Study and insurance: the timeline

Before entry: visa and evidence

During the visa procedure, the competent mission may request proof relating to health insurance depending on the purpose of stay. The mission decides which documents are required in the individual case.

This website does not review documents and does not promise that a particular certificate will be accepted.

• The competent mission decides on the visa application.
• The purpose of stay can affect the documents requested.
• Procedures and appointment arrangements may differ between missions.

Before enrolment: insurance status at the university

German universities require clarification of the health-insurance status for enrolment. Where the electronic procedure applies, the competent health insurance fund transmits the status electronically to the university.

The applicable status follows from the statutory rules and the assessment of the competent health insurance fund.

After enrolment: keeping the status current

During the course of study the status can change, for example because of age, employment, a change in the purpose of stay or completion of studies. Changes must be clarified with the competent body.

For private contracts, only the insurance terms and the insurer's decision are binding.

Questions about this page

Does this page tell me which insurance I need?

No. It only explains when insurance status may be checked. The competent bodies decide the individual case.

Is the timeline identical for every student?

No. Nationality, purpose of stay and university procedures can lead to different steps.

Where to verify this authoritatively

Official information on studying, visas and health insurance is published by Make it in Germany. Binding information comes from the competent mission, foreigners authority, university and health insurance fund or insurer.