+49 228 97735-44· German & English spoken
    Health Insurance for Foreigners in Germany
    All tariffsFind a tariff
    Find a tariff
    Care Student (over 30 / GKV-exempt, M10-equivalent)from €101.54/month (up to 5 years)

    GKV or Private Health Insurance for Foreign Students in Germany: Decision Matrix by Age, Status and Study Phase

    Sources: § 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 9 SGB V · § 8 SGB V (Befreiung) · § 257 SGB V · § 199a SGB V (M10) · DAK-Gesundheit · HanseMerkur AVB

    For foreign students enrolled at a German university, the choice between GKV and private health insurance is essentially decided by § 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 9 SGB V: under 30, statutory student cover is mandatory; over 30 or formally GKV-exempt, private GKV-gleichwertig cover takes over. The two recognised endpoints are DAK-Studenten for under-30 enrolled students (DAK files the M10 electronically with the university), and Care Student from €101.54/month (up to 5 years) for over-30, post-14th-semester, GKV-exempt students or PhDs outside the standard window — accepted by every German university up to 60 months under § 257 SGB V.

    If you are not yet immatriculated (Sprachkurs, Studienkolleg or language school), the M10 system does not yet apply — Care College from €27.50/month (up to 5 years) is the recognised proof for both the embassy and the school. For the embassy and arrival window before the course starts, Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days) bridges the gap. The full enrolment proof workflow (M10, GKV-gleichwertig, Sprachkurs handover) is detailed in the M10 enrolment proof guide.

    Below: the under-30 vs. over-30 routing under § 5 SGB V, when a formal GKV-Befreiung (§ 8 SGB V) actually makes sense, the post-14th-semester switch, the Sprachkurs / Studienkolleg bridge via Care College, the most common mistakes that block enrolment files, and the full Care Student price breakdown.

    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

    Over 30, GKV-exempt or PhD? Get the GKV-gleichwertig Care Student in 5 minutes.

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

    Four wrong routing decisions that block enrolment or cost thousands

    Quick answer: "Why is my GKV / private decision wrong?" — most blocked or overpriced files share one of four issues: an under-30 enrolled student trying to take Care Student instead of DAK-Studenten; an over-30 PhD still on travel insurance instead of Care Student; a Sprachkurs student trying to use DAK before the M10 system applies; or a formal GKV-Befreiung signed without understanding it is irrevocable for the rest of the studies.

    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 the wrong GKV / private decision 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.

    Semester start fixed — decide GKV vs. private before the deadline

    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 M10 / GKV-gleichwertig confirmation — in 3 steps

    10 minutes online. DAK-Studenten files the M10 electronically; Care Student issues the GKV-gleichwertig certificate within 24 hours. Enrolment is then completed automatically by the university registrar.

    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 foreign students say about the GKV vs. Care Student decision for German universities

    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 — all brackets by age & duration

    Quick answer: The decision matrix maps to three recognised tariffs: DAK-Gesundheit (~€135.52/month) for under-30s under § 5(1)(9) SGB V, Care Student (€101.54/month) for over-30s, GKV-exempt students and PhD candidates under § 257 SGB V, and Care College (from €27.50/month) for the pre-immatriculation phase.

    DAK-Gesundheit — three statutory student tariffs (under-30s)

    All three GKV variants include automatic M10 notification — they apply from immatriculation under § 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 9 SGB V:

    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.

    Care Student — GKV-equivalent (over-30, GKV-exempt, PhD)

    All-in: CCS health €35 + PVN €58.04 + Pflegeversicherung €8.50 = €101.54/month — GKV-equivalent under § 257 SGB V:

    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.

    Care College — pre-enrolment tariff (Sprachkurs / Studienkolleg)

    Before the M10 can be filed: Care College from €27.50/month (up to age 29) and €33.50–99/month for ages 30+:

    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.

    Sources: DAK-Gesundheit contribution statement 2025, Care Concept AG tariff tables 2024/25, HanseMerkur AVB. The exact price is calculated in the online application.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I open a blocked account and get health insurance at the same time?

    Yes — both can be organized in parallel. The blocked account typically takes 1–4 weeks to process. Health insurance can be completed online in minutes – for example, Care College starts from €27.50/month with instant PDF confirmation.

    What documents do I need for blocked account and health insurance in Germany?

    You need a blocked account confirmation (min. €11,904/year), a health insurance certificate, university admission letter, and a valid passport. Insurance options start from €27.50/month (Care College) for incoming students.

    What is the correct order for blocked account, insurance and visa in Germany?

    Start the blocked account first (1–4 weeks processing). Get health insurance in parallel – it takes just minutes online. Then submit both confirmations at your embassy appointment along with the university admission letter. → Compare Care College – from €27.50/month (max. 5 years)

    GKV or private for foreign students — which is typically cheaper in Germany?

    Under 30: DAK-Studenten (~€135.52/month) is typically cheaper than voluntary GKV (~€210–240/month) and comparable to Care Student (€101.54/month). Over 30 or GKV-exempt: Care Student at €101.54/month is the recognised low-cost option, replacing the DAK student tariff after age 30 (§ 5 (1) 9 SGB V).

    Which option does the M10 electronic notification support for foreign students in Germany?

    Statutory: DAK-Studenten (~€135.52/month) transmits the M10 automatically once you send your matriculation number. Both. Private GKV-equivalent: Care Student (€101.54/month) transmits M10 exactly like DAK under § 199a SGB V — accepted by every German university since January 2022.

    What is the difference between public (GKV) and private health insurance for international students in Germany?

    Public insurance (GKV) offers a fixed student rate around €135.52/month at DAK-Gesundheit and is typically accessible for enrolled students under 30 — the M10 electronic notification reaches your university automatically. Private insurance (e.g. Care College from €27.50/month or Care Student €101.54/month) is used when GKV eligibility doesn't apply — for students over 30, language course participants or PhD students on scholarships.

    Can I choose private insurance instead of GKV as a student in Germany?

    Yes, but you must apply for an exemption (Befreiung) under § 8 SGB V — this decision is binding for the entire duration of your studies and cannot be reversed. Compare benefits and costs carefully before requesting the exemption — Care Student is recognised as GKV-equivalent and provides the M10 notification as a PDF, no separate exemption needed in most cases.

    How much does student health insurance cost in Germany?

    Public insurance (GKV) at DAK-Gesundheit costs approximately €135.52/month for students under 30. Private alternatives: Care College from €27.50/month for language courses and preparatory studies; Care Student from €101.54/month (recognised as equivalent to GKV under § 8 SGB V for students over 30). All options provide the certificate required for university enrolment.