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Which health insurance is recommended for an internship visa?


For many ambitious talents, the path to Germany begins with a first step into practical experience: an internship . Whether as a student at a renowned international university, a graduate seeking international experience, or a prospective professional wanting to explore the German job market – an internship is often the springboard for a long-term career. But while the confirmation of an internship position fuels anticipation, a bureaucratic hurdle lurks in the background, potentially determining the success of the visa application . Without proof of continuous and recognized health insurance coverage in Germany, the application process becomes much more difficult. A residence permit seems a long way off. In our daily practice as a law firm, we often see that serious mistakes are made, particularly when choosing insurance, which can delay the entire process.


The legal situation: Compulsory insurance in Germany

In Germany, health insurance is mandatory. This is not merely a recommendation, but a legal obligation enshrined in Section 5 of the Fifth Book of the Social Code (SGB V) and in the Residence Act. Proof of health insurance is required for the issuance of a visa or other residence permit. The responsible authority requires a residence permit . The immigration authorities generally require proof of insurance coverage equivalent to the level of statutory health insurance in Germany. A distinction must be made between mandatory internships as part of studies and voluntary internships. This classification has significant implications for social security contributions and the associated deductions from wages. Companies and their For human resource departments, this distinction is essential in order to manage payroll correctly and avoid liability risks.


Mandatory internship vs. voluntary internship: A legal difference

A mandatory internship, explicitly required by the study regulations, is treated preferentially by law. In this case, interns generally remain exempt from social security contributions during an internship, regardless of the amount of compensation. This means that no contributions to pension, unemployment, and long-term care insurance are due (see Section 27 of the German Social Code, Book III ). However, health insurance coverage must still be ensured. Those no longer covered by family insurance or entering Germany from abroad must obtain their own insurance.


The situation is different for voluntary internships. Here, the intern is often treated legally like a regular employee . As soon as the remuneration exceeds the marginal earnings threshold (minijob limit), compulsory insurance in all branches of social security applies. For a foreign For skilled workers , this means that contributions are deducted directly from their gross salary. This is especially relevant for... Employers should exercise caution here: Correct registration with the collection agency is mandatory to avoid the risk of back payments during company audits. Furthermore, when applying for the visa, the... Passport must be valid and insurance coverage must cover the entire duration of the stay.


Special requirements for international talent and expats

International students and young professionals coming to Germany for an internship face a particular challenge. Their domestic insurance from non-EU countries is subject to... The immigration authorities rarely accept applications, as they often fail to meet the minimum requirements for coverage amounts and benefits . Even for diplomats or wealthy individuals sending family members to Germany for internships, the protection must meet German standards. Furthermore, an important factor in visa issuance is... Passport . Identity must be clearly established, and the insurance certificate must be explicitly suitable for submission to authorities.


For Companies active in international recruiting are advised to provide prospective interns with clear information about the required insurance coverage before their arrival . This not only speeds up the process at the embassy but also ensures a smooth start in the internship. Human Resources department on the first day of work. If mistakes are made here, it can lead to... Passport returned without the requested visa sticker.


The role of private and specialized insurance companies

For many interns from abroad, access to statutory health insurance is not immediately possible or not the most economically viable option. This is where specialized tariffs come into play , precisely tailored to the needs of expats and interns. These insurances offer the advantage of often being more cost-effective than voluntary statutory insurance, while still meeting all the requirements of fulfill the requirements of the immigration authorities .

We always advise our clients to use providers who can issue direct confirmation for the embassy . Incomplete protection can not only... Not only can skilled worker immigration be made more difficult, but illness can also lead to existential financial burdens. For a successful stay, it is therefore essential that the insurance covers both outpatient and inpatient medical treatments as well as repatriation to the home country. Only in this way can it be ensured that the A residence permit will be granted without objection.


Conclusion: Security for starting your career

In summary, choosing the right health insurance is far more than a bothersome chore. It is the foundation for a legally secure stay in Germany . Whether it's a mandatory or voluntary internship, the impact on social security and available net income is significant. Employers and interns should cooperate early on to ensure that all documents – from the employment contract to the From passport to insurance certificate – meet all requirements. Thorough preparation is the best protection against unpleasant surprises. Immigration Office .


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