Am I covered by health insurance during a semester abroad?
Statutory health insurance coverage during a stay abroad
You are still enrolled in Germany during your stay abroad, so your membership in the statutory health insurance remains intact. If you have private health insurance, the regulations of the respective private health insurance company apply.
You have health insurance coverage in all countries with which there is a social security agreement (e.g. in all EU/EEA states). You will receive a corresponding certificate of entitlement from your health insurance company. This means you are entitled to all statutory health insurance benefits in the host country during your semester abroad.
When is international health insurance advisable for students?
There are no social security agreements with many countries, such as the USA. In this case, you should definitely take out international health insurance for students for the period of your stay, as there are usually no claims to benefits in the event of illness. Exception: Chronically ill people who continue their school or university education abroad will have their treatment costs reimbursed according to domestic rates.
It is best to protect yourself additionally for every stay abroad with international health insurance for students. If you become ill abroad, your own contributions for medical or inpatient treatment and, if necessary, the costs of medically necessary repatriation are covered by the international health insurance for students. Statutory health insurance companies are not allowed to reimburse the costs of return transport. You can usually take out additional international health insurance through your statutory health insurance. You can have the costs calculated for you individually here .
If your statutory health insurance does not offer sufficient benefits for a semester abroad, we recommend that you seek advice from our partner BARMER GEK. If you are interested in the services of BARMER GEK, you can use our form . A student advisor from BARMER GEK will then contact you immediately.
During a semester abroad you are still enrolled in Germany and are therefore covered by statutory health insurance.
