Göttingen International

Health insurance coverage for international students

In Germany, health insurance is mandatory for all students. Enrolment is not possible without valid proof of insurance. It is therefore important to be properly informed about health insurance in Germany at an early stage.

Basic information on insurance in Germany

There are two health insurance systems in Germany: statutory health insurance (also known as public health insurance or GKV) and private health insurance (PKV).

Both insurance systems offer insurance coverage in the event of illness and/or accident and at least partially cover the costs of pre- and post-operative examinations, rehabilitation and medication. However, the type and scope of the insurance coverage may vary considerably.

With statutory health insurance, the contractual conditions, the monthly contributions and the scope of benefits are regulated by law. The GKV offers a comprehensive and a more than sufficient service package for most situations, which is usually superior to private health insurance in terms of price and service. This option is strongly recommended for students who are eligible for statutory health insurance. Only if this option does not exist for you (eg, because of your age or income) should you consider private health insurance.

The terms and conditions of private health insurance vary from provider to provider. Low-priced insurance packages usually only cover the most basic and necessary services. In the event of serious illnesses or accidents, it is possible that the costs incurred in Germany, which can quickly add up, are not fully covered.

Exemption from statutory health insurance

In order to enrol with private health insurance, you will need additionally a certificate indicating that you are exempt or not subject to compulsory statutory health insurance („versicherungsfrei“, „von der Versicherungspflicht befreit“, oder „nicht versicherungspflichtig“). You will receive this certificate only after your policy has been reviewed by a statutory health insurance company to determine that your health insurance is officially recognised and considered sufficient in coverage. Only a proof of private health insurance is not sufficient for matriculation. Therefore, please contact a statutory health insurance company of your choice directly (e.g.: TK).

Important note: Once you have selected private health insurance, it is not possible to switch to statutory insurance until the end of your studies! Therefore, your choice of insurance should be carefully considered.

Please note: In case you are planning to enrol for online studies from abroad (Non-EU countries), the obligation to provide evidence of health insurance does not apply until you enter Germany. Please contact us at international.study@uni-goettingen.de

The following information is provided to help you identify the best option for you personally:




Which degree are you seeking?
How old will you be at the time of enrolment?
Are you...
Are you...
Are you covered under a health insurance policy in your country?
Are you covered under a health insurance policy in your country?
Do you have an employment contract with the University of Göttingen or are you employed at a job with a mandatory social security contribution?
Do you have an employment contract with the University of Göttingen or are you employed at a job with a mandatory social security contribution?

Health insurance from your home country
EU and EEA countries
Due to an EU and EEA-wide social security agreement, students whose country of origin is in the EU or the EEA do not initially require separate health insurance. They are still covered by the state health insurance of their home country, regardless of the start of the semester. The 'EHIC' (European Health Insurance Card), which is issued by the insurance company in your home country, serves as proof of insurance coverage. A copy of this card is sufficient proof for matriculation.
Nevertheless, the health insurance coverage and duration should be discussed with your EU country-insurance company as early as possible. When you are no longer covered in your home country, German health insurance must be obtained. If the insurance company of your homecountry does not offer ‚EHIC‘ , you will need additionally a certificate indicating that you are exempt or not subject to compulsory statutory health insurance („versicherungsfrei“, „von der Versicherungspflicht befreit“, oder „nicht versicherungspflichtig“). You will receive this certificate only after your policy has been reviewed by a statutory health insurance company to determine that your health insurance is officially recognised and considered sufficient in coverage. Only a proof of your homecountry insurance is not sufficient for matriculation. Therefore, please contact a german statutory health insurance company of your choice directly (e.g.: TK).
Please note the following change, effective end of year 2017:
If you are an EU or EEA student with a part-time student job in Germany or completing a paid internship, you must be insured through a German health insurance company.
Private health insurance
There are numerous private health insurance companies in Germany. In contrast to statutory health insurance, the scope of benefits is not regulated by law. The contribution rate is usually based on the contractually agreed scope of medical services, so that the more affordable the insurance contract, the lower the benefits. It is therefore particularly important to compare offers and take into account the cost/benefit ratio.
Fintiba and Expatrio offer an inexpensive solution that combines travel insurance for arrival, a blocked account (Sperrkonto*) and private health insurance.
Rates and fees
The costs for private health insurance vary greatly depending on the provider and the service package. Please contact the respective insurance providers directly for more information.
Benefits
The scope of private health insurance is very individual. Please contact the respective insurance providers directly for more information.
Medical services must first be paid for by yourself, and then submitted to the provider for reimbursement. Then, your claim will be reviewed against the services in your insurance package and, as applicable, partially reimbursed by the provider.
Exemption from statutory health insurance
In order to enrol with private health insurance, you will need a certificate indicating that you are exempt or not subject to compulsory statutory health insurance („versicherungsfrei“, „von der Versicherungspflicht befreit“, oder „nicht versicherungspflichtig“). You will receive this certificate only after your policy has been reviewed by a statutory health insurance company to determine that your health insurance is officially recognised and considered sufficient in coverage. Only a proof of private health insurance is not sufficient for matriculation. Therefore, please contact a german statutory health insurance company of your choice directly (e.g.: TK).
Important note: Once you have selected private health insurance, it is not possible to switch to statutory insurance until the end of your studies! Therefore, your choice of insurance should be carefully considered.
*A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a special bank account typically required as part of the student visa requirements. This account acts as proof of financial means.
In order to set it up, you will deposit what has been determined to be the minimum amount required for one year of living expenses. Once you begin your residence in Germany, you will be able to withdraw a fixed sum each month. You will not be able to withdraw any additional funds, nor can this account be used for any other purpose. If a scholarship is paying your living expenses, a blocked account may not be necessary for your visa.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only. The International Office of the University of Göttingen accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information provided and is not responsible for the content of external links or websites. Please also understand that we cannot provide detailed advice on the service packages of individual private providers.

Health insurance from your home country
Non-EU or EEA countries
Private health insurance from non-EU countries may be recognised if the scope of benefits corresponds to that of the German statutory health insurance. Please note, however, that it is then not possible to change to the statutory health insurance for the duration of your studies in Germany. Your insurance company in your home country will provide you with information about the scope of insurance.
Travel health insurance
Students whose country of origin is not in the EU or the EEA must first obtain health insurance that covers the period immediately after entry. You must provide proof of this when applying for a German visa for the purpose of studying. Generally speaking, this is travel health insurance that you can take out in your home country.
Since regular student health insurance does not become legally valid until the beginning of the semester (1 April or 1 October), you must ensure that your travel health insurance is valid until then.
After your arrival in Germany, you must obtain a German health insurance policy as soon as possible in order to be able to enrol. Matriculation with only a travel health insurance policy is not possible!
For more detailed information on the respective travel health insurances, please refer directly to the websites of the individual health insurances (eg,).
Statutory health insurance
In Germany, numerous statutory health insurance funds offer a largely identical range of services. In addition to limited treatment for illness and accidents, this also includes pre- and post-operative examinations, rehabilitation measures and the cost of medically necessary medication.
Some providers (eg, Techniker Krankenkasse or DAK) offer the possibility of taking out insurance online from abroad. Please inform yourself directly from the websites of the health insurance providers (TK, DAK, AOK).
Fintiba and Expatrio offer a low-cost solution that combines travel health insurance for entry, a blocked account (Sperrkonto) and transfer to the statutory health insurance fund.
Rates and fees
Up to the age of 30 or the 14th semester you must be insured via statutory health insurance. Until this time, the statutory health insurance companies are obligated to offer students a lower student rate. The fee is currently around 80 euros per month and will be directly debited from your account every month that your contract is effective.
From the age of 30 or the 15th semester, you have the option of taking out voluntary insurance with a statutory insurance company at the regular rate. The contributions are then significantly higher than in the student rate.
Benefits
The scope of benefits provided by a statutory health insurance fund is defined by law. It offers sufficient protection for medical care in the event of illness or an accident and, to a limited extent, includes pre- and post-care examinations, rehabilitation and medication. The costs for treatment are settled directly with the health insurance company; therefore you do not have to pay the bills yourself first. If, in exceptional cases, the costs for medical services exceed the legally insured amount, you will be notified in advance by the medical staff. You can then decide for yourself whether the treatment will be carried out or not.
*A blocked account (Sperrkonto*) is a special bank account typically required as part of the student visa requirements. This account acts as proof of financial means.
In order to set it up, you will deposit what has been determined to be the minimum amount required for one year of living expenses. Once you begin your residence in Germany, you will be able to withdraw a fixed sum each month. You will not be able to withdraw any additional funds, nor can this account be used for any other purpose. If a scholarship is paying your living expenses, a blocked account may not be necessary for your visa.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only. The International Office of the University of Göttingen accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information provided and is not responsible for the content of external links or websites. Please also understand that we cannot provide detailed advice on the service packages of individual private providers.

Health insurance from your home country
EU and EEA countries
Due to an EU and EEA-wide social security agreement, students whose country of origin is in the EU or the EEA do not initially require separate health insurance. They are still covered by the state health insurance of their home country, regardless of the start of the semester. The 'EHIC' (European Health Insurance Card), which is issued by the insurance company in your home country, serves as proof of insurance coverage. A copy of this card is sufficient proof for matriculation.
Nevertheless, the health insurance coverage and duration should be discussed with your EU country-insurance company as early as possible. When you are no longer covered in your home country, German health insurance must be obtained. If the insurance company of your homecountry does not offer ‚EHIC‘ , you will need additionally a certificate indicating that you are exempt or not subject to compulsory statutory health insurance („versicherungsfrei“, „von der Versicherungspflicht befreit“, oder „nicht versicherungspflichtig“). You will receive this certificate only after your policy has been reviewed by a statutory health insurance company to determine that your health insurance is officially recognised and considered sufficient in coverage. Only a proof of your homecountry insurance is not sufficient for matriculation. Therefore, please contact a german statutory health insurance company of your choice directly (e.g.: TK).
Please note the following change, effective end of year 2017:
If you are an EU or EEA student with a part-time student job in Germany or completing a paid internship, you must be insured through a German health insurance company.
Statutory health insurance
In Germany, numerous statutory health insurance funds offer a largely identical range of services. In addition to limited treatment for illness and accidents, this also includes pre- and post-operative examinations, rehabilitation measures and the cost of medically necessary medication.
Some providers (eg, Techniker Krankenkasse or DAK) offer the possibility of taking out insurance online from abroad. Please inform yourself directly from the websites of the health insurance providers (TK, DAK, AOK).
Fintiba and Expatrio offer a low-cost solution that combines travel health insurance for entry, a blocked account (Sperrkonto) and transfer to the statutory health insurance fund.
Rates and fees
Up to the age of 30 or the 14th semester you must be insured via statutory health insurance. Until this time, the statutory health insurance companies are obligated to offer students a lower student rate. The fee is currently around 80 euros per month and will be directly debited from your account every month that your contract is effective.
From the age of 30 or the 15th semester, you have the option of taking out voluntary insurance with a statutory insurance company at the regular rate. The contributions are then significantly higher than in the student rate.
Benefits
The scope of benefits provided by a statutory health insurance fund is defined by law. It offers sufficient protection for medical care in the event of illness or an accident and, to a limited extent, includes pre- and post-care examinations, rehabilitation and medication. The costs for treatment are settled directly with the health insurance company; therefore you do not have to pay the bills yourself first. If, in exceptional cases, the costs for medical services exceed the legally insured amount, you will be notified in advance by the medical staff. You can then decide for yourself whether the treatment will be carried out or not.
*A blocked account (Sperrkonto*) is a special bank account typically required as part of the student visa requirements. This account acts as proof of financial means.
In order to set it up, you will deposit what has been determined to be the minimum amount required for one year of living expenses. Once you begin your residence in Germany, you will be able to withdraw a fixed sum each month. You will not be able to withdraw any additional funds, nor can this account be used for any other purpose. If a scholarship is paying your living expenses, a blocked account may not be necessary for your visa.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only. The International Office of the University of Göttingen accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information provided and is not responsible for the content of external links or websites. Please also understand that we cannot provide detailed advice on the service packages of individual private providers.

Health insurance from your home country
Non-EU or EEA countries
Private health insurance from non-EU countries may be recognised if the scope of benefits corresponds to that of the German statutory health insurance. Please note, however, that it is then not possible to change to the statutory health insurance for the duration of your studies in Germany. Your insurance company in your home country will provide you with information about the scope of insurance.
Travel health insurance
Students whose country of origin is not in the EU or the EEA must first obtain health insurance that covers the period immediately after entry. You must provide proof of this when applying for a German visa for the purpose of studying. Generally speaking, this is travel health insurance that you can take out in your home country.
Since regular student health insurance does not become legally valid until the beginning of the semester (1 April or 1 October), you must ensure that your travel health insurance is valid until then.
After your arrival in Germany, you must obtain a German health insurance policy as soon as possible in order to be able to enrol. Matriculation with only a travel health insurance policy is not possible!
For more detailed information on the respective travel health insurances, please refer directly to the websites of the individual health insurances (eg,).
Private health insurance
There are numerous private health insurance companies in Germany. In contrast to statutory health insurance, the scope of benefits is not regulated by law. The contribution rate is usually based on the contractually agreed scope of medical services, so that the more affordable the insurance contract, the lower the benefits. It is therefore particularly important to compare offers and take into account the cost/benefit ratio.
Fintiba and Expatrio offer an inexpensive solution that combines travel insurance for arrival, a blocked account (Sperrkonto*) and private health insurance.
Rates and fees
The costs for private health insurance vary greatly depending on the provider and the service package. Please contact the respective insurance providers directly for more information.
Benefits
The scope of private health insurance is very individual. Please contact the respective insurance providers directly for more information.
Medical services must first be paid for by yourself, and then submitted to the provider for reimbursement. Then, your claim will be reviewed against the services in your insurance package and, as applicable, partially reimbursed by the provider.
Exemption from statutory health insurance
In order to enrol with private health insurance, you will need a certificate indicating that you are exempt or not subject to compulsory statutory health insurance („versicherungsfrei“, „von der Versicherungspflicht befreit“, oder „nicht versicherungspflichtig“). You will receive this certificate only after your policy has been reviewed by a statutory health insurance company to determine that your health insurance is officially recognised and considered sufficient in coverage. Only a proof of private health insurance is not sufficient for matriculation. Therefore, please contact a german statutory health insurance company of your choice directly (e.g.: TK).
Important note: Once you have selected private health insurance, it is not possible to switch to statutory insurance until the end of your studies! Therefore, your choice of insurance should be carefully considered.
*A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a special bank account typically required as part of the student visa requirements. This account acts as proof of financial means.
In order to set it up, you will deposit what has been determined to be the minimum amount required for one year of living expenses. Once you begin your residence in Germany, you will be able to withdraw a fixed sum each month. You will not be able to withdraw any additional funds, nor can this account be used for any other purpose. If a scholarship is paying your living expenses, a blocked account may not be necessary for your visa.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only. The International Office of the University of Göttingen accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information provided and is not responsible for the content of external links or websites. Please also understand that we cannot provide detailed advice on the service packages of individual private providers.

Private health insurance
There are numerous private health insurance companies in Germany. In contrast to statutory health insurance, the scope of benefits is not regulated by law. The contribution rate is usually based on the contractually agreed scope of medical services, so that the more affordable the insurance contract, the lower the benefits. It is therefore particularly important to compare offers and take into account the cost/benefit ratio.
Fintiba and Expatrio offer an inexpensive solution that combines travel insurance for arrival, a blocked account (Sperrkonto*) and private health insurance.
Rates and fees
The costs for private health insurance vary greatly depending on the provider and the service package. Please contact the respective insurance providers directly for more information.
Benefits
The scope of private health insurance is very individual. Please contact the respective insurance providers directly for more information.
Medical services must first be paid for by yourself, and then submitted to the provider for reimbursement. Then, your claim will be reviewed against the services in your insurance package and, as applicable, partially reimbursed by the provider.
Exemption from statutory health insurance
In order to enrol with private health insurance, you will need a certificate indicating that you are exempt or not subject to compulsory statutory health insurance („versicherungsfrei“, „von der Versicherungspflicht befreit“, oder „nicht versicherungspflichtig“). You will receive this certificate only after your policy has been reviewed by a statutory health insurance company to determine that your health insurance is officially recognised and considered sufficient in coverage. Only a proof of private health insurance is not sufficient for matriculation. Therefore, please contact a german statutory health insurance company of your choice directly (e.g.: TK).
Important note: Once you have selected private health insurance, it is not possible to switch to statutory insurance until the end of your studies! Therefore, your choice of insurance should be carefully considered.
*A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a special bank account typically required as part of the student visa requirements. This account acts as proof of financial means.
In order to set it up, you will deposit what has been determined to be the minimum amount required for one year of living expenses. Once you begin your residence in Germany, you will be able to withdraw a fixed sum each month. You will not be able to withdraw any additional funds, nor can this account be used for any other purpose. If a scholarship is paying your living expenses, a blocked account may not be necessary for your visa.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only. The International Office of the University of Göttingen accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information provided and is not responsible for the content of external links or websites. Please also understand that we cannot provide detailed advice on the service packages of individual private providers.

Statutory health insurance
In Germany, numerous statutory health insurance funds offer a largely identical range of services. In addition to limited treatment for illness and accidents, this also includes pre- and post-operative examinations, rehabilitation measures and the cost of medically necessary medication.
Some providers (eg, Techniker Krankenkasse or DAK) offer the possibility of taking out insurance online from abroad. Please inform yourself directly from the websites of the health insurance providers (TK, DAK, AOK).
Fintiba and Expatrio offer a low-cost solution that combines travel health insurance for entry, a blocked account (Sperrkonto) and transfer to the statutory health insurance fund.
Rates and fees
Up to the age of 30 or the 14th semester you must be insured via statutory health insurance. Until this time, the statutory health insurance companies are obligated to offer students a lower student rate. The fee is currently around 80 euros per month and will be directly debited from your account every month that your contract is effective.
From the age of 30 or the 15th semester, you have the option of taking out voluntary insurance with a statutory insurance company at the regular rate. The contributions are then significantly higher than in the student rate.
Benefits
The scope of benefits provided by a statutory health insurance fund is defined by law. It offers sufficient protection for medical care in the event of illness or an accident and, to a limited extent, includes pre- and post-care examinations, rehabilitation and medication. The costs for treatment are settled directly with the health insurance company; therefore you do not have to pay the bills yourself first. If, in exceptional cases, the costs for medical services exceed the legally insured amount, you will be notified in advance by the medical staff. You can then decide for yourself whether the treatment will be carried out or not.
*A blocked account (Sperrkonto*) is a special bank account typically required as part of the student visa requirements. This account acts as proof of financial means.
In order to set it up, you will deposit what has been determined to be the minimum amount required for one year of living expenses. Once you begin your residence in Germany, you will be able to withdraw a fixed sum each month. You will not be able to withdraw any additional funds, nor can this account be used for any other purpose. If a scholarship is paying your living expenses, a blocked account may not be necessary for your visa.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only. The International Office of the University of Göttingen accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information provided and is not responsible for the content of external links or websites. Please also understand that we cannot provide detailed advice on the service packages of individual private providers.

Travel health insurance
Students whose country of origin is not in the EU or the EEA must first obtain health insurance that covers the period immediately after entry. You must provide proof of this when applying for a German visa for the purpose of studying. Generally speaking, this is travel health insurance that you can take out in your home country.
Since regular student health insurance does not become legally valid until the beginning of the semester (1 April or 1 October), you must ensure that your travel health insurance is valid until then.
After your arrival in Germany, you must obtain a German health insurance policy as soon as possible in order to be able to enrol. Matriculation with only a travel health insurance policy is not possible!
For more detailed information on the respective travel health insurances, please refer directly to the websites of the individual health insurances (eg,).
Statutory health insurance
In Germany, numerous statutory health insurance funds offer a largely identical range of services. In addition to limited treatment for illness and accidents, this also includes pre- and post-operative examinations, rehabilitation measures and the cost of medically necessary medication.
Some providers (eg, Techniker Krankenkasse or DAK) offer the possibility of taking out insurance online from abroad. Please inform yourself directly from the websites of the health insurance providers (TK, DAK, AOK).
Fintiba and Expatrio offer a low-cost solution that combines travel health insurance for entry, a blocked account (Sperrkonto) and transfer to the statutory health insurance fund.
Rates and fees
Up to the age of 30 or the 14th semester you must be insured via statutory health insurance. Until this time, the statutory health insurance companies are obligated to offer students a lower student rate. The fee is currently around 80 euros per month and will be directly debited from your account every month that your contract is effective.
From the age of 30 or the 15th semester, you have the option of taking out voluntary insurance with a statutory insurance company at the regular rate. The contributions are then significantly higher than in the student rate.
Benefits
The scope of benefits provided by a statutory health insurance fund is defined by law. It offers sufficient protection for medical care in the event of illness or an accident and, to a limited extent, includes pre- and post-care examinations, rehabilitation and medication. The costs for treatment are settled directly with the health insurance company; therefore you do not have to pay the bills yourself first. If, in exceptional cases, the costs for medical services exceed the legally insured amount, you will be notified in advance by the medical staff. You can then decide for yourself whether the treatment will be carried out or not.
*A blocked account (Sperrkonto*) is a special bank account typically required as part of the student visa requirements. This account acts as proof of financial means.
In order to set it up, you will deposit what has been determined to be the minimum amount required for one year of living expenses. Once you begin your residence in Germany, you will be able to withdraw a fixed sum each month. You will not be able to withdraw any additional funds, nor can this account be used for any other purpose. If a scholarship is paying your living expenses, a blocked account may not be necessary for your visa.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only. The International Office of the University of Göttingen accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information provided and is not responsible for the content of external links or websites. Please also understand that we cannot provide detailed advice on the service packages of individual private providers.

Travel health insurance
Students whose country of origin is not in the EU or the EEA must first obtain health insurance that covers the period immediately after entry. You must provide proof of this when applying for a German visa for the purpose of studying. Generally speaking, this is travel health insurance that you can take out in your home country.
Since regular student health insurance does not become legally valid until the beginning of the semester (1 April or 1 October), you must ensure that your travel health insurance is valid until then.
After your arrival in Germany, you must obtain a German health insurance policy as soon as possible in order to be able to enrol. Matriculation with only a travel health insurance policy is not possible!
For more detailed information on the respective travel health insurances, please refer directly to the websites of the individual health insurances (eg,).
Private health insurance
There are numerous private health insurance companies in Germany. In contrast to statutory health insurance, the scope of benefits is not regulated by law. The contribution rate is usually based on the contractually agreed scope of medical services, so that the more affordable the insurance contract, the lower the benefits. It is therefore particularly important to compare offers and take into account the cost/benefit ratio.
Fintiba and Expatrio offer an inexpensive solution that combines travel insurance for arrival, a blocked account (Sperrkonto*) and private health insurance.
Rates and fees
The costs for private health insurance vary greatly depending on the provider and the service package. Please contact the respective insurance providers directly for more information.
Benefits
The scope of private health insurance is very individual. Please contact the respective insurance providers directly for more information.
Medical services must first be paid for by yourself, and then submitted to the provider for reimbursement. Then, your claim will be reviewed against the services in your insurance package and, as applicable, partially reimbursed by the provider.
Exemption from statutory health insurance
In order to enrol with private health insurance, you will need a certificate indicating that you are exempt or not subject to compulsory statutory health insurance („versicherungsfrei“, „von der Versicherungspflicht befreit“, oder „nicht versicherungspflichtig“). You will receive this certificate only after your policy has been reviewed by a statutory health insurance company to determine that your health insurance is officially recognised and considered sufficient in coverage. Only a proof of private health insurance is not sufficient for matriculation. Therefore, please contact a german statutory health insurance company of your choice directly (e.g.: TK).
Important note: Once you have selected private health insurance, it is not possible to switch to statutory insurance until the end of your studies! Therefore, your choice of insurance should be carefully considered.
*A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a special bank account typically required as part of the student visa requirements. This account acts as proof of financial means.
In order to set it up, you will deposit what has been determined to be the minimum amount required for one year of living expenses. Once you begin your residence in Germany, you will be able to withdraw a fixed sum each month. You will not be able to withdraw any additional funds, nor can this account be used for any other purpose. If a scholarship is paying your living expenses, a blocked account may not be necessary for your visa.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only. The International Office of the University of Göttingen accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information provided and is not responsible for the content of external links or websites. Please also understand that we cannot provide detailed advice on the service packages of individual private providers.

Health insurance from your home country
EU and EEA countries
Due to an EU and EEA-wide social security agreement, students whose country of origin is in the EU or the EEA do not initially require separate health insurance. They are still covered by the state health insurance of their home country, regardless of the start of the semester. The 'EHIC' (European Health Insurance Card), which is issued by the insurance company in your home country, serves as proof of insurance coverage. A copy of this card is sufficient proof for matriculation.
Nevertheless, the health insurance coverage and duration should be discussed with your EU country-insurance company as early as possible. When you are no longer covered in your home country, German health insurance must be obtained. If the insurance company of your homecountry does not offer ‚EHIC‘ , you will need additionally a certificate indicating that you are exempt or not subject to compulsory statutory health insurance („versicherungsfrei“, „von der Versicherungspflicht befreit“, oder „nicht versicherungspflichtig“). You will receive this certificate only after your policy has been reviewed by a statutory health insurance company to determine that your health insurance is officially recognised and considered sufficient in coverage. Only a proof of your homecountry insurance is not sufficient for matriculation. Therefore, please contact a german statutory health insurance company of your choice directly (e.g.: TK).
Please note the following change, effective end of year 2017:
If you are an EU or EEA student with a part-time student job in Germany or completing a paid internship, you must be insured through a German health insurance company.
Statutory health insurance
In Germany, numerous statutory health insurance funds offer a largely identical range of services. In addition to limited treatment for illness and accidents, this also includes pre- and post-operative examinations, rehabilitation measures and the cost of medically necessary medication.
Some providers (eg, Techniker Krankenkasse or DAK) offer the possibility of taking out insurance online from abroad. Please inform yourself directly from the websites of the health insurance providers (TK, DAK, AOK).
Fintiba and Expatrio offer a low-cost solution that combines travel health insurance for entry, a blocked account (Sperrkonto) and transfer to the statutory health insurance fund.
Rates and fees
Up to the age of 30 or the 14th semester you must be insured via statutory health insurance. Until this time, the statutory health insurance companies are obligated to offer students a lower student rate. The fee is currently around 80 euros per month and will be directly debited from your account every month that your contract is effective.
From the age of 30 or the 15th semester, you have the option of taking out voluntary insurance with a statutory insurance company at the regular rate. The contributions are then significantly higher than in the student rate.
Benefits
The scope of benefits provided by a statutory health insurance fund is defined by law. It offers sufficient protection for medical care in the event of illness or an accident and, to a limited extent, includes pre- and post-care examinations, rehabilitation and medication. The costs for treatment are settled directly with the health insurance company; therefore you do not have to pay the bills yourself first. If, in exceptional cases, the costs for medical services exceed the legally insured amount, you will be notified in advance by the medical staff. You can then decide for yourself whether the treatment will be carried out or not.
*A blocked account (Sperrkonto*) is a special bank account typically required as part of the student visa requirements. This account acts as proof of financial means.
In order to set it up, you will deposit what has been determined to be the minimum amount required for one year of living expenses. Once you begin your residence in Germany, you will be able to withdraw a fixed sum each month. You will not be able to withdraw any additional funds, nor can this account be used for any other purpose. If a scholarship is paying your living expenses, a blocked account may not be necessary for your visa.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only. The International Office of the University of Göttingen accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information provided and is not responsible for the content of external links or websites. Please also understand that we cannot provide detailed advice on the service packages of individual private providers.

Statutory health insurance
In Germany, numerous statutory health insurance funds offer a largely identical range of services. In addition to limited treatment for illness and accidents, this also includes pre- and post-operative examinations, rehabilitation measures and the cost of medically necessary medication.
Some providers (eg, Techniker Krankenkasse or DAK) offer the possibility of taking out insurance online from abroad. Please inform yourself directly from the websites of the health insurance providers (TK, DAK, AOK).
Fintiba and Expatrio offer a low-cost solution that combines travel health insurance for entry, a blocked account (Sperrkonto) and transfer to the statutory health insurance fund.
Rates and fees
Up to the age of 30 or the 14th semester you must be insured via statutory health insurance. Until this time, the statutory health insurance companies are obligated to offer students a lower student rate. The fee is currently around 80 euros per month and will be directly debited from your account every month that your contract is effective.
From the age of 30 or the 15th semester, you have the option of taking out voluntary insurance with a statutory insurance company at the regular rate. The contributions are then significantly higher than in the student rate.
Benefits
The scope of benefits provided by a statutory health insurance fund is defined by law. It offers sufficient protection for medical care in the event of illness or an accident and, to a limited extent, includes pre- and post-care examinations, rehabilitation and medication. The costs for treatment are settled directly with the health insurance company; therefore you do not have to pay the bills yourself first. If, in exceptional cases, the costs for medical services exceed the legally insured amount, you will be notified in advance by the medical staff. You can then decide for yourself whether the treatment will be carried out or not.
*A blocked account (Sperrkonto*) is a special bank account typically required as part of the student visa requirements. This account acts as proof of financial means.
In order to set it up, you will deposit what has been determined to be the minimum amount required for one year of living expenses. Once you begin your residence in Germany, you will be able to withdraw a fixed sum each month. You will not be able to withdraw any additional funds, nor can this account be used for any other purpose. If a scholarship is paying your living expenses, a blocked account may not be necessary for your visa.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only. The International Office of the University of Göttingen accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information provided and is not responsible for the content of external links or websites. Please also understand that we cannot provide detailed advice on the service packages of individual private providers.

Health insurance from your home country
EU and EEA countries
Due to an EU and EEA-wide social security agreement, students whose country of origin is in the EU or the EEA do not initially require separate health insurance. They are still covered by the state health insurance of their home country, regardless of the start of the semester. The 'EHIC' (European Health Insurance Card), which is issued by the insurance company in your home country, serves as proof of insurance coverage. A copy of this card is sufficient proof for matriculation.
Nevertheless, the health insurance coverage and duration should be discussed with your EU country-insurance company as early as possible. When you are no longer covered in your home country, German health insurance must be obtained. If the insurance company of your homecountry does not offer ‚EHIC‘ , you will need additionally a certificate indicating that you are exempt or not subject to compulsory statutory health insurance („versicherungsfrei“, „von der Versicherungspflicht befreit“, oder „nicht versicherungspflichtig“). You will receive this certificate only after your policy has been reviewed by a statutory health insurance company to determine that your health insurance is officially recognised and considered sufficient in coverage. Only a proof of your homecountry insurance is not sufficient for matriculation. Therefore, please contact a german statutory health insurance company of your choice directly (e.g.: TK).
Please note the following change, effective end of year 2017:
If you are an EU or EEA student with a part-time student job in Germany or completing a paid internship, you must be insured through a German health insurance company.
Private health insurance
There are numerous private health insurance companies in Germany. In contrast to statutory health insurance, the scope of benefits is not regulated by law. The contribution rate is usually based on the contractually agreed scope of medical services, so that the more affordable the insurance contract, the lower the benefits. It is therefore particularly important to compare offers and take into account the cost/benefit ratio.
Fintiba and Expatrio offer an inexpensive solution that combines travel insurance for arrival, a blocked account (Sperrkonto*) and private health insurance.
Rates and fees
The costs for private health insurance vary greatly depending on the provider and the service package. Please contact the respective insurance providers directly for more information.
Benefits
The scope of private health insurance is very individual. Please contact the respective insurance providers directly for more information.
Medical services must first be paid for by yourself, and then submitted to the provider for reimbursement. Then, your claim will be reviewed against the services in your insurance package and, as applicable, partially reimbursed by the provider.
Exemption from statutory health insurance
In order to enrol with private health insurance, you will need a certificate indicating that you are exempt or not subject to compulsory statutory health insurance („versicherungsfrei“, „von der Versicherungspflicht befreit“, oder „nicht versicherungspflichtig“). You will receive this certificate only after your policy has been reviewed by a statutory health insurance company to determine that your health insurance is officially recognised and considered sufficient in coverage. Only a proof of private health insurance is not sufficient for matriculation. Therefore, please contact a german statutory health insurance company of your choice directly (e.g.: TK).
Important note: Once you have selected private health insurance, it is not possible to switch to statutory insurance until the end of your studies! Therefore, your choice of insurance should be carefully considered.
*A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a special bank account typically required as part of the student visa requirements. This account acts as proof of financial means.
In order to set it up, you will deposit what has been determined to be the minimum amount required for one year of living expenses. Once you begin your residence in Germany, you will be able to withdraw a fixed sum each month. You will not be able to withdraw any additional funds, nor can this account be used for any other purpose. If a scholarship is paying your living expenses, a blocked account may not be necessary for your visa.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only. The International Office of the University of Göttingen accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information provided and is not responsible for the content of external links or websites. Please also understand that we cannot provide detailed advice on the service packages of individual private providers.

Private health insurance
There are numerous private health insurance companies in Germany. In contrast to statutory health insurance, the scope of benefits is not regulated by law. The contribution rate is usually based on the contractually agreed scope of medical services, so that the more affordable the insurance contract, the lower the benefits. It is therefore particularly important to compare offers and take into account the cost/benefit ratio.
Fintiba and Expatrio offer an inexpensive solution that combines travel insurance for arrival, a blocked account (Sperrkonto*) and private health insurance.
Rates and fees
The costs for private health insurance vary greatly depending on the provider and the service package. Please contact the respective insurance providers directly for more information.
Benefits
The scope of private health insurance is very individual. Please contact the respective insurance providers directly for more information.
Medical services must first be paid for by yourself, and then submitted to the provider for reimbursement. Then, your claim will be reviewed against the services in your insurance package and, as applicable, partially reimbursed by the provider.
Exemption from statutory health insurance
In order to enrol with private health insurance, you will need a certificate indicating that you are exempt or not subject to compulsory statutory health insurance („versicherungsfrei“, „von der Versicherungspflicht befreit“, oder „nicht versicherungspflichtig“). You will receive this certificate only after your policy has been reviewed by a statutory health insurance company to determine that your health insurance is officially recognised and considered sufficient in coverage. Only a proof of private health insurance is not sufficient for matriculation. Therefore, please contact a german statutory health insurance company of your choice directly (e.g.: TK).
Important note: Once you have selected private health insurance, it is not possible to switch to statutory insurance until the end of your studies! Therefore, your choice of insurance should be carefully considered.
*A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a special bank account typically required as part of the student visa requirements. This account acts as proof of financial means.
In order to set it up, you will deposit what has been determined to be the minimum amount required for one year of living expenses. Once you begin your residence in Germany, you will be able to withdraw a fixed sum each month. You will not be able to withdraw any additional funds, nor can this account be used for any other purpose. If a scholarship is paying your living expenses, a blocked account may not be necessary for your visa.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only. The International Office of the University of Göttingen accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information provided and is not responsible for the content of external links or websites. Please also understand that we cannot provide detailed advice on the service packages of individual private providers.