Information for non-enrolled students and applicants for study

What you need to know if you want to spend some time abroad as a student.

Health insurance for students without full matriculation

If you participate in a language course, a summer university or preparatory college, if you take other preparatory courses, complete an internship, or simply enter Germany prior to the study period, you are generally not fully matriculated. Insurance through a statutory health insurance is therefore not possible. In this case EDUCARE24 is the appropriate insurance protection.

Health insurance during your studies

You can and should take out statutory health insurance when you start your degree course if you are under 30 years old. The statutory health insurance companies offer student tariffs for people under 30. Students who are 30 or older can take out voluntary insurance with a statutory health insurance fund, but the premiums are generally prohibitive for students.

For students over 30, Provisit Student is ideal. Provisit Student is a comprehensive health insurance and is recognized as such by all authorities and universities. If you were insured with EDUCARE24 until the start of your studies, we will be happy to help you switch to a statutory health insurance or to Provisit Student. Please contact us in good time before the start of your studies.

There are social security agreements with some countries, including the member states of the European Union and the European Economic Area: If you have statutory health insurance in your home country, you can have this insurance cover recognized by a statutory health insurance fund in Germany and be exempted from compulsory insurance in the statutory health insurance fund. However, you should clarify in your home country which documents you need for this. For students, this is usually a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Higher education entrance qualification and knowledge of German

To study at a German university, you need a higher education entrance qualification. In general, anyone with an international university degree is permitted to study in Germany. However, recognition of your education certificate depends on certain requirements. Please go to the homepage of the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen to find out if your education certificate is recognized as a higher education entrance qualification in Germany.

In order to be admitted to an international study program in Germany, you will also need to present evidence of adequate knowledge of German.

Visa requirement and residence permit

If you want to travel to Germany as an international student, you might need a visa. This depends on the country of origin and on the duration of your stay. Please inform yourself in good time about the documents you need so that you have enough time to compile them. For further information about visa requirements, you can contact the German embassy or the German consulate in your home country. The German Foreign Office offers detailed information about this.

If you travel to Germany with a visa and plan to stay for a longer period of time, you will also need a residence permit. The competent authority in this case is the Foreigners' Registration Office in your German place of residence.

Proof of financing

Before you begin your studies, you need to prove that you have enough money to finance your stay. You will either need to present such proof when applying for a visa or - at the latest - when applying for a residence permit. Usually the amount required each year is nearly €10,000. Proof of financing can be shown in different ways: Your parents can submit appropriate statements of income and assets. Someone living in Germany can guarantee that he will bear the costs for you. The amount can be deposited as security onto a blocked account. You can provide a bank guarantee or receive a scholarship. By European standards studying in Germany is not very expensive. We recommend, however, that you inform yourself about the costs you should expect.

During the EDUCARE24 insurance period

Should you need medical treatment during your stay abroad, we will be happy to assist you. You can call us and we will explain what you need to know when visiting a doctor abroad. You will also find all the details in our section What to do in the event of a claim or in our overview Procedure in the event of a claim. In addition, accidents and emergency treatments are covered worldwide and in your home country during holidays with a duration of up to 6 weeks.

Side jobs

It is of no importance to EDUCARE24 insurance coverage if you have a side job in addition to your primary cause of residence. You should, however, clarify with your employer if such a side job is subject to social insurance contributions.

Deportation costs insurance

In case of an officially ordered deportation of the visitor, the insurance policy covers the incurring costs up to €4,000 if claims are made against the host. Unlike former policies, the current deportation costs policy also provides coverage after the expiration of insurance if the visitor, against all expectations, has not left the Federal Republic of Germany.

After your stay abroad

You should always keep your insurance certificate since the authorities in a number of home countries require proof of insurance for the time spent abroad.