The short answer on studying without health insurance
Studying without health insurance is not permitted. If no priority cover exists, you are compulsorily insured in statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV), and the duty to be insured also applies to private insurance for every person resident in Germany. A gap costs late-payment surcharges, can lead to a suspended contract and leaves you without protection in case of illness. Getting back in is usually straightforward if you act early.
The most important facts at a glance
| Point | Value | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duty in GKV | Students are compulsorily insured as long as no priority cover exists | 20 October 2026 | § 5 para. 1 no. 9 SGB V |
| Duty in PKV | Every person resident in Germany needs cover for medical costs | 20 October 2026 | § 193 para. 3 VVG |
| Late-payment surcharge GKV | 1% per started month on the outstanding amount, rounded down to €50 | 20 October 2026 | § 24 SGB IV |
| Reminder PKV | After two months in arrears, then the contract is suspended if the arrears continue | 20 October 2026 | § 193 para. 6 VVG |
Who has to be insured?
Anyone enrolled at a state or state-recognised university generally belongs to student health insurance, unless you are already covered through family or employment. The university requires proof of a statutory insurer when you enrol. The duty ends with the semester in which you turn 30, unless other rules apply. Our article Student health insurance 2026 in figures (in German) describes the contributions and limits.
The duty applies even if you have not actively looked for an insurer so far. At the latest when you present proof to the university, a gap becomes apparent.
What happens if you are in a gap?
In statutory insurance, the insurer demands the outstanding contributions. A late-payment surcharge of 1% applies to every arrears amount for each started month. It is calculated on the outstanding amount, rounded down to €50.
In private insurance, a fixed procedure applies. The insurer sends a reminder after two months in arrears. If the arrears remain after a second reminder, the contract is suspended from the first day of the following month. Protection is then limited until the arrears are settled.
Without insurance, you bear the costs of illness yourself. This applies especially to inpatient stays or expensive treatments.
Worked example: six months without insurance
The example uses the contribution for students under 23 or with a child (€142.96 per month, 2026) and is for illustration only.
- Arrears: 6 times €142.96 equals €857.76.
- Basis for the late-payment surcharge: €857.76 rounded down to €50, so €850.
- Late-payment surcharge per month: 1% of €850 equals €8.50.
- Over six started months: 6 times €8.50 equals €51.00.
- Total claim: €857.76 plus €51.00 equals €908.76.
The calculation is simplified. Whether and how far the insurer reclaims depends on the individual case and should be checked against the specific case before publication.
How do you close the gap?
- Clarify your status: family insurance up to age 25, employment or student insurance.
- Register with a statutory insurer if you can be insured as a student. The university then needs the proof.
- Settle outstanding contributions so that the suspension of the contract ends.
- An exemption from compulsory insurance is only possible within three months of the start and only with proof of other cover. It cannot be revoked.
- Ask for a certificate of the new start of insurance and keep it for the university.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be insured as a student at all?
Yes. The duty applies to all students without priority cover. Exceptions exist only for people with other entitlements, for example through family or an employer.
What happens if I was uninsured for only a few months?
Even short gaps can trigger contributions and late-payment surcharges. The sooner you settle the arrears, the smaller the sum.
From when does the duty end after my 30th birthday?
The student duty ends at the end of the semester in which you turn 30. After that, voluntary or private insurance applies. Our article Studying at 30 and over (in German) describes the options.
Does the duty also apply during a semester abroad?
The rules for stays abroad differ depending on duration and country. Our article Health insurance during a semester abroad (in German) explains the cases.
Sources and review
- § 5 para. 1 no. 9 and para. 7 SGB V, gesetze-im-internet.de, accessed 20 October 2026.
- Joint circular on health insurance of students, version of 6 December 2017.
- § 8 SGB V, exemption from compulsory insurance, accessed 20 October 2026.
- § 193 VVG, gesetze-im-internet.de, accessed 20 October 2026.
- § 24 SGB IV, gesetze-im-internet.de, accessed 20 October 2026.
Information, not individual advice.
Editorial team: Academycon · Last updated: October 2026
Information, not individual advice. For your situation, the Academycon online check can help.
Related reading
- Student health insurance 2026 in figures (in German)
- Health insurance after studies without a job (in German)
- Studying at 30 and over: opportunities, financing and everyday life (in German)
- Glossary of health insurance for students (in German)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
