Is private health insurance a good choice for students in Germany? The answer depends on your age, health, previous insurance and plans after graduation. Do not compare only the monthly price. Benefits, deductibles and the route back to statutory insurance are also important.
- Students in Germany need health and long-term care insurance.
- Free family insurance is often the best option while it is available.
- Choosing private insurance usually requires an exemption from student statutory insurance.
- The application normally has to be made within three months.
- The exemption usually cannot be cancelled during the same course of study.
What is private health insurance?
In private health insurance, the premium depends on factors such as age, health, tariff and benefits. It is not calculated directly from income. Statutory health insurance follows different rules. Many students first use free family insurance and later the reduced student scheme.
Who may consider private insurance?
It can be relevant for students who were privately insured before university, children of civil servants who receive Beihilfe, or students who deliberately apply for exemption from statutory insurance.
Family insurance, statutory insurance or private insurance?
| Option | Typical situation | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Family insurance | Often available through statutory-insured parents up to age 25 | Income limits and other conditions |
| Student statutory insurance | Often after family insurance and generally up to age 30 | Health, care and additional contribution |
| Private insurance | Existing private cover, Beihilfe or conscious choice | Health review, deductible, benefits and future costs |
Exemption from statutory insurance
Many students become subject to statutory insurance when they enrol. To remain private, they can apply for exemption. Under section 8 SGB V, the application normally must be submitted to a statutory health insurer within three months after the obligation begins.
The exemption requires proof of other adequate health and care insurance. It cannot simply be withdrawn. Returning to statutory insurance during the same course is therefore usually not possible.
Notification to the university
Your university needs an electronic insurance-status notification. Privately insured students also contact a statutory insurer for this digital notification.
Possible benefits
- Tariff benefits can be selected individually.
- Some tariffs offer broader treatment benefits.
- Beihilfe-eligible students may use a residual-cost tariff.
- Young healthy students may initially find low premiums.
Risks
- A health assessment is common.
- Pre-existing conditions may lead to surcharges or restrictions.
- Premiums can change later.
- Family members are not insured free of charge.
- You may need to pay and submit medical bills.
- Returning to statutory insurance can be difficult.
Benefits to compare
- Outpatient and hospital treatment
- Psychotherapy and dental care
- Medicines and medical aids
- Foreign cover and medical repatriation
- Annual deductible
- Rules for semesters abroad
- Conditions after the student tariff ends
Request and compare offers
Use the form to request suitable offers. Compare the full policy wording, not only the monthly premium.
Step by step
- Check whether free family insurance is possible.
- Compare statutory and private insurance for your situation.
- Consider your likely job after graduation.
- Compare benefits, deductible and long-term costs.
- Request exemption only after a careful decision.
- Arrange the electronic university notification.
Frequently asked questions
Is private insurance always cheaper?
No. An entry tariff may look cheap, but benefits, deductible and later premiums also matter.
Can I return to statutory insurance during my studies?
Usually not after a valid exemption during the same course. A compulsory job after graduation may reopen access.
Do I need long-term care insurance?
Yes. Privately insured students also need private compulsory long-term care insurance.
Conclusion
Private insurance can suit some students, especially with Beihilfe or existing private cover. Because the choice has long-term effects, compare price, benefits, risks and your plans after university.
Quellen und weitere Informationen: § 5 SGB V · § 8 SGB V · § 199a SGB V · Bundesgesundheitsministerium: PKV · Verbraucherzentrale: studentische Krankenversicherung
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