Travel health insurance as a foreign student (study visa)

Anyone coming to Germany as a foreign student not only needs a visa, but also appropriate health insurance . But beware: Simple travel health insurance is often not enough to meet the requirements of the visa process or enrollment. We explain what students need to pay attention to and which insurance policies are actually recognized.

When is travel health insurance not suitable?

Travel health insurance is intended for short-term stays – for example, for tourists . Many of these policies explicitly exclude long-term stays from coverage. This means that if it is clear in the visa application or upon enrollment that a longer stay is planned for study purposes, travel health insurance may be denied.

Example:

A student from a non-EU country applies for a visa to study in Germany. The travel health insurance policy submitted contains a clause that excludes longer stays (over 90 days). → The visa is denied because adequate insurance coverage is not provided.

What is required instead for international students?

Instead of simple travel health insurance, international students generally require statutory or private health insurance , depending on their personal situation. Statutory health insurance (GKV) is mandatory for students under 30 who are still in their first 14 semesters (see Section 5 of the German Social Code (SGB V )). Citizens from non-EU countries without equivalent prior insurance also fall into this category. The cost is typically around €120 to €130 per month, including long-term care insurance.

Anyone over the age of 30, or someone enrolled in a language course, preparatory college, or doctoral program, for example, can opt for private health insurance (PKV). Students who deliberately opt out of mandatory insurance can also choose private health insurance. It is important that the chosen PKV meets certain minimum requirements , for example, regarding pregnancy benefits.

What applies before enrollment?

Before enrollment—that is, during the visa process or during preparatory measures such as a language course or preparatory course—other proof of insurance is required. In certain cases, travel health insurance may be accepted if the stay is limited (e.g., a maximum of 12 months) and the insurance has a minimum term corresponding to the visa duration. The immigration authorities often accept informal confirmations from private insurers, provided they clearly state that the coverage meets the requirements.

Conclusion Health insurance as a foreign student with a visa

Whether it's a language course, a preparatory college, or a direct degree program, anyone who wants to study in Germany must have the right health insurance. Travel health insurance is often insufficient—especially for long-term stays. If you're unsure, you should find out about suitable providers well in advance and check whether your visa is suitable.

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