Proof for enrollment

For international students with private insurance: Please submit a certificate of membership from your private, German health insurance and the form "Confirmation of private health insurance coverage - Appendix 1: Permanent protection" signed by your insurance provider.

For students with public insurance (usually only students from Germany or the EU): Your health insurance information needs to be sent to the university. This happens through an electronic system used by health insurance companies. So, after you receive your acceptance letter, reach out to a health insurance company right away. Get student insurance from them so that they can report your insurance status to KLU.

If they don't report your status to KLU, you won't be fully enrolled, and you won't get your semester documents. To make sure they send the information to KLU, they might ask for KLU's sender number, which is H0002523.

For students from the EU who will keep their European insurance: To enroll, submit a readable copy of your EHIC with clear information on the back (name, validity). Also, prove exemption from German health insurance by contacting a statutory health insurance company (e.g., TK, AOK, Barmer) to report your status ("nicht gesetzlich versichert") to KLU via electronic reporting, including a scan of your EHIC.

General Information

Health insurance is crucial for your stay in Germany, necessary for enrollment and a residence permit. Two types exist: public and private. Public insurance is cost-effective, covering medical expenses and preventive care. International students usually can't have public insurance, except for PhD students from EU countries who can opt for voluntary membership. Private insurance varies in benefits and costs based on the individual's risk profile, not income. Monthly contributions for private insurance can be around €250, and spouses and children must have separate coverage. International students arriving in Germany typically choose private insurance. Compare options and consider scholarship earnings when selecting insurance.

Information for students from non-EU countries

• Non-EU PhD students cannot opt for public insurance in Germany. (if never insured with public insurance in Germany before)
• Private health insurance is the only option, with potential costs of up to €250 per month.
• Proof of recent health insurance and health condition may be required.

Coverage considerations:

• Pre-existing conditions, dental treatments, and mental health disorders are often excluded.
• Medications for pre-existing conditions should be brought from home due to potential coverage limitations.

Expense and family coverage:

• Private insurance requires individual policies for each family member, leading to potentially high costs.

Hamburg authorities approval & prerequisite for enrollment:

• Ensure that the chosen private insurance is accepted by Hamburg authorities for a residence permit.
• Without approval, a visa may be granted, but a residence permit may be denied upon arrival.
• To enroll at KLU and obtain a residence permit, confirm all requirements in the "Confirmation of private health insurance coverage - Appendix 1: Permanent protection" form.
• Most insurers with special tariffs for international students may not meet all requirements.

Possible private providers:

• A few private providers have confirmed compliance with the authorities form without any alterations.
• These are recommendations of previous students, without guarantee!

  • Inter Krankenversicherung - Dr. Walter: more information here.

  • Provisit Science

  • Vela - tariff: Optimal

  • Care Concept - tariff: Care Student (for students from 30 to 34 years)

  • Mawista - tariff: Student Pro

Caution and Individual Research:

• Exercise caution and thoroughly check conditions before signing a contract with a private health insurance provider.
• Independent research for other providers is encouraged.

Summary: Your private insurance must meet Hamburg’s authorities’ requirements to be considered as sufficient for enrollment at KLU. Travel insurance is not adequate for enrollment.

If you have been insured in Germany/another EU country before

If prior to your doctoral studies, you have been a member of a public insurance in Germany or a EU member state, it could also be possible to continue this insurance during your PhD studies. If this is the case we strongly recommend that doctoral candidates, who bring family members with them to Germany, apply for a public health insurance policy. Such policies cover spouses (who are not working) and children free of charge. Private insurance companies, however, require policies for each family member which can end up being very expensive in total.

That means: If you have been insured in the past through a state-regulated health insurance system you can inquire at the public provider of your choice in Germany if they will recognize this coverage. If so, you can take out a so-called voluntary insurance coverage with this provider. The monthly contribution for doctoral students for all statutory health insurance companies in Germany is roughly € 200 (depending on your income/scholarship).

Information for students from the EU

Information for students from Germany