Health insurance

Health In­sur­ance in Ger­many (stat­utory, private, reg­u­la­tions for stu­dents over 30 years of age, etc.)

Below you will find detailed information on health insurance for international students.

  •  Basics: In Germany, students under the age of 30 are generally required to have statutory health insurance. There are many statutory funds (e.g. TK, AOK, Barmer) and you are free to choose; the University of Paderborn accepts all of them. TK operates a service office on campus (Building ME). Membership can usually be applied for online, including via relocation services. Even if you are not subject to compulsory health insurance, you must contact a statutory health insurer (GKV) so that the required electronic notification is sent to your university. To enable your insurer to identify your university unambiguously, you must provide the University’s institution number (Betriebsnummer H0002699) to your health insurer. You can find a quick overview of the procedure in this flow chart.
  • Participants in the preparatory German course and in the Studienkolleg are exempt from this rule. They are not subject to the reporting requirement because membership of a statutory health insurer is not available for this group.
  • Starting studies at age 30 or above: Student membership in the GKV is no longer possible; only private health insurance is available. Nevertheless, a statutory health fund must send an electronic notification of your insurance status to the university.
  • Continuing studies from age 30: The discounted student tariff ends. You may continue GKV cover voluntarily at a higher contribution. If you do not wish to remain in the GKV, apply to your GKV for a status change; it will then notify the university electronically. A health insurance certificate is usually required for a residence permit. Private cover with benefits close to those of the GKV is recommended.
  • Exceptions to the GKV requirement: If you have sufficient private insurance, an EHIC, or are covered by a social security agreement, you do not have to join the GKV. However, a statutory health fund must still assess your status and notify the university electronically. You will need to present ID and evidence (private policy, EHIC, agreement form). Request a confirmation of the notification and submit it at enrolment; the university does not require any further insurance documents.
  • Choosing private health insurance: Do not choose solely on price. For benefits roughly comparable to the GKV, premiums are typically around �60–80 per month. Watch for exclusions (pre-existing conditions) and limited policy terms. Admission to a regular comprehensive private insurer is not guaranteed, especially with pre-existing conditions. To obtain an exemption from the GKV requirement, a statutory fund must review your private policy. Important: once exempted, you cannot switch back to the GKV during your studies.
  • Switching options: At the start of your studies, you must choose either GKV or private cover. Switching between these systems during your studies is only possible in a few exceptional cases (e.g. certain status changes such as marriage). Within the GKV you may change funds; leaving the GKV is typically possible only after turning 30. Returning from private to GKV is generally only possible after you have finished your studies.
  • After a preparatory German course: When moving into a degree programme, you may be able to join the GKV—but you must apply before your studies begin; a later switch during your degree is not possible. If you remain privately insured, you must ensure for enrolment that a statutory health insurer sends the required notification.
  • Important for enrolment: In all cases, the university requires the electronic notification of your insurance status from a statutory health fund. A simple email confirmation from the insurer is not sufficient!