Yes, if you are under 30 years old and studying at a state-recognized university or higher education institution in Germany, you are subject to mandatory statutory health and long-term care insurance.

If you have been accepted into a university, language course, or preparatory program in Germany, you’ll need to check what type of health insurance certificate is required for your visa application. Typically, the German embassy or consulate in your country will ask for proof of health insurance with at least three months’ validity. It’s best to confirm with the respective embassy or consulate whether additional documents are needed in your specific case.

After arriving, you must register your residence at the local registration office (Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt). You can usually book an appointment online. For the appointment, you’ll need: your appointment confirmation (depending on the city), passport, rental agreement, and a confirmation of residence form from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). In some cities, other documents like a letter of authorization or proof of finances may also be required. Once registered, you’ll receive a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung), which is essential for things like visa extensions, opening a bank account, and signing contracts. 
If you’re entering Germany for university studies, or a language or preparatory course, you may have already informed KKH of your arrival date. To be sure your insurance is in effect, reach out to KKH after your arrival. If you’ll begin university within six months as a language or prep student, please contact us in time so we can guide you through the necessary steps.

Your insurance coverage with KKH starts from the date your university enrollment becomes official, provided you have registered for membership. Coverage continues indefinitely until you cancel it. 
The starting point of your health insurance aligns with the date your enrollment is confirmed by the university. Since 2022, most German universities use the M10 digital reporting system to confirm students’ insurance status for enrollment. Just let us know the name of your university, and we’ll either handle the electronic registration or provide a health insurance certificate to complete your enrollment. Please send us your enrollment certificate once you receive it.

The social security number (also known as the national insurance number) identifies you within the German social insurance system. It’s used for collecting and processing relevant data for services like pension insurance and social benefits. When you join KKH, we’ll automatically apply for your social insurance card and send it to your German postal address. You don’t need to do anything else. This number stays with you for the entire duration of your stay in Germany.

You’ll receive your KKH insurance card by post about two weeks after your enrollment is confirmed. The front of the card features your photo, insurance number, and a chip that stores your personal information for doctor visits. The back includes details about your health insurance coverage within the EU.

As a student, you have two payment options: You can either make a lump-sum transfer before the semester begins, or set up a SEPA direct debit for monthly payments. 
Monthly contributions are automatically withdrawn on the 15th of the following month (for example, your contribution for October would be debited on November 15).