Mandatory Steps
Student Health Insurance in Germany
Health insurance is a legal requirement in Germany and a precondition for both university enrolment and your residence permit. Here is what separates public from private cover.
- Public insurance, monthly
- €120 – €140
- Private insurance, monthly
- €35 – €80
- Upper limit for the public student rate
- Age 30
- For enrolment and residence permit
- Required
Public insurance, monthly
Private insurance, monthly
Upper limit for the public student rate
For enrolment and residence permit
Why It Is Mandatory
Insurance is not only about your health: two official procedures cannot be completed without it.
University enrolment (Immatrikulation)
Before enrolling, universities require your insurer to confirm electronically that you hold statutory health cover.
Visa and residence permit
The visa application asks for travel health insurance; the residence permit application asks for valid German health insurance.
Public or Private?
Your student status and your age decide which system is open to you. Once you choose private cover, switching back to the public system during your studies is usually not possible.
Public insurance (GKV)
The standard choice for bachelor's and master's students under 30 (TK, AOK, Barmer and others). Premiums are set by law and doctors bill your insurer directly against your card.
- No upfront payment — the invoice goes straight to the insurer.
- Accepted unconditionally by every public university.
Private insurance (PKV)
Often the only option for language-school students, Studienkolleg students and anyone over 30. You pay the doctor first and claim the cost back afterwards.
- May require an exemption certificate (Befreiung) from the public system.
- Works on reimbursement: you submit the invoice and are paid back.
Social Security Number (Sozialversicherungsnummer)
You will need this number if you plan to work part-time in Germany (Werkstudent or Minijob).
Complete your insurance registration
Register with a statutory health insurer first and complete your address registration (Anmeldung).
It arrives automatically with your first job
When your employer reports you to the insurer, the number is generated automatically and posted to you by Deutsche Rentenversicherung.
Request it directly if needed
If you need the number before starting work, you can ask your health insurer for it directly.
Premiums and conditions vary by provider
Mandatory Steps
Follow the insurance step in your journey
Your Dreemli journey lists the insurance stage, which confirmation has to reach the university, and the dates that apply to your own case.