Health insurance options for students
Getting health coverage is mandatory in Germany; as a student under 30 years old and studying in an accredited German university, you have 2 options to choose from:
Student public health
Strongly recommended for students since it provides very broad coverage at a discounted rate, and it will work for any residence permit after studies.
Short-term private health
Generally valid up to 5 years, it provides basic coverage. You might need to switch to a different insurance when applying for a new visa after studies.
Signing up for student public insurance in Germany
1. Before arriving to Germany
• Submit your application through Feather: only the acceptance letter from your uni is required.
• Get a preliminary confirmation of coverage: receive it within 3 days per email - if you need to apply for National D visa, it might be required.
• Receive your M10 Meldung: your insurance provider will automatically confirm your status to your uni so you can enroll. This happens directly between the provider and your university, so you will not be notified. You can check with your uni within 3 days.
• Travel health insurance: it might be requested if you are applying for National D visa.
2. Arrive in Germany
After arriving, you can complete your insurance application by providing:
• Enrolment letter of your uni, German bank account, and your German address.
• You’ll get the final confirmation of insurance in your Feather account.
Still have some questions? Follow along with this detailed tutorial video that will help you streamline your sign-up process.
Get a price estimate
Short-term private health
• This policy is a good option if you’re looking for affordable coverage.
• It’s the only insurance available to students over 30 years old or studying at a non-accredited university.
In these cases, our expat health insurance will be sufficient for your first visa and cover you up to 5 years in Germany from day one.
Some considerations
For students who need an exemption, or EU/EEA insurance confirmation.
If you are insured in one of the countries Germany has a social agreement with, and want to remain insured there, or you want to get on private insurance in Germany, you can read through our FAQ, and proceed accordingly.
For working students
If you plan on working while studying, you can keep your student public insurance and still pay a fix monthly contribution regardless of your earnings. Same goes if you are privately (Incoming) insured, there will be no change in price. These rules apply for mini jobs, and so called working student contracts. If you initially chose to keep your EU/EEA home insurance, you will have to sign up for a German insurance at the moment you start generating any income in Germany
Why Feather?
Tailored to your needs
Our personalized recommendations ensure your health insurance suits your lifestyle—and budget.
Simple and in English
Enjoy a fully digital sign-up. If you have any questions, our team is ready to support you.
Everything in one account
Health, liability, household, and other insurance policies can all be managed in one account.
Top rated English support
If you’re unable to solve a problem, we can assist you online via video call or by email.
Frequently asked questions
What if I am working as a researcher at a university?
What if my university is not on the list of recognized universities?
What if I am working full-time in an internship during my studies?
What is the Immatrikulationsbescheinigung and how do I get it?
See our FAQ page for more answers.
