Summer school, language course, exchange semester, PhD or research stay: the duration and purpose of your stay in Germany determine which health insurance is appropriate – and which documents are required for your visa, enrolment and the authorities.
Why the length of stay is crucial for the right insurance cover
- Specific proof of insurance is often required for visas/administrative procedures (term, language, proof of cover).
- Short stays usually require flexible, temporary solutions; for longer stays, continuous cover and, if necessary, an option to change (e.g. in the event of a change of status) is important.
Short stay (e.g. summer school, language course, research visit)
Goal: temporary, reliable protection for a few weeks/months.
What to look out for:
- Proof for visa/authorities (ideally also in English)
- Suitable duration from arrival, clear start/end date
- Simple processing (e.g. online registration, support in English/German)
- Scope of services in accordance with conditions (outpatient, inpatient, prescribed medication; depending on tariff)
Longer stay (e.g. exchange semester, Master’s/PhD, research project)
Goal: continuous protection over several months/semesters.
What to look out for:
- Continuous insurability for the entire period
- Officially accepted proof (e.g. for enrolment/extension of residence permit)
- Option to switch if your status changes (e.g. transition to employment)
- Transparent scope of benefits and clear rules on reimbursement (depending on tariff/conditions)
Decision-making aid: These questions will help you find the right solution
- Purpose and duration of stay: Short programme or several months of study/research?
- Official requirements: What form and language must the proof be in?
- Timing: When does the policy need to start – and for how long?
- Need for change: Will your status change (e.g. after graduation/start of job)?
- Services: Do you need multilingual support, telemedicine or help with reimbursement?
How does IHCC support international students & researchers?
IHC offers tailor-made health insurance in Germany – from short stays (e.g. summer school, language courses) to long stays (exchange semesters, PhD, research).
We provide visa-compatible proof of insurance, in multiple languages upon request, and deliver clear confirmations for authorities and residence permits.
With flexible terms, the coverage fits exactly to the planned duration of your stay.
If your status changes (e.g. end of studies, start of job), we advise you on switching to the appropriate solution – without gaps and with a simple transition.
You can use these examples as a guide:
- Summer school/language course: temporary policy with valid proof of insurance for entry and programme duration. For example, our ISHCP-STT tariff.
- Exchange semester/PhD/research stay: longer term, continuous cover and, if necessary, change option in case of a later start date. For example, our ISHCP or FlexMed tariff.
Conclusion
Short stay or long stay – the right health insurance depends on the duration, purpose and official requirements. IHC helps you with selection, proof and, if necessary, switching, so that your stay is well covered in terms of technical and organisational aspects.
