Disability insurance (Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung, BU) during a dual study differs from a classic degree, because you already work in a company alongside the university. Practical phases, a training or employment contract and possible employer benefits all influence which activity the insurer uses as its basis. This guide shows what to check and how to classify costs and health questions correctly.
Short answer: Last updated: October 2026. There is no fixed premium for dual students. The price depends on age at entry, health, pension amount and term. What matters is whether your practical phases count as an occupation under the contract and which benefits your employer adds. Clarify both in writing before you sign.
Key points
- Under section 172 (2) VVG, occupational disability is tied to your last occupation.
- In a dual study, the practical phase is an important reference point. Whether it counts as an occupation is set out in the contract.
- State correctly in the application whether you have a training contract or an employment contract.
- Employer benefits can supplement a policy, but they do not automatically replace your own cover.
- Answer health questions completely and truthfully.
What does the law say about occupational disability?
Under section 172 (2) of the German Insurance Contract Act (VVG), what counts is your last occupation. In a dual study the practical phase is already work, but it is not automatically the later profession. The contract therefore has to say clearly which activity counts.
Under section 172 (3) VVG, the parties may agree that a referral to other work applies only if that work matches your training, abilities and previous social position. In a dual study, where study and practice are combined, it is worth checking this clause closely.
How is a dual study classified?
Insurers look at how you relate to the company and what work you actually do there. The table shows the points to clarify before you sign.
| Check | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Type of contract | A training contract and an employment contract can be assessed differently | Read the contract and state its type in the application |
| Practical phases | Whether they count as an occupation must be set out in the contract | Describe the activity and scope of each practical phase |
| Job guarantee after the study | A firm commitment to take you on changes the career path | Keep the commitment in writing and tell the insurer |
| Employer benefits | Company cover is a separate contract with its own terms | Check the benefits and do not confuse them with your own BU |
What does disability insurance cost during a dual study?
There is no uniform figure. The premium depends on age at entry, health, occupational group, pension amount and term. Whether your employer contributes to the cost is set out in your contract or an internal company arrangement, so check it there.
A worked example of the coverage gap. Assumption: you want 1,800 euros per month available if you become unable to work. Assumption: the disability pension is 900 euros per month. The gap is 900 euros per month. This gap shows how high the pension should be.
Which health questions do you have to answer?
The application asks about diagnoses, treatment and medication over recent years. In a dual study, the start of training and the start of cover can differ. Give the information for the whole period in which you want to be insured, and check that the application is dated correctly.
- Note treatments with date and doctor.
- Make sure the start of cover matches the start of the contract.
- Ask if you cannot answer a question clearly.
- Keep a copy of the completed application.
For more on the review, see our glossary on health insurance for students. Dual study and health insurance are covered in the German article Duales Studium und Krankenversicherung (in German).
When does it make sense to sign during a dual study?
An early policy can make sense while you are healthy and the classification can be settled before your career path is fixed. Against it: the company may still change a great deal. A policy with clear referral rules stays more flexible in this phase.
If you want to discuss your situation in person, the page How we work at Academycon explains how an advice session runs.
Frequently asked questions
Does my practical phase already count as an occupation?
That depends on the contract. A practical phase is often part of the training and not automatically the later profession. Ask the insurer and get the answer in writing.
Must I tell my employer about the policy?
An obligation to the employer does not automatically follow from the policy. Whether company rules apply is set out in your contract and in the company’s internal documents.
What if I change employers after the dual study?
A change of employer can affect the classification if the activity changes. Check in advance whether your contract covers that change.
Is my own policy worth having alongside company cover?
That depends on what the company cover pays, and for how long. Compare benefits, duration and terms before you decide.
What to do next
- Note your contract type and the scope of each practical phase.
- Ask in writing how your dual study is classified.
- Clarify which employer benefits exist and how long they apply.
- Answer the health questions completely and keep copies.
Related reading
- Private health insurance for working students in Germany
- Health insurance after training
- Health insurance between your state exam and training
- Disability insurance for students: costs and start (in German)
- Duales Studium: Vorteile, Nachteile und Voraussetzungen (in German)
Sources: Section 172 VVG (German Insurance Contract Act), occupational disability (gesetze-im-internet.de, retrieved October 2026, in German). Insurance Contract Act (VVG), full text (gesetze-im-internet.de, retrieved October 2026, in German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
