An open enrolment offer (Öffnungsaktion) is an offer from an individual private health insurer that is meant to make access easier for certain groups. It can matter for trainee teachers, because they are often covered by state civil servant health aid (Beihilfe) as civil servants on probation. This guide shows what to check and states openly what we could not verify.
Short answer: An open enrolment offer is a time-limited offer from an insurer with its own conditions, target groups and deadlines. For October 2026 we could not verify whether such an offer applies to you, so we do not name a deadline. Only the written statement of the insurer is binding. As a rule, civil servants on probation without children receive a Beihilfe rate of 50 percent (last updated October 2026).
The most important points
- An open enrolment offer is made by an individual insurance company. It is not based on a law but on the company’s decision.
- The insurer sets the target group, deadline and conditions. What counts is the status at the time you apply.
- As a civil servant on probation you usually receive Beihilfe. The rule is a rate of 50 percent without children; the details are set by the state Beihilfe ordinance (last updated October 2026).
- Health information matters even under favourable conditions, because the duty to disclose under section 19 VVG still applies.
- Ask for the conditions in writing and keep the answers. Only then do you have evidence you can rely on.
What is an open enrolment offer?
Open enrolment offers are offers from insurance companies that are meant to make access to private health insurance easier for a particular group. They are often limited in time or tied to conditions such as a certain status or application date. When the offer ends, new applications on the special terms are no longer possible.
The German association of private health insurers (PKV-Verband) represents the industry. It does not decide which company makes an offer, who qualifies or how long it runs. Questions about target group, deadlines and health information therefore belong to the insurer you are applying to.
Who is affected as a trainee teacher?
In many German states, trainee teachers during their practical training (Vorbereitungsdienst, Referendariat) are civil servants on probation. Whether this applies in your state is shown in your appointment or admission notice. That determines which cover is intended for you.
Civil servants on probation receive Beihilfe, a state-funded share of medical costs. The rule is a rate of 50 percent if there are no children. The details are set in the Beihilfe ordinance of your state. In Hesse the rates differ and are 70 and 85 percent. The table gives an overview.
| Situation | Beihilfe rate | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Civil servant on probation without children (rule) | 50 percent | State Beihilfe ordinance of the respective state |
| Civil servant on probation in Hesse | 70 and 85 percent, depending on the situation | Hessian Beihilfe ordinance |
Example (assumption): a medical bill of 1,000 euros is reimbursed at a Beihilfe rate of 50 percent. Beihilfe then pays 500 euros. The remaining 500 euros must be covered by a supplementary insurance or paid yourself. This is exactly where an open enrolment offer matters, because the supplementary tariff determines how much of the rest is covered.
What should you check with an open enrolment offer?
When you have an offer in front of you, go through the points in order. This shows quickly whether it really fits your situation:
- Target group: does the offer apply to trainee teachers in your state and in your status?
- Period: until when can you apply, and from when does the cover start?
- Health questions: which details must you give, and which relief is expressly promised?
- Tariff: which benefits does it include, how does Beihilfe interact with it, and what is the premium from the start?
- Premium development: which rules apply to premium adjustments and to a later change of tariff?
- Written form: have the conditions given to you in writing and keep them.
Which health information matters?
When applying for private health insurance, you must disclose all material circumstances of risk about which the insurer asks in text form (section 19 subsection 1 VVG). The insurer must also inform you separately in text form about the consequences of a breach (section 19 subsection 5 VVG). An open enrolment offer does not change this duty.
The basic tariff (section 193 subsection 5 VVG) must be offered to certain groups of people. The insurer may refuse the application only in cases of fraudulent deception or intentional breach of the duty to disclose. Check with the insurer first whether you belong to these groups. Our basic tariff guide explains the differences between the basic and comfort tariffs (basic tariff guide (in German)).
Frequently asked questions
Is the open enrolment offer available right now?
For October 2026 we could not find a verified open enrolment offer for trainee teachers that we could name with a deadline and conditions. Such offers can change quickly. Ask the insurer directly and in writing whether an offer applies and until when.
What happens if my application is refused?
In the basic tariff, an insurer may refuse an application only for the reasons named in section 193 subsection 5 VVG. Outside the basic tariff, the conditions of the respective insurer apply. In that case a comparison of several written offers is worthwhile before you decide.
Can I change to another tariff later?
A tariff change within the same insurer is governed by the Insurance Contract Act, in particular section 204 VVG. Whether and on what conditions it is possible is stated in your contract documents. Check this before you conclude the contract, not afterwards.
Is a personal assessment useful?
Beihilfe, the basic tariff and an open enrolment offer interact. A personal assessment of your situation helps you read the documents correctly. How we work with clients is described on our page So arbeiten wir (in German).
Your next steps
- Have your appointment notice for the practical training and your Beihilfe entitlement ready.
- Ask the responsible Beihilfe office which rate applies to your situation.
- Request the conditions of any possible open enrolment offer from the insurers in writing.
- Check your health information against your own records before you complete the application.
- Compare the written offers and decide only once all questions are answered.
Related guides
- Health insurance during trainee teaching: statutory, private and Beihilfe (in German)
- Basic or comfort tariff in private insurance: the difference (in German)
- Health insurance during legal traineeship: guide for lawyers (in German)
Sources: Section 19 VVG, gesetze-im-internet.de (retrieved October 2026, German); Section 193 VVG, gesetze-im-internet.de (retrieved October 2026, German); Section 204 VVG, gesetze-im-internet.de (retrieved October 2026, German). Beihilfe rates: state Beihilfe ordinance of the respective state (state law, as of October 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
