Anyone who wants to study needs health insurance. What options students have and what they should consider – tips from Stiftung Warentest.
Anyone who wants to start studying this winter semester is probably waiting impatiently for the acceptance letter from their dream university. But it’s not just a first apartment and the move that need to be organized. Health insurance should also not be forgotten. We have taken a closer look at what you need to consider.
How can students insure themselves?
Students can choose between private or statutory health insurance before starting their studies. In any case, they must be insured in order to be able to study. Most students are covered by statutory health insurance.
How expensive is statutory health insurance for students?
Students are covered free of charge through their parents who have statutory health insurance until their 25th birthday. In exceptional cases, this can last longer. After that, insurance for students in statutory health insurance costs around 129 euros per month. It is only when they turn 30 that the insurance becomes significantly more expensive.
What do students need to consider regarding health insurance when they earn money on the side?
Students with family insurance can earn up to 505 euros per month if they work independently or receive interest. For a mini-job or paid internship, the earnings limit is 538 euros. If you earn more, you have to switch to student health insurance and pay your own contributions. There is no longer an upper earnings limit for students in student health insurance. However, they are not allowed to work more than 20 hours a week during the lecture period, otherwise they will be kicked out of the cheap student health insurance and will have to pay as much as employees.
What is important when choosing private health insurance?
Anyone who wants to take out private health insurance must apply for exemption from compulsory insurance – and this must be done no later than three months after starting their studies, according to the product testers. This is because at the start of their studies, children who have previously been privately insured are also required to be members of the student health insurance scheme. The application can be made to any health insurance scheme. The choice should be carefully considered, as it is binding for the entire period of study. A switch to statutory health insurance is only possible when switching from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree. If there is a break of at least one month in between, Warentest informs. And the students must first have de-registered in order to then be required to be members of the student health insurance scheme again when they start their master’s degree.
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How expensive is private health insurance for students?
The amount of the contribution for private providers depends on the age, the state of health of the student and the services desired. For young students, there are cheap rates starting at 80 euros per month, reports Stiftung Warentest.
Source: Stern
I’m Caroline, a journalist and author for 24 Hours Worlds. I specialize in health-related news and stories, bringing real-world impact to readers across the globe. With my experience in journalism and writing in both print and online formats, I strive to provide reliable information that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
