The Wahlstation (elective placement) of the Rechtsreferendariat, the preparatory service for lawyers in Germany, can take place abroad, depending on the federal state. Questions on health insurance, social insurance and the maintenance allowance (Unterhaltsbeihilfe) come up quickly. These points depend on the destination country, the length of the stay and the rules of your state. This guide sets out the basics using Bavaria as an example and shows which offices to ask.
Short answer: During an elective placement abroad, your health insurance depends on the destination country. In EU and EEA states, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, German social insurance law applies. In third countries it depends on agreements. Private travel health insurance is recommended. The Oberlandesgericht (higher regional court) decides how the maintenance allowance continues. Last updated: October 2026.
The most important points in brief
- Health cover during a placement abroad depends on the destination country, not only on the length of the stay.
- In EU and EEA states, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, German social insurance law applies exclusively, according to the Bavarian information sheet of March 2026.
- For third countries with a social security agreement there is a certificate on the applicable German law. Without an agreement, double insurance is possible.
- Private travel health insurance is recommended. According to Bavaria, it is not stated as mandatory. It mainly covers repatriation.
- Whether and how the maintenance allowance continues during the placement is decided by the higher regional court. The information sheet does not regulate this expressly.
Which health insurance applies during the placement?
The answer depends on where and for how long you work. The information sheet of the Oberlandesgericht Bamberg on training abroad sets out the rules for Bavaria in outline. The details are a matter for each state, so this example applies only to Bavaria. Social insurance decides who insures you. Private travel insurance fills gaps in costs and repatriation.
| Destination | What the Bavarian information sheet states |
|---|---|
| EU, EEA, Switzerland, United Kingdom | German social insurance law applies exclusively, under Art. 11(3)(b) or Art. 12(1) of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004. |
| Third countries with a social security agreement | The applicable law follows the agreement. For the certificate, you fill in the form from the DVKA website in advance and submit it to the trainee office. |
| Third countries without an agreement | Double insurance is possible. |
| Long-term care, accident and liability insurance | The document says nothing about these. Clarify them separately. |
More on cover abroad is in our guide Krankenversicherung im Ausland: Was du als Student wissen musst (in German).
What does health insurance pay for illness abroad?
For illness abroad, the information sheet refers to section 17 of Book V of the Social Code (SGB V). In EU and agreement states, benefits can be provided by a foreign health insurer. Your German health insurer issues the necessary form on request before departure.
In states without an agreement, the employer provides the benefits. Its health insurer reimburses the costs up to the level of domestic costs, and any remainder stays with the employer. According to the information sheet, the Free State of Bavaria covers the usual medical costs under section 17 SGB V. Repatriation costs are not covered, and the state does not contribute to private travel insurance.
Advance payments abroad without a prior partial invoice are not possible according to the information sheet. In practice, you settle with original invoices, so a policy that covers repatriation and upfront costs is an important part of your planning.
How does the maintenance allowance work during the placement?
The information sheet does not expressly regulate whether the maintenance allowance continues during the placement abroad. It deals with the allowance only in connection with social insurance. Under it, the allowance and any additional placement payments are generally subject to German social insurance contributions.
What your pay is during the placement, and whether additional payments apply, is clarified with the higher regional court that assigns the placement. This guide deliberately names no figure, because the amounts differ by state and date. Comparing with other federal states easily misleads.
Which documents and offices apply in Bavaria?
The information sheet names several offices, each with different tasks. This overview helps you prepare.
- Cost reimbursement: submit original invoices with your insurance number, details of your health insurance and a copy of the assignment letter. The responsible office is the Landesamt für Finanzen, branch Bayreuth.
- A1 certificate for EU, EEA, Switzerland and the United Kingdom: apply to the Oberlandesgericht Bamberg using the form it provides. You are responsible for the application.
- Certificate for third countries with an agreement: pre-filled form from the DVKA website, submitted to the trainee office of the Oberlandesgericht.
- Further information: the statutory health insurers and the DVKA.
According to the information sheet, you pay vaccination costs yourself. Many trainees overlook this before departure.
How do you plan an elective placement abroad?
- Ask the higher regional court or examination office whether and where an elective placement abroad is possible, and obtain the assignment letter.
- Check the destination: EU, Switzerland, United Kingdom, or a third country with or without a social security agreement.
- Apply for the right certificate or the A1 form in good time before departure.
- Choose travel health insurance that also covers repatriation.
- Clarify the maintenance allowance with the higher regional court before you plan your placement.
Frequently asked questions
Must I take out travel health insurance?
According to the Bavarian information sheet it is recommended but not stated as mandatory. Still check whether your training location requires it, because the rules are a matter for each state.
Is the European Health Insurance Card enough?
The Bavarian information sheet says nothing about this. Ask your health insurer which proof applies to your destination before you leave.
Does the state pay for repatriation?
Not in Bavaria. Under the information sheet, repatriation costs do not fall under the usual medical costs covered. Travel health insurance covers repatriation, which you should check in the tariff.
Do I have to pay bills upfront?
Advance payments abroad without a prior partial invoice are not possible under the information sheet. Cost reimbursement runs through the Landesamt für Finanzen in Bayreuth, so you pre-finance the treatment yourself.
What to do now
- Confirm with the higher regional court whether your placement can take place abroad and obtain the assignment letter.
- Clarify your insurance status for the destination with your health insurer.
- Apply for the required certificate or A1 form in time.
- Take out a policy that covers repatriation and keep all original invoices.
- Clarify the maintenance allowance with the court before you start.
Related reading
- Private Health Insurance Abroad During Your Studies: 5 Tips You Should Know!
- Student Health Insurance Abroad: Erasmus, USA and Work and Travel
- Civil Servant Health Aid: Rates and How It Works
Sources: Oberlandesgericht Bamberg, information sheet on training abroad, insurance and maintenance allowance, status 3/2026, justiz.bayern.de. Social Code Book V section 17, cited in the information sheet, gesetze-im-internet.de.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
