Many students from non-EU countries ask whether they may take out private health insurance instead of student health insurance (studentische Krankenversicherung, KVdS). The answer depends on compulsory insurance, an exemption application and residence law. This guide explains when private cover is permitted and which deadlines apply.
Short answer: For students from non-EU countries, private health insurance is only permitted if they are exempted from the compulsory student insurance. The application must reach the statutory health insurer within three months, and the exemption cannot be revoked (§ 8 SGB V). Without an application, you remain in the student health insurance. Last updated: October 2026.
The Most Important Points in Brief
- Students at state or recognised universities are compulsorily insured in the student health insurance up to the age of 30 (§ 5 para. 1 no. 9 SGB V).
- Private cover usually requires an exemption under § 8 SGB V. The application must be made within three months of the start of compulsory insurance.
- The exemption only takes effect if you prove other cover against illness (§ 8 para. 2 SGB V). According to Barmer, it applies for the whole course of study.
- According to Barmer, private cover must also be sufficient for residence law purposes. Check the term and scope of the tariff carefully.
- An exemption cannot be undone. Think it through in advance, with your visa and studies in mind.
When Is Private Health Insurance Permitted at All?
Private cover is not an option you can simply choose. For students, compulsory insurance in the statutory health insurance applies first if you are enrolled at a state or recognised university and have not yet completed your 30th year of life (§ 5 para. 1 no. 9 SGB V). Nationality is not decisive for this obligation.
The exception runs through the exemption under § 8 SGB V. Anyone who receives it is not insured in the student health insurance and can take out private cover. Without an exemption, the statutory insurance remains in place. According to Barmer, private cover can also come into consideration where there is no compulsory statutory insurance at all. Your statutory health insurer checks this on the basis of your documents.
| Situation | What applies under the law |
|---|---|
| Study in Germany, under 30, no exemption | Compulsory student health insurance (§ 5 para. 1 no. 9 SGB V) |
| Exemption applied for within three months, proof of other cover provided | Exemption takes effect, private cover is possible (§ 8 para. 2 SGB V) |
| Deadline missed | No exemption, compulsory student health insurance continues |
| No compulsory statutory insurance | Private cover without exemption, confirmed by the health insurer (per Barmer) |
The Exemption Under § 8 SGB V: Deadlines and Effects
The application for exemption goes to a statutory health insurer. It must be received within three months of the start of compulsory insurance (§ 8 para. 2 sentence 1 SGB V). The exemption takes effect from the start of compulsory insurance if you have not yet used any benefits. Otherwise it takes effect from the calendar month after the application.
The exemption cannot be revoked (§ 8 para. 2 sentence 3 SGB V). It also only takes effect once you prove other protection against illness (§ 8 para. 2 sentence 4 SGB V). Only then does the private contract start, so review its term and conditions in advance.
What Private Cover Must Provide Under Residence Law
Students from non-EU countries face a second check: residence law. Under § 16b AufenthG, a residence permit for study is granted if you are admitted to a full-time course at a state or recognised university (§ 16b para. 1 AufenthG). The permit is generally valid for two years (§ 16b para. 2 AufenthG). Which cover is sufficient for a visa or an extension is decided by the immigration office and the responsible German diplomatic mission.
For incoming tariffs, pay particular attention to the term, the scope of benefits and the certificates the authorities need. Make sure the contract allows you to present the required proof again when your residence permit is renewed.
Advantages and Disadvantages at a Glance
Private cover can offer different benefits from statutory insurance. At the same time, premiums and conditions depend on the tariff, age and health. The table sets out the basic differences without making a decision for you.
| Aspect | Student health insurance | Private cover after exemption |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Compulsory cover up to 30 (§ 5 para. 1 no. 9 SGB V) | Exemption under § 8 SGB V, cannot be revoked |
| Contribution | Income-based, about 143 euros per month in 2026 without childless surcharge (assumption) | Depends on tariff, no figure given in this guide |
| Benefits | Statutory benefit catalogue | Depends on the chosen tariff, term and deductible |
| Proof for authorities | Status confirmed by the insurer to the university | Proof must suffice for the authorities |
The statutory contribution figure comes from the 2026 calculation figures published by the GKV-Spitzenverband. This guide deliberately gives no premium figures for private tariffs, because these vary by provider, tariff and health review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take out private insurance without applying for an exemption?
If you are compulsorily insured in the statutory system, a private contract alone is not enough, because without an exemption the student health insurance remains in place. Only if no compulsory statutory insurance applies to you after checking does a different rule apply. Ask your health insurer to confirm your status in writing.
How long does the exemption last?
According to Barmer, the decision applies for the whole course of study. By law, it cannot be revoked (§ 8 para. 2 sentence 3 SGB V). Plan for the period after your studies at the same time.
What happens if I miss the three-month deadline?
Then there is no exemption under § 8 SGB V, and you remain in the student health insurance. The application must reach the health insurer before the deadline expires. Note the date right after enrolment.
Does a part-time job change anything?
Work alongside your studies can make you compulsorily insured under another heading. In that case the student compulsory insurance no longer applies (§ 5 para. 7 SGB V). The exemption is not the tool for this, and your health insurer decides how the job affects your position. For non-EU students, the limits of the residence permit also apply, such as up to 140 working days per year under § 16b para. 3 AufenthG.
What You Should Do Now
- Note the start of your compulsory insurance and the three-month deadline for the exemption application.
- Ask your statutory health insurer whether an exemption is an option for you and which proof it needs.
- Check the tariff, term and scope of benefits before you sign a private contract.
- Clarify with the immigration office or the responsible German diplomatic mission whether the cover is sufficient for your visa and residence.
- Submit the application on time so that no gap in cover arises.
Related Guides
- Health Insurance Enrolment: Proof, Procedure and Exemption
- Public or Private Health Insurance for International Students
- Health Insurance for International Students in Germany
- Health insurance for students from Turkey
Sources: § 5 SGB V, compulsory insurance (gesetze-im-internet.de, October 2026); § 8 SGB V, exemption (gesetze-im-internet.de, October 2026); § 16b AufenthG, study (gesetze-im-internet.de, October 2026); GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on contribution calculation (status 1 January 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
