Must-Have Insurance in Germany: What Every Expat & Student Needs to Know!

Last updated: May 2026

Which Insurance Policies Are Mandatory in Germany?

Only one insurance is legally required for everyone in Germany: health insurance (Krankenversicherung). You cannot enroll at a university, register your address, or obtain a residence permit without proof of coverage.

For car owners, motor vehicle liability insurance (Kfz-Haftpflicht) is also mandatory, but most international students do not own cars.

Everything else is optional, though some policies are so inexpensive relative to the risk they cover that skipping them would be a costly mistake.

Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung)

Health insurance is the most important and most expensive insurance you will have in Germany. Every student, worker, and resident must be covered.

Public vs Private:

Which Should You Choose?

Top Public Providers for Students

Key rule: If you are under 30 and enrolled in a recognized degree program, choose public insurance. It is standardized, accepted everywhere, and your future employer will split the cost when you start working. Switching from private back to public is extremely difficult.

For details on choosing a provider, see our health insurance guide.

Private Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung)

This is the most important optional insurance in Germany. It costs EUR 40-60/year and covers damage you accidentally cause to other people or their property.

Why It Matters

German law holds you personally liable for damages you cause, with no upper limit. Without liability insurance, a single accident could cost you thousands or even hundreds of thousands of euros.

Examples of what it covers:

• You spill coffee on a friend's laptop (EUR 1,500 replacement)
• You accidentally damage your rented apartment's flooring (EUR 3,000 repair)
• You cause a bicycle accident injuring a pedestrian (EUR 50,000+ medical bills)
• Your bathtub overflows and floods the apartment below (EUR 10,000+ water damage)

Recommended Providers

At roughly EUR 4/month, there is no reason to skip this. Most Germans consider it non-negotiable.

Household Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung)

Covers your personal belongings (electronics, furniture, clothing) against theft, fire, water damage, and storms.

If you live in a WG (shared apartment), each tenant needs their own policy. Dorm residents can often skip this if their belongings are minimal.

Dental Insurance (Zahnzusatzversicherung)

German public health insurance covers basic dental care (check-ups, fillings, extractions) but pays only 60-75% of standard treatment costs for crowns, bridges, and dentures. Premium materials and implants receive minimal coverage.

Worth it if: You expect dental work beyond routine cleanings. The earlier you sign up, the lower the premium. Most plans have 8-month waiting periods for major treatments.

Legal Insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung)

Covers lawyer fees and court costs for legal disputes. Germany is a litigious country, and even simple disputes (tenant vs landlord, employment disagreements) can cost EUR 2,000-5,000 in legal fees.

Most policies have a 3-month waiting period before you can make claims.

Occupational Disability Insurance (Berufsunfahigkeitsversicherung)

Provides monthly income if illness or injury prevents you from working in your trained profession. This is primarily relevant for working professionals rather than students.

If you plan to stay in Germany after graduation, getting this policy while young and healthy locks in lower premiums for life.

Insurance Priority List for International Students

How to Sign Up

Most insurance can be purchased entirely online in under 15 minutes:

1. Health insurance: Visit TK's international student page or walk into any AOK/Barmer office with your admission letter and passport
2. Liability, household, dental: Use English-friendly platforms like Getsafe, Feather, or Check24 to compare and purchase
3. Legal and disability: Compare on Check24 or consult an independent insurance broker (Versicherungsmakler)

For a complete overview of health insurance options, visit our health insurance guide. If you need help enrolling, check our health insurance service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enroll at a German university without health insurance?

No. Proof of health insurance is required for university enrollment (Immatrikulation). You also need it for your visa application and residence permit. Public insurance from TK, AOK, or Barmer is accepted everywhere.

Is private health insurance cheaper than public for students?

Private insurance premiums (EUR 80-150/month) can be lower than public (~EUR 120/month), but switching back to public is nearly impossible. Private plans may also exclude certain treatments or have co-payments. For most students under 30, public insurance is the safer choice.

What happens if I accidentally damage someone's property and have no liability insurance?

You are personally liable for the full cost. German courts can garnish your wages and assets to recover damages. A single incident like flooding a neighbor's apartment could cost EUR 10,000+. Liability insurance at EUR 40-60/year eliminates this risk entirely.

Do I need separate insurance for my bicycle?

Basic bicycle theft is covered under household contents insurance (Hausratversicherung) if the bike was locked. For expensive bikes (EUR 1,000+), consider a dedicated bicycle insurance policy (EUR 5-10/month) that also covers damage and accessories.

Can I use my home country's health insurance in Germany?

EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) temporarily, but it does not replace full German health insurance for degree-seeking students. Non-EU students must obtain German health insurance before enrollment. Travel insurance from your home country is not accepted.

How much does all recommended insurance cost together?

For a typical student: health insurance (~EUR 120/month) + liability (~EUR 4/month) + household contents (~EUR 5/month) = roughly EUR 129/month. Adding dental insurance brings it to EUR 140-155/month. This is a fixed cost you should factor into your monthly budget.