Definition. Enrolment (Immatrikulation) is your registration at a university. It usually starts compulsory student health insurance (KVdS), unless a higher-priority cover already applies. The university requires proof of your health insurance or of an exemption before it enrols you. The exemption deadlines refer to this point in time.
What enrolment means for your insurance
Enrolment triggers the compulsory insurance if you have no other compulsory cover. If you are already covered through a job or through your family, KVdS does not apply. So clarify which cover applies to you before the semester starts. The university needs the proof before it enrols you.
Figures 2026 and their sources
| Figure | Value 2026 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Deadline for an exemption application | 3 months from the start of compulsory insurance | § 8 para. 1 no. 5 and para. 2 SGB V |
| KVdS contribution without additional contribution rate | EUR 87.38 per month | GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on 2026 reference figures |
An example at the start of the semester
You enrol on 1 October and become compulsorily insured. If you want an exemption, your application must reach your health insurance fund by 31 December. An exemption takes effect from the start of the compulsory insurance if you have not used any benefits by then. Otherwise it takes effect from the month after you apply, and it requires proof of other cover.
Related terms
- KVdS: Glossary KVdS (in German)
- Exemption from compulsory insurance: Glossary exemption from compulsory insurance (in German)
- Deregistration: Glossary deregistration (in German)
- Start of semester: Checklist for the start of the semester (in German)
- Full glossary: Health insurance for students: A to Z glossary (in German)
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if I do not have the proof yet?
Clarify it early with your health insurance fund and with the student administration office. The proof can often be issued at short notice once your membership is confirmed.
Does the obligation apply if I only study for one semester?
Yes, the obligation begins with enrolment, even if the course is short. The end and any extension follow the semester rules and the reasons that apply.
Can I still apply for an exemption after the deadline?
No, an application is no longer possible after the three-month deadline. It is worth noting the date in your calendar.
Last updated: October 2026. This entry is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
Sources: § 5 SGB V, § 8 SGB V, joint basic guidance on student insurance, version 23 December 2025, Studierendenwerke.
