepted; both are commonly submitted with the extension application.
Can I extend a student residence permit while on private insurance in Germany?
Yes, if the private tariff is GKV-equivalent (Care Student €101.54/month) or recognised private (Care College from €27.50/month, Care Expatriate from €58/month). All three provide PDF or M10 confirmations regularly accepted by the Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG.
How long before expiry should students renew health insurance for a permit extension in Germany?
At least 4–6 weeks before the residence permit expires. DAK-Studenten (~€135.52/month) issues an M10 within minutes; Care Student (€101.54/month) same day. Early proof avoids a Fiktionsbescheinigung and keeps cover continuous under § 81 AufenthG.
What documents do I need to renew my student residence permit in Germany?
You typically need: a valid passport, current enrollment certificate (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung), health insurance proof (GKV membership certificate or equivalent like Care Student), proof of financial means (blocked account statement), and a completed application form. The Ausländerbehörde may request additional documents.
Can my residence permit be denied because of health insurance issues?
Yes. Missing, expired, or insufficient health insurance is a common reason for delays or rejections. The immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) requires continuous coverage since your last permit was issued. Care Student (€101.54/month) with M10 notification is recognized as GKV-equivalent by many offices.
How long does it take to get the insurance certificate for the Ausländerbehörde?
With Care Student, you receive the confirmation by email within minutes — including the M10 notification for your university. For GKV (e.g. DAK-Gesundheit), you can request a current membership certificate via app or phone, usually available within 1–2 hours.