Many degree programmes, especially at universities of applied sciences (Hochschulen für angewandte Wissenschaften), include a practical semester (Praxissemester). That raises three questions: whether you remain covered by student health insurance (studentische Krankenversicherung, KVdS) during this time, whether the placement is exempt from social insurance contributions, and whether you have accident cover. This guide sorts the cases according to the information from one university and shows what to clarify with your health insurance fund.
Short answer: During a practical semester, health insurance depends on the type of placement. According to one university, ordinary students are exempt from insurance during a compulsory intermediate placement, regardless of length, weekly hours and pay. Pre- and post-placements, however, create a duty to be insured. Your health insurance fund clarifies whether student insurance continues. Last updated: October 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- What matters is whether your placement is an intermediate, pre- or post-placement under your regulations.
- According to a university in Bavaria, ordinary students are exempt from insurance during a compulsory intermediate placement, whatever the pay.
- Pre- and post-placements can create a duty to be insured.
- The information sheet does not address student health insurance itself. Ask your fund whether it continues during the placement.
- Accident cover abroad exists only in the case of a posting. For other cases, the sheet recommends liability insurance.
What is a practical semester and which forms exist?
A practical semester is a study period with a practical focus that is set out in the study or examination regulations of the university. The terms vary. Most often you will meet the intermediate placement, which takes place during your studies, and the pre- or post-placement before or after your degree. What counts is what your regulations require.
For health insurance this classification makes a big difference. That is why you should first read your study or examination regulations and check whether the placement is named as a compulsory placement. The information sheet analysed for this guide comes from a university in Bavaria and refers to Bavarian state law. Other states can have different rules.
How does the type of placement affect insurance?
The table below summarises what the information sheet says. It does not replace information from your fund or a check of your own regulations.
| Type of placement | Health insurance according to the university | What else to clarify |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate placement, required by the regulations | Ordinary students are exempt from insurance. Length, weekly hours and pay do not matter. | Ask your fund whether student insurance continues during this time |
| Pre-placement, required by the regulations | Duty to be insured in health insurance | Agree the type of duty and the contribution with your fund |
| Post-placement, required by the regulations | Duty to be insured in health insurance | Clarify the transition to the end of your studies and to further cover |
The information sheet states clearly that there is no difference between paid and unpaid placements when it is the compulsory intermediate placement. It does not cover student health insurance itself. How it continues during the placement must therefore be confirmed by your fund.
What does this mean for student health insurance?
The compulsory insurance of students under section 5 (1) no. 9 SGB V depends on student status. For employment as an intern, separate rules apply. The law gives the student duty priority over the placement duty (section 5 (7) SGB V). The information sheet refers to the exemption for ordinary students during the intermediate placement but does not explain how membership in student insurance runs during that time. Your fund, which manages your membership, can give a specific answer.
For comparison: student health insurance cost about 112 euros per month in 2026, without long-term care insurance (assumption: contribution base 855 euros, additional contribution 2.9 percent, status 1 January 2026). If you pay no contribution through the fund during the placement, the clarification matters even more. You can read more in our guide Student Health Insurance in Germany (in English).
What applies to accident cover during the placement?
In Germany, students are insured by law against workplace accidents through the competent accident insurance carrier (section 2 (1) no. 1 SGB VII). Abroad, according to the information sheet, this cover exists only in the case of a posting. If you work for a foreign company without a German employment relationship, the cover is missing and you must make your own provision.
The information sheet also recommends liability insurance, unless you already have one or your liability is limited to intent and gross negligence. Check whether your existing liability policy also covers a placement.
When does a student job become relevant?
If you work alongside your studies, the student worker rule usually applies. According to the joint circular of 23 November 2016, students are exempt from health, long-term care and unemployment insurance up to 20 hours per week. This circular is from 2016, and later versions have not been analysed here. The rule applies regardless of the amount of pay. Several jobs are added together. For the lecture-free period a special rule applies, which ends if you work more than 20 hours for more than 26 weeks a year. More on jobs is in our guide Student Job 20-Hour Rule, Pension and Semester Breaks.
Frequently asked questions
Is a practical semester always exempt from insurance?
No. According to the information sheet, the exemption for ordinary students applies only to the compulsory intermediate placement. Pre- and post-placements create a duty to be insured. Your regulations decide, not the name used in your contract.
Does it matter whether the placement is paid?
For the compulsory intermediate placement, the information sheet makes no difference between paid and unpaid placements. Things can look different for pre- and post-placements, where the duty to be insured applies. Discuss this with your fund.
Am I accident-insured abroad during the placement?
Only in the case of a posting within the meaning of social security law (section 4 SGB IV). If you work for a foreign company without a German employment relationship, the cover is missing. Private accident insurance can close this gap. Compare the terms carefully.
Who decides in case of doubt?
Your health insurance fund is responsible for your membership, and your university, under its regulations, for recognising the placement. Ask for the answers in writing so that you can document them later.
Keep the study regulations, the placement contract and your fund’s written answer together. These documents help if questions about insurance come up later, for example at a doctor’s visit or in a contribution query.
How to proceed now
- Read your study or examination regulations and classify your placement as an intermediate, pre- or post-placement.
- Check your placement contract for period, location and employer, especially for placements abroad.
- Ask your health insurance fund to confirm in writing how your membership is handled during the placement.
- Clarify accident and liability cover for the place of work before you start.
Related guides
- Health insurance for students in the EU: EHIC and more
- Private Health Insurance for Internships: What You Need to Know
- Praktikum im Studium: Pflicht, Dauer und Vergütung (in German)
- Studentische Krankenversicherung 2026
Sources: Information sheet on health insurance during a practical semester, university (reference BayMBl. No. 60 of 24 January 2023, no date, in German); Joint circular on the social insurance status of students and interns (23 November 2016, in German); Section 2 SGB VII (current version, in German); Section 5 SGB V (current version, in German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
