The discounted student rate for public health insurance (GKV) in Germany, around €145 per month, is only available to students under 30. Students who are 30 or older have several alternatives, and the right one depends on whether they are already insured in the EU/EEA, the UK, or Switzerland. Options include staying on home-country coverage, voluntary membership in public health insurance, expat health insurance, and private health insurance (PKV). For students already on the student rate who are turning 30, continuing as a voluntary member of public health insurance is usually the recommended choice.
Why can't I get the discounted student health insurance rate if I'm over 30?
The discounted student rate for public health insurance (GKV) in Germany costs around €145 per month and provides broad coverage, but it is only available to students under 30 years of age. Students who are 30 or older need to choose a different health insurance option. The right alternative depends on whether you are currently insured in the EU/EEA, the UK, or Switzerland.
What are my health insurance options as a student over 30 if I'm insured in the EU/EEA, the UK, or Switzerland?
If you are covered by a state insurer in the EU/EEA, the UK, or Switzerland and have permanent residence in one of those countries, you can usually stay on your home-country insurance for the full duration of your studies, regardless of your age. If your home provider will not cover you in Germany, you have 3 options:
Voluntary membership in public health insurance (GKV), with a minimum contribution of around €250 per month.
Expat health insurance, which starts at €72 per month, provides basic emergency coverage, and is limited to 5 years — the most affordable option.
Private health insurance (PKV), which you may be eligible for if you earn over €36,000 gross per year.
What are my health insurance options as a student over 30 if I'm not insured in the EU/EEA, the UK, or Switzerland?
If you are not insured by a state provider in the EU/EEA, the UK, or Switzerland, you have 2 options:
Expat health insurance, which starts at €72 per month, provides basic emergency coverage, and is valid for a maximum of 5 years from your initial arrival in Germany.
Private health insurance (PKV), which you may be eligible for if you earn over €36,000 gross per year.
What happens to my student public health insurance when I turn 30?
If you are on the student rate for public health insurance (GKV) and turn 30, your student coverage ends with the semester in which you turn 30. Your provider will offer to continue your public health insurance as a voluntary member, which we strongly recommend for 2 reasons: you keep the broad coverage of public health insurance, and public health insurance meets visa requirements if you ever need to apply for or extend a visa.
Can I switch to expat health insurance instead of staying on public health insurance at 30?
If you first arrived in Germany less than 5 years ago, you may be able to switch to expat health insurance. It is more affordable than public health insurance but provides limited coverage and might not meet the requirements for a visa extension, so staying on public health insurance as a voluntary member is usually the safer choice. Expat health insurance is valid for a maximum of 5 years from your initial arrival in Germany. Before switching, confirm with your public provider that they accept expat health insurance as a replacement for your public health insurance policy, and make clear that you mean expat health insurance, not private health insurance (PKV). A policy document for expat health insurance is available to show your provider.
🎥 For a visual explanation, check out our short YouTube video on the topic!