If you enroll in a state university or in a university officially recognized by the state, you will be obligated to obtain health insurance. If you are aged 30 or older that usually means you must take out voluntary insurance. To find out the specific conditions and exceptions that are applicable in your particular situation, as well as the effects that different types of employment have on a student’s obligation to obtain health insurance, please phone or make an appointment with the social counseling office (Sozialberatung).
Health insurance for international students
Anyone who goes to university in Germany must be enrolled in a health insurance scheme. In many cases, this insurance obligation gives rise to the right to enrollment in a statutory health insurance scheme (GKV). Enrollment in a statutory health insurance scheme (GKV) can also be beneficial for many international students, because it offers comprehensive healthcare coverage. Although private health insurance schemes are sometimes cheaper, they may also offer less extensive coverage. The Deutsches Studentenwerk (German Student Union) has compiled a great deal of important information for you here:
→ Information for international students: Health insurance
We recommend that you get all the information you need, so that you can carefully weigh up the advantages and disadvantages.
You can also contact the social counseling office of the Kölner Studierendenwerk, who will be happy to advise you free of charge.
“VELA” private health insurance
Deutsches Studentenwerk has concluded a framework agreement that offers comparably attractive private health insurance rates. Foreign students who are over the age of 30 or who are in their 14th subject-related semester, PhD students, participants in pre-study language courses, job-seekers following graduation, and accompanying family members are all eligible for insurance.
The “VELA light,” “VELA optimal” and “VELA Basis” health insurance plans each offer different benefits. Deutsches Studentenwerk recommends the “VELA optimal” health insurance plan, because this offers comprehensive coverage.
You will find the → VELA health insurance plans here
Students from the EU
Everyone who wants to study at a university in Germany must have health insurance. This health insurance obligation also applies to students from other EU countries (EU/EEA). Proof of health insurance coverage must be provided in order to enroll at a German university. Students who wish to use their insurance coverage from another country while in Germany must have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
As a result of the social insurance agreement in place between member states of the EU and the EEA, students from other EU/EEA countries who would like to do a complete course of study (Vollstudium) in Germany can present a EHIC when enrolling in a university. In order for this to be possible, their official domicile and primary place of residence must remain in their home country during the time that they are enrolled in a German university. Should students from other EU/EEA countries transfer their official domicile and primary place of residence to Germany (e.g. by financing their own course of study) while pursuing a complete course of study in Germany, receive German financial support, or intend to remain in Germany over the long term, they will lose their eligibility for health insurance from their home country. In this case, they must enroll in a statutory German health insurance scheme. Once this has been done, students can present proof of their coverage by a German statutory health insurance scheme at the time of their enrollment. The actual purpose of the EHIC is to ensure access to medical care in an emergency during short journeys abroad. These costs are then covered by the statutory health insurance scheme in the destination country. The health insurance scheme then settles accounts with the insurer in the traveler's home country at a later date. This may lead to some difficulty in obtaining certain services that are not considered to be emergency services – for example preventive medical check-ups during pregnancy and psychotherapy.
→ Information on the EHIC – European Health Insurance Card
If you have any questions regarding rental accommodations or are experiencing difficulties (termination/cancellation, utility bills, questions regarding subleases), you can contact the social counseling office. We will assess your case, and if necessary we may be able to provide you with a free temporary membership in Mieterverein Köln, Cologne’s tenants’ association.
Other questions that we can help you with:
Questions about half-orphan's pensions and social insurances
