For participants in German language and preparatory college classes
For the duration of courses to prepare for studies, participants in German language courses and preparatory college classes are not obliged to hold statutory health and nursing care insurance for students (Section 5 [1] no. 9 of the German social security code, SGB V). Nevertheless, it is a requirement to take out health insurance and provide proof at registration and to the immigration authorities. These students can take out voluntary insurance with a statutory health insurance or substitute fund if they can prove preceding insurance periods. The monthly contribution fees are currently approx. 200 EUR. It is also possible to obtain private health insurance. You can compare the services and rates of some insurance companies here. Disadvantages of private health insurance:
- A prior examination of your state of health may be required
- Pre-existing conditions may not be covered
- Some insurance companies require you to pay for treatment in advance and then claim back the costs
- Scope of services under primary health care
- Increases in premiums
- No co-insurance for dependants
- Waiting periods (e.g. for pregnancies)
If students opt for a low-cost private (travel) insurance policy, they should make sure that the private health insurance provider confirms in writing that they are entitled to use primary health care services to which those insured by the statutory health system are entitled (in accordance with Section 11 [1-3] of the German social security code, SGB V). Otherwise, problems may arise with the Foreigners' Authority in Magdeburg. Please have the insurance provider fill in this form as proof. You can find out from the Foreigners' Authority or the International Office which private health insurance providers have already confirmed this to the Foreigners' Authority in Magdeburg. Note that low-cost (travel) insurance policies can only be taken out for a maximum of five years.
At the time of enrolment, we need the electronic notification of your insurer proving your health insurance status. Please contact your health insurance company in this regard and provide them with our reference number H0001216 for the automatic exchange of data during the student enrollment process. Your health insurance issuer will then send the necessary notification to OVGU.
When students start their studies, they must switch to statutory health insurance.