Vaccinations covered by insurance in brief
Which vaccinations are covered by insurance, and which are not? The answer depends on the recommendations of the Standing Vaccination Committee (STIKO) and on the bylaws of your insurer. Statutory health insurance pays for the vaccinations that the STIKO recommends for adults. Travel vaccinations are reimbursed only if the bylaws of your insurer provide for it. Occupational vaccinations are not regulated by the insurer, so ask your doctor. Vaccinations that are neither a STIKO recommendation nor a bylaw benefit are paid by you.
The most important facts at a glance
| Item | Value | As of | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard for insurance benefit | STIKO recommendations, adopted by the Federal Joint Committee | 6 October 2026 | Federal Ministry of Health |
| Travel vaccinations | Voluntary bylaw benefit of the respective insurer | 6 October 2026 | Federal Ministry of Health |
| Occupational vaccinations | Not regulated, ask your doctor | 6 October 2026 | Federal Ministry of Health |
| Private insurance | The terms of the contract decide | 6 October 2026 | Federal Ministry of Health |
Which vaccinations are recommended for adults?
The following overview summarises the recommendations for adults named by the Federal Ministry of Health. It applies to students in statutory health insurance, unless an exclusion applies.
| Vaccination | Recommended for | Insurance benefit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diphtheria and tetanus | Adults every 10 years | Yes, per STIKO recommendation | Check whether a booster is due |
| Whooping cough | Adults once | Yes, per STIKO recommendation | Clarify vaccination status |
| Measles | If status is unclear, born after 1970 | Yes, per STIKO recommendation | Check your vaccination record |
| Influenza | Adults per STIKO recommendation, pregnant women | Yes, per STIKO recommendation | Annually in the season |
| Pneumococci and shingles | From age 60 | Yes, per STIKO recommendation | Rarely relevant during studies |
| Travel vaccinations | Depending on destination | Only as bylaw benefit | Ask your insurer in advance |
| Occupational vaccinations | Depending on activity | Not regulated | Ask your doctor or employer |
What do I need to know about travel vaccinations?
Which vaccinations does health insurance not cover? These often include travel vaccinations, because they are not compulsory benefits. Many insurers reimburse them through their bylaws, others do not. Therefore ask your insurer before the appointment and get the answer in writing.
If the insurer does not pay, the cost remains with you. Keep the invoice and your vaccination record.
Worked example: paying yourself for three travel vaccinations
The example uses an assumed price of 35 euros per dose.
- Three doses at 35 euros each: 3 × 35 euros = 105 euros.
- If the insurer reimburses through its bylaws, your share falls to zero, less any co-payment.
- If the insurer does not reimburse, the 105 euros remain with you.
The actual price depends on the doctor, the vaccine and the destination.
How to proceed
- Check your vaccination record and note any missing vaccinations.
- Clarify with your doctor which vaccinations from the STIKO recommendation suit you.
- For a trip, ask your insurer whether bylaw benefits apply to your destination, and schedule the appointment early.
- Have invoices issued and keep them, even if you pay yourself.
- With private insurance, read the contract terms or ask your insurer before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Which vaccinations does the health insurance not cover?
Vaccinations without a STIKO recommendation and without a bylaw benefit are paid by you. This often applies to travel vaccinations if your insurer does not include them in its bylaws, and to occupational vaccinations, which the insurer does not regulate.
Does health insurance cover travel vaccinations?
Only if the bylaws of your insurer provide for it. It is therefore a voluntary benefit. Asking the insurer before the appointment is worthwhile.
Does my insurer cover the flu vaccination?
For adults according to the STIKO recommendation, yes, particularly during pregnancy or in the case of underlying conditions. The STIKO also sets the season and target groups.
What about vaccinations for a job or an internship?
The insurer does not regulate occupational vaccinations. Clarify with your doctor which vaccinations the activity requires, and whether your employer covers the costs.
Sources and review
- Federal Ministry of Health, vaccination pages, as of 6 October 2026, accessed on 20 October 2026.
- Standing Vaccination Committee (STIKO), vaccination recommendations, via the website of the Federal Ministry of Health.
- Federal Joint Committee as the benchmark for statutory insurance benefits, according to the Federal Ministry of Health.
This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
Editorial team: Academycon · Last updated: October 2026
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Related articles
- Student health insurance 2026 in figures (in German)
- Private health insurance and vaccinations: what is covered? (in German)
- Vaccinations in private health insurance (in German)
- Glossary: health insurance during studies (in German)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
