All students following a course of study (not those in the language courses) are compulsorily insured till the end of the 14th semester, but not after their 30th birthday. After that insurance must be undertaken at the usual conditions, i.e. the contributions are calculated according to income. Insurance can be concluded with a state insurance or a private insurance.
For the period between entry into Germany and enrolment as a student foreign students are exempt from compulsory insurance.. Thus, it is advisable to be covered for this period, as in the case of illness very high costs can arise.
More detailed information can be obtained from the brochure "Health Insurance for foreign students and participants in language courses", which is available in the International Office. Information can also be obtained from the following insurance companies:
Foreign students who are attending a German language course are not admitted to the compulsory health insurance. They must turn to private companies, whose prices vary considerably. The insurance contribution, which amounts to approx. 50 to 80 EUR per month, must be paid to the appropriate health insurance company. The local immigration authorities will not issue a residence permit unless a certificate confirming the existence of insurance coverage for the duration of the language course is submitted. As a rule health insurance covers medical and dental treatment, medicines and medical aids, dentures and hospital treatment.
For students from EU Member States and from such countries that have entered into a so-called "social insurance agreement" with Germany, it is possible to be exempted from the statutory obligation of health insurance, if there is sufficient coverage in the home country. The conditions for a possible exemption are checked by the AOK (Office in the University: Gallery D1, Room 121) and by the other insurances companies (see in chapter "Health Insurance").
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