Health insurance

Health insurance regulations vary from country to country. There are also differences with regard to public health insurance providers and private insurers. You should speak with your insurance provider and find out whether your current policy will cover your medical treatment abroad or whether you require an extension of coverage or even an additional policy. If your coverage is extended for a longer stay abroad, have your insurance provider issue you a letter of confirmation to that effect.

Keep in mind:

• A foreign travel health insurance policy (Auslandsreise-Krankenversicherung) is insufficient for a period of study abroad. Such policies generally provide supplementary coverage, for example, for return transport to Germany.
• General public health insurance coverage extends to all countries in the European Union. To take advantage of the medical services in these countries, you require the European Health Insurance Card - EHIC, which was first introduced in the EU in June 2004. If you are a co-insured family member, bear in mind that coverage is limited to those aged 26 and under. Contact your insurance provider for more information.  
• Once you have arrived at your destination, you will be asked by university officials to submit confirmation of adequate health insurance coverage (e.g. policy by a public health insurance provider). In every country, there are different rules and conditions that apply. Therefore, inquire about the specific details at the responsible office at your host university (International Office, SOCRATES office, etc.).
•  In countries in Eastern Europe, Asia and overseas, you will require extended coverage through your public health insurer or even an additional private insurance policy. Ensure that your policy meets the immigration requirements stipulated by your host country (e.g. the US State Department requires international students to have a total coverage of at least $50,000 per accident or illness). You should calculate a financial burden of up to 50 euros per month in additional health insurance costs. You can obtain more information from the International Office.
•  In Great Britain, foreign students who study longer than six months are eligible for coverage through the National Health Service. Contact the responsible office at your host university for more information.
•  In France, German students can supplement their mandatory insurance policy (which only covers basic expenses) with an additional policy called a "mutuelle".
• Private health insurance policies generally provide coverage worldwide. Although the International Office can offer you some advice on what to look for, you may want to contact the private insurers or insurance brokers directly.

The DAAD offers inexpensive group insurance policies. For more information, visit the DAAD website.