Students who are studying in Germany must provide proof of health insurance. It is mandatory for students to hold statutory health insurance in accordance with § 5 section 1 (9) SGB V. Students already holding private insurance can switch to statutory health insurance at the start of the semester. Those wishing to continue under private insurance can opt out of statutory health insurance within the first three months. However, this process is irreversible for the entire duration of your degree course.
Family insurance
Are you under 25 and earning no more than 485 euros or less than 520 euros with a mini-job? Then you can get family insurance.
If you are under 25 and have legally insured parents, you can normally insure your family for free through your parents. Students whose spouse is legally insured can accordingly be jointly insured with this person for the entire duration of their studies. It is only possible to exceed the maximum income level for a short time. Contact your local health insurance provider.
Student insurance
Are you over 25? Or if you exceed the income threshold you can take out student insurance.
Students aged between 25 and 30 years old and who haven’t yet completed semester 14 can receive student insurance for around 130 euros per month incl. nursing care insucrance.
If the age limit is exceeded, time spent in the civilian/military service may be extended. The same also applies for voluntary services (§ 10 section 2 (3) SGB V).
In addition, there are legal grounds for extending the age limit due to the nature of the education or training course, or for personal/family reasons e.g. parental leave (§ 5 section.1 no.9 SGB V) or illness. Please contact the social counselling department for advice.
After that, the more expensive voluntary insurance comes into effect for around 210 euros. This must be applied for within three months. The slightly less expensive graduate rate will apply for an interim period of six months. The health insurance providers stagger the insurance premiums based on different levels of income.
Receiving orphan’s pension
If you are in receipt of (half) orphan’s pension, this is normally sufficient status to cover your health insurance. A separate amount for health insurance is stated on your notice of pension award and forwarded directly to your health insurance company.
Exemption from additional payments
There is a limit placed on the amount of additional costs payable for medications or treatments in accordance with § 62 SGB V. This is set at 2 percent of gross income or 1 percent in the case of chronic illness. Contact your local health insurance provider.
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