With pregnancy and private health insurance, the benefits around the birth depend on your tariff. It is therefore worth checking the tariff conditions early, ideally before you apply. As a student, your insurance status also matters, because it determines your entitlements: whether you are compulsorily insured, family-insured or exempt from compulsory insurance and privately insured.
Key points at a glance
- The tariff conditions set out whether and to what extent the PKV covers fertility treatment, pregnancy and childbirth. Ask for this information in writing.
- The PKV application contains health questions that you must answer truthfully. An anonymous risk pre-assessment clarifies in advance whether an insurer will accept you.
- When you change tariffs, the insurer may demand a surcharge, an exclusion or a waiting period for additional benefits. What exactly applies depends on your tariff.
What does the PKV pay for fertility treatment?
That is why you should have the details confirmed before you sign, and clarify in writing whether costs will be covered before any treatment.
These questions will help you clarify matters:
- Which examinations and procedures are named in the tariff, and which are expressly excluded?
- What percentage is reimbursed, and are there maximum amounts?
- Are there waiting periods or age limits?
- Does the insurer need a treatment plan or a medical certificate in advance?
How billing works is explained in our overview of PKV benefits for students (in German). In short, you pay the bill yourself first and submit it to the insurer. You have three years from the end of the year in which the bill was issued to do so.
Is there a waiting period for private health insurance during pregnancy?
Whether your tariff has waiting periods is set out in the policy conditions. What is certain: when you switch to another tariff with the same insurer, you are entitled under section 204 of the German Insurance Contract Act (VVG) to have your acquired rights and your ageing provisions credited. For additional benefits, however, the insurer may demand an exclusion or a reasonable risk surcharge and, where applicable, a waiting period. A reduction in your excess also counts as an additional benefit.
If you are planning a pregnancy, clarify tariff changes early and do not make them shortly before the pregnancy begins.
Which health questions does the PKV ask before the application?
In the application, the insurer asks about pre-existing conditions and treatments. You must answer truthfully about known circumstances that are material to the insurer and about which it has asked in text form (section 19 VVG). If you breach this duty, the insurer can withdraw from the contract. Ongoing treatment and recommended operations often lead to a refusal.
An anonymous risk pre-assessment before the application shows you how an insurer assesses your details, without binding you. If you have already had examinations or treatment related to wanting a child, they belong in the pre-assessment.
Pregnancy and private health insurance: how students are covered
| Your situation | What applies |
|---|---|
| Compulsory student health insurance (GKV) | No entitlement to sick pay or maternity benefit. Maternity benefits can be applied for by anyone who works alongside their studies. |
| Family-insured through your parents | Free of contributions up to age 25 during studies, income limit of €565 a month (2026). |
| Exempt from compulsory insurance, privately insured | Benefits according to your tariff. Family insurance ends for the duration of the exemption. |
If you are family-insured yourself, your child can also be family-insured in the GKV, provided the conditions are met. The birth of a child can also be a reason to extend student health insurance beyond the age of 30. During maternity protection and parental leave, you can take a leave of absence. We have summarised the details on rights, money and insurance in Pregnant during your studies (in German). Official information is provided by the Federal Family Portal (in German).
How do you plan the costs of pregnancy and birth?
Even with good reimbursement, out-of-pocket costs can remain, for example because of deductibles, exclusions or maximum amounts. A financial buffer is worthwhile for emergencies. Our article on reserves for health costs (in German) explains how to plan them.
For the birth itself, optional services in hospital can play a role. Whether and to what extent your tariff covers them depends on the conditions. Our article on the chief physician option (in German) offers an overview.
Frequently asked questions
Does the PKV cover fertility treatment?
That depends on the tariff. Some tariffs cover certain examinations or treatments, others exclude them or limit them. Before you sign the contract and before each treatment, have the insurer confirm in writing what it covers, in what amount and under which conditions.
How long is the waiting period with the PKV during pregnancy?
There is no general waiting period. It is set out in the conditions of your tariff. When you change tariffs, the insurer may demand an exclusion or a risk surcharge for additional benefits, and possibly a waiting period. Plan changes in good time and have it explained in advance from when which benefits apply.
Am I entitled to maternity benefit as a student?
In compulsory student insurance there is no entitlement to sick pay or maternity benefit. Maternity benefits can be applied for by anyone who works alongside their studies. How this applies to you depends on your employment and your insurance status. The Federal Family Portal and your health insurer provide binding information.
Can I switch my PKV because I want to have a child?
A tariff change with the same insurer is possible under section 204 VVG, with credit for your acquired rights and your ageing provisions. For additional benefits, the insurer may demand a surcharge, an exclusion or a waiting period. A switch to another insurer usually means a new health check. Weigh up carefully what you give up before you switch.
What you should do now
- Read the benefits for fertility treatment, pregnancy and birth in your tariff conditions, or request them.
- Have cost coverage confirmed in writing before any treatment.
- For a new application, first request an anonymous risk pre-assessment.
- Clarify tariff changes early so that no waiting period comes as a surprise.
- If you want to discuss your situation, you will find the route to advice on the Academycon homepage.
You can find reviews of us on ProvenExpert, Trustlocal and Trustindex. Academycon was mentioned, among other places, in an advertisement on FAZ.net. An overview of all mentions is on the press page.
Related articles
- PKV benefits for students: an overview (in German)
- Pregnant during your studies: rights, money and insurance (in German)
- Chief physician treatment for students: is it worth it? (in German)
- PKV and fitness: subsidies, bonus programmes and health courses (in German)
Last updated: October 2026. This article provides general information and does not replace individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
