Guides

Gap year after school explained: the opportunities and risks, possible options, costs, your CV and health insurance during the year.

How ageing reserves are built, what happens to them when you change tariff or insurer and why premium adjustments remain possible.

Pre-existing conditions and private health insurance as a student: possible decisions by the insurer, the anonymous risk enquiry and what a refusal means.

Alternatives to dropping out of university at a glance: change of course, break, apprenticeship or dual study, and what it means for BAföG and insurance.

How high the PKV deductible amount should be: decision aid with a worked example, liquidity risk and the effects of a later change.

Change of degree course at a glance: reasons, process, BAföG deadlines, recognition of credits and what it means for health insurance.

The PKV health check at a glance: how the application questions work, what false answers can cost, possible outcomes and the anonymous risk enquiry.

Dual study at a glance: advantages, disadvantages, application process, pay and health insurance, plus a comparison with a classic degree.

Student broadcasting fee: when you are exempt, how dorm rooms and shared flats count, and what the Beitragsservice needs. Status 2026.

Self-employed student and health insurance: full-time versus part-time self-employment, family insurance limits, voluntary cover and PKV.