Hello, I have recently got a Zulassungsbescheid from the University of Duisburg-Essen, and I will start studying this winter semester. I’m a British national and I was wondering if the Student GHIC could be used in place of public health insurance. I sent an email to the international office, however they only replied saying how to get public health insurance.

[https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/](https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/)

Do I need to go to the university to get this letter? Many thanks in advance.

4 comments

  1. As I understand it, the GHIC is the former E1-11 card which means you don’t need any health insurance? You’re covered because you’re covered by the NHS?

  2. You will need German health insurance for your German resident permit. The insurance you mention clearly states as a visitor, which doesn’t apply to being a student in Germany.

  3. Since you will live in Germany permanently, you need German health insurance, not helath insurance for travellers, tourists etc.

  4. If you need a student visa, you can get a [special incoming/expat insurance for Germany](https://www.settle-in-berlin.com/health-insurance-germany/expat-germany-health-insurance/),

    * It satisfies the requirement of the German residence act/Immigration office. It’s specially designed for visitors like you, for temporary stays.
    * It’s a super-charged travel insurance but it’s not welfare: it’s a private policy that doesn’t cover as well at all and can be a strain on your cash flow. Can be problematic in case of big illness or chronic conditions.
    * It’s cheaper and more flexible than local health insurance providers (Krankenkasse), but again coverage is not as good.
    * Once you have your visa approved, you can decide to stay on this policy or switch to a local Krankenkasse.

    Hope this helps.

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