Statutory or Private Student Health Insurance in Germany: Decision Guide
- GKV default < 30: DAK Studenten ~€135.52/month (M10 · free Familienversicherung · no Befreiung needed)
- Private with M10: Care Student €101.54/month (mandatory 30+/PhD · optional < 30 — Befreiung is irreversible)
- Pre-studies / language: Care College from €27.50/month (1–60 months · switches to DAK or Care Student on Imma day)
The decision binds you for the entire studies. Three matrix outcomes:
- AGKV default — enrolled, under 30: DAK Studenten from €135.52/month (open-ended) — no Befreiung needed; M10 to the university; free Familienversicherung for partner and children; unrestricted access to every doctor.
- BPrivate with M10 — 30+, doctoral, or befreit: Care Student from €101.54/month (up to 5 years) — HanseMerkur, GKV-equivalent under § 257 SGB V, M10 accepted by every university, €300/year excess. Mandatory for 30+; optional under 30 IF you file the Befreiung in the first 3 months — and the choice is irreversible.
- CNot yet enrolled — language course / Studienkolleg / pre-studies: Care College from €27.50/month (up to 5 years) — Incoming-Versicherung (Privat) recognised for § 16b AufenthG; switches to DAK or Care Student on day 1 of Immatrikulation.
Imma date in the next 14 days? 30-second tariff finder →
Inside: why the Befreiung in the first 3 months is irreversible · the €4,440 mistake students make to save €34/month · the legal exit that brings you back into the GKV mid-studies
Sources: § 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 9 SGB V (student GKV, age 30 cap) · § 8 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 SGB V (Befreiung — irreversible) · § 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
Aged 30+, doctoral, or already decided private? Take out Care Student so the M10 reaches the university by the enrolment deadline — irreversibility starts on day 1 of the studies.
Five typical mistakes when choosing GKV vs private student insurance
Quick answer: "GKV or private — which student health insurance is right in Germany?" — most foreign students run into one of five issues: filing the Befreiung in month 1 to save €34 and losing the right to return to GKV for the entire studies; assuming the choice can be reversed; missing the Familienversicherung benefit for partner and children; using a travel policy after Immatrikulation; or staying on Care College after enrolment instead of switching to DAK / Care Student on day 1.
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-vs-private choice 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.
Imma deadline in the next 14 days? The Befreiung window starts on day 1 — decide before signing
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 M10 at the university — in 3 steps
10 minutes online, M10 by email, accepted by every German university for the Immatrikulation. The Care Student / DAK choice is irreversible from day 1 of the studies — file the Befreiung 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.
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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 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 GKV-or-private student insurance 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
Not yet enrolled? Care College from €27.50/month (up to 5 years) is the recognised pre-studies / language solution that switches to DAK or Care Student on Imma day. Compare all 11 tariffs in the foreign-students hub.
Full price tables — GKV (DAK), Private (Care Student), Pre-studies (Care College)
Quick answer: Three recognised products cover the full GKV-vs-private decision: DAK Studenten ~€135.52/month (default GKV under 30), Care Student €101.54/month (private GKV-equivalent for 30+ / befreit), and Care College from €27.50/month for the pre-studies / language / Studienkolleg phase.
GKV default — 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.
Private with M10 — Care Student
HanseMerkur, GKV-equivalent under § 257 SGB V, M10 accepted by every German university, €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.
Pre-studies / language / Studienkolleg — 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 — Statutory or private student health insurance in Germany
Frequently Asked Questions
Statutory (DAK) or private (Care Student) — which student health insurance is cheaper in Germany?
Pure premium: <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-student/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Student €101.54/month</a> (HanseMerkur, GKV-equivalent) is about €34 cheaper per month than <a href="/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">DAK Studenten ~€135.52/month</a>. But the choice is irreversible for the studies (§ 8 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 SGB V) — DAK includes free Familienversicherung for partner and children and unrestricted access to every doctor, while Care Student has a €300/year excess but issues the same M10 to the university. Default to GKV under 30; choose private only if 30+, doctoral, or financially sure the saving outweighs future GKV benefits.
Can I switch back from a private student tariff to the statutory GKV during my studies in Germany?
No — the Befreiung from GKV under § 8 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 SGB V is irreversible and binds you to the private tariff for the entire studies. The only legal exits are (a) leaving Germany, (b) starting compulsory employee membership through a Wiss. Mitarbeiter contract or working-student status > 20 h/week (§ 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 SGB V), or (c) reaching the GKV 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 (Familienversicherung, no excess).
I am a foreign student in a language course or Studienkolleg — which insurance applies?
Language students and Studienkolleg students are NOT yet enrolled at a German university — meaning the GKV student tariff (DAK Studenten) is not available. The standard recognised cover 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 German Ausländerbehörde for § 16b AufenthG). The day Immatrikulation is confirmed, you switch to DAK Studenten ~€135.52/month (under 30, default) or <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-student/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Student €101.54/month</a> (30+ or befreit).