At the beginning of their studies, students can consider whether they wish to be insured statutorily or privately. Most students are insured by a statutory health insurer. Anyone who decides to take out private insurance – either because they wish to continue to be insured privately or because they are making a new decision – must submit an application for exemption from compulsory insurance no later than three months after starting their studies.
Anyone who has previously been insured with a health insurance company can submit an application there. Otherwise, students can contact a health insurance company of their choice. Important: The exemption applies for the entire duration of your course. During this period, it is not possible to return to the statutory health insurance.
© Stiftung Warentest / René Reichelt
Electronic proof of insurance
Colleges and universities require proof of insurance to enroll. Since 2022, this has been done mainly electronically: students inform the health insurer of the name and address of the institution via app or phone, and the insurer transmits the necessary data digitally.
If this doesn’t work at the university, the health insurance company will send you a certificate of insurance, which students will then present to the university. Sometimes the certificate can also be easily created and printed using the cash register app.
Free family insurance for students
Most students initially have family insurance through a parent with a statutory health insurance company – free of charge. This basically lasts until their 25th birthday. Exception: Students who have completed a Federal Voluntary Service (BFD) or a Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) can add this time to their family insurance. For example, you will not have to self-insure until you turn 25 years and six months or 26, depending on how long your service lasted. Family insurance can be extended for a maximum of 12 months. Students must provide proof of their service to their health insurance company.
Whether someone lives at home or has moved out is irrelevant for the family insurance. The situation is different when it comes to money: for students, for example if they are self-employed or work through interest, their income can only go up to 505 euros per month. Exception: If you are employed (mini-job) or have a paid internship, the income limit is 538 euros per month. Those who earn more are covered by the student health insurance and have to pay their own contributions.
Once the work is completed, students can return to their family insurance. To do so, they must submit another application and prove the reduction or loss of income to the health insurance company.