Health insurance
Students must provide proof of adequate health insurance in order to enroll at the University of Siegen. This applies to international students planning to earn a degree in Germany, as well as exchange and short-term students.
Please therefore inform the health insurance provider of the university at which you will be enrolling.
If you purchased health insurance as part of a package together with the blocked account, please verify that the health insurance provider involved forwards your insured status to the university.
There are two different types of health insurance: statutory health insurance and private health insurance.
Health insurance
Who is this for?
If you are under 30 years old, you must have statutoryhealth insurance (see "Statutory Health Insurance").
If you are older, you must enroll in private health insurance (see "Private Health Insurance").
Students who initially enroll in the DSH German course must take out private health insurance for the duration of the course. (See“Private Health Insurance”).
DSH course participants must switch to statutory health insurance when transferring to a degree program (Bachelor’s or Master’s), unless they are over 29 years old.
All exchange students must register with a statutory German health insurance provider if they wish to enroll. This applies regardless of whether you come from Europe and already have an EHIC health card or whether you have already signed a contract with a private provider. You must still register with a statutory health insurance provider. This is because we need the so-called M10 notification for enrollment.
Please keep a close eye on emails from Alicia and Mariza; they will suggest some health insurance providers to you in due course.
Health Insurance
In Germany, all students under the age of 30 must have statutory health insurance . The monthly cost is approximately 130 EUR.
Start of coverage
Coverage begins on the first day of the semester. There is no coverage during the period between arrival and the start of the semester.
We strongly advise students participating in introductory events (preparation days or orientation days, intensive German course) to purchase travel/international health insurance for the period between arrival and the start of the semester!
Statutory health insurance providers in Siegen and Siegen-Weidenau (non-exhaustive list)
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1) Please contact a statutory health insurance provider of your choice and request to take out insurance.
2) Once you have taken out insurance, the provider will inform the university, and your enrollment can be finalized.
Please note: After your arrival, you must contact your health insurance provider and provide your new address and bank details to activate your coverage.
Age Limit
Statutory health insurance is available to students up to the age of 30. Anyone who is already over 29 years old when they begin their studies can only obtain private health insurance.
Students who turn 30 during their studies may continue their statutory health insurance by paying a higher premium.
Note: Once you have switched to private insurance, you cannot switch back to statutory insurance (unless you begin employment subject to social security contributions).
Private health insurance can be taken out as a replacement for or as a supplement to statutory insurance.
Please note: Private health insurers are not obligated to insure a person, and monthly premiums are calculated based on age, gender, health status, and the selected plan. Premiums may increase over time!
Students who are initially enrolled in the DSH German course must take out private health insurance for the duration of the German course. You must upload proof of insurance to unisono during online registration.
Please take out private insurance directly for one year. It is easier to cancel it if you switch to your degree program after just one semester than to extend it later!
1) Find a suitable private health insurance plan and take out a policy.
2) Contact any statutory health insurance provider. The health insurance provider will check whether your coverage is sufficient and automatically report this to the university.
To do this, send an email with:
» A copy of your private insurance policy
» A copy of your passport
» Your German address (or your home address)
» A note stating that you are beginning your studies at the University of Siegen
If you are older than 29 at the start of your studies, you must take out private health insurance.
Important: Exemption from the statutory insurance requirement (for non-native students in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program):
Undergraduate students who have private health insurance must obtain an exemption from the statutory health insurance requirement. The exemption from the student health insurance requirement must be issued by a statutory health insurance provider and submitted digitally to the university (M10).
1) Find a suitable private health insurance plan and purchase a policy.
2) Contact any statutory health insurance provider. The health insurance provider will verify whether your coverage is sufficient and automatically notify the university.
To do this, send an email with:
» A copy of your private insurance policy
» A copy of your passport
» Your German address (or your home address)
» A note stating that you are beginning your studies at the University of Siegen
European Health Insurance Card (EKVK/EHIC)
Germany has concluded social security agreements with member states of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). Health insurance from these countries is also recognized in Germany.
(EKVK/EHIC) is valid in Germany, but does not guarantee free treatment. Often, only medically necessary services are covered. Please contact your insurance provider for further information.
A certificate of exemption from statutory health insurance is required for enrollment at the university.
Contact any statutory health insurance provider. The health insurance provider will check whether your coverage is sufficient and automatically notify the university.
To do this, send an email with:
» A copy of your EHIC / GHIC / AT 11
» A copy of your passport
» Your German address (or your home address)
» A note stating that you are beginning your studies at the University of Siegen
We strongly advise students participating in introductory events (preparation days or orientation days, intensive German course) to take out travel/international health insurance for the period between arrival and the start of the semester.
Doctor's visit
If you are sick or need medical advice, you are free to choose your own family doctor.
Family doctors are general practitioners and your first point of contact for health issues. They also issue referrals to specialists when necessary.
Specialists are experts in specific fields, such as dermatology, dentistry, and otolaryngology. Please note that without a referral, visits to specialists can sometimes incur quite high fees, and wait times can be very long!
Liability Insurance
In Germany, it can get very expensive if you accidentally injure someone or damage something. We therefore strongly advise you to get liability insurance. It costs only about 5 euros a month. You can often get liability insurance from a bank or another insurance company, for example.
Sometimes you also have to take out home contents insurance when you sign a lease. This insurance protects you, for example, in the event of a fire, burglary, or water damage in your apartment.
