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Health insurance in Germany: statutory or private?
Mandatory for enrolment and for your residence permit — with current student contribution figures.
Reviewed by: Hazem Ibrahim (M. Sc.) · 2026-08-03 Reviewed
Health insurance is compulsory in Germany. Without it you cannot complete university enrolment or obtain a residence permit — and one early decision can bind you for years.
Student contribution (statutory)
- Base contributionEUR 87.38
- Fund-specific supplement (avg. approx. 2.9%)approx. EUR 25
- Long-term care insurance (under 23)EUR 30.78
- Long-term care insurance (23+, no children)EUR 35.91
A one-way decision
Opting out of statutory insurance at the start of your studies binds you to private cover for the whole degree.
Checklist
- Compare supplements across funds
- Request the insurance certificate for your university
Official sources
- GKV-Spitzenverband — Umbrella association of statutory health insurersGKV-Spitzenverband · 2026-08-03
- Bundesministerium für Gesundheit — Health insuranceFederal Ministry of Health · 2026-08-03
- Deutsches Studierendenwerk — Insurance for studentsGerman National Association for Student Affairs · 2026-08-03
General organisational information — not legal advice and not representation before authorities.