What health insurance do I need for a German student visa from Nigeria or Ghana?
Short answer
The German Embassy in Accra lists incoming health insurance (Incoming Krankenversicherung) from entry to enrolment, plus proof of statutory (national) health insurance from enrolment, among its student visa documents. The German Missions in Nigeria say incoming health insurance covers your first period in Germany until permanent insurance begins, and that they ask for it after a positive visa decision. Accra adds that travel insurance is not sufficient.
On this page
What is incoming health insurance?
The German Missions in Nigeria explain it in their FAQ. Incoming Krankenversicherung (incoming health insurance) covers your first period in Germany, from the time you arrive until your permanent insurance begins.
The policy must meet the standards of SGB V (the German Social Code, Book V). The Missions say not all plans qualify, and your insurance must stay valid after your official residence moves to Germany.
Sources for this part4
When do the missions ask for it?
Accra and the Nigeria missions word this differently. Here is what each page says, so check your own mission before you buy a policy.
- German Embassy Accra: the student visa page lists health insurance among the documents. It names incoming health insurance from entry to enrolment, and proof of national (statutory) health insurance starting from enrolment. It adds: 'A travel health insurance is not sufficient!'
- German Missions in Nigeria: the long-stay visa page says that if a positive decision has been made on your visa, you will be asked to provide an incoming health insurance.
- Consulate General Lagos: the student document list (the sorting list on the 'University studies' page) has no health insurance line.
Does insurance matter after the visa is issued?
Possibly, at the border. The Nigeria missions say a visa does not give you a right of entry, and that the border police may ask for proof of health insurance, as well as documents, when you arrive. They advise taking a set of your visa documents with you.
Sources for this part2
When do I switch to statutory insurance, and what does it cost?
The Accra embassy asks for proof of statutory health insurance starting from enrolment.
DAAD (the German Academic Exchange Service) says students under 30 get a reduced student rate of about EUR 120-130 a month from statutory health insurance providers. DAAD gives this in the case where your current health insurance isn't recognised in Germany.
What happens when I turn 30?
DAAD says that once you reach 30, you pay the standard contribution, even if you are still studying.
DAAD adds that this standard contribution is often a lot more expensive than a student plan from a private insurance company, so it can be worth checking whether private insurance is cheaper.
One catch from DAAD: with a recognised home-country private plan, you will not be able to change to statutory health insurance during your studies.
Sources for this part5
Does everyone have to be insured?
Yes. DAAD says that in Germany every person must have health insurance. International students must prove equivalent cover that meets German standards, either by the time they register or, depending on the country of origin, by the time they apply for a visa.
This also applies if you join a preparatory course or a Studienkolleg.
Sources for this part5
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What is incoming health insurance for a German student visa?
The German Missions in Nigeria say Incoming Krankenversicherung (incoming health insurance) covers your first period in Germany, from the time you arrive until your permanent insurance begins. The policy must meet SGB V standards, and not all plans qualify. 4
Is travel health insurance enough for a German student visa?
Not at the Accra embassy. Its student visa page says a travel health insurance is not sufficient. The Nigeria missions' pages ask for incoming health insurance after a positive decision and do not mention travel insurance. 12
Is health insurance on the Lagos student document list?
The Lagos student document list has no health insurance line. The long-stay visa page says you will be asked for incoming health insurance if a positive decision has been made on your visa. 32
Sources
- 1Visa for StudentsOfficialGerman Embassy Accra · checked 29 Oct 2026
- 2National visa for long term staysOfficialGerman Missions in Nigeria · checked 29 Oct 2026
- 3University studiesOfficialGerman Missions in Nigeria · checked 29 Oct 2026
- 4Frequently Asked QuestionsOfficialGerman Missions in Nigeria · checked 29 Oct 2026
- 5Healthcare and Health InsuranceOfficialDAAD · checked 29 Oct 2026
- 6Costs of education and livingOfficialDAAD · checked 29 Oct 2026
Official is the embassy or a German government page. Applicant reports are what applicants say happened at their appointment. Secondary is everything else we checked.
General information, not legal advice. VisaRoom isn't connected to any embassy or government, and only the embassy decides on your visa. Something out of date? Tell us.