Moving to Europe to study comes with a lot of admin – and insurance is one of the things that catches many students off guard. Some are legally required, some are strongly recommended, and some you can skip entirely depending on your situation. Here's a clear breakdown.

1. Health Insurance – mandatory, non-negotiable

This is the most important one. In Germany and most EU countries, health insurance is a legal requirement for university enrollment and in many cases also for your visa application. Without it, you simply cannot register at a university.

There are three main options.

Statutory health insurance (GKV) is the standard solution for most students. It is widely accepted by universities and authorities, covers doctor visits, hospital stays and prescriptions, and is the most straightforward choice if you are eligible.

Private health insurance (PKV) can be a valid option depending on your age, nationality and program. However, not every private plan is accepted for enrollment or visa purposes. Always check with your university before choosing a private policy.

Travel insurance is sometimes used as a short-term bridge for the first days after arrival. In most cases though, it is not accepted for university registration or residence permit applications. Treat it as a temporary solution only, never a permanent one.

The key question to ask before choosing: does your university and the relevant immigration authority accept this specific plan? Always clarify this early.

2. Personal Liability Insurance – highly recommended

Not legally required, but in Germany and across much of Europe, personal liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) is considered essential. It covers you if you accidentally damage someone else's property, injure someone, or cause any damage for which you are legally responsible. These situations can be far more expensive than most people expect. The monthly cost of a good policy is low – and it can save you from serious financial stress.

3. Household Contents Insurance – optional

Household contents insurance covers your belongings at home in the event of theft, fire or water damage. It makes sense if you have your own apartment and own valuable items like a laptop, camera or other equipment. If you're living in a shared student dorm with few valuables, you can likely skip this one.

4. Accident Insurance – situational

As a student in Germany, you are partially covered through the statutory accident insurance for university-related activities – lectures, seminars, on-campus events. A supplementary personal accident policy can be worthwhile if you do a lot of sport, work a physically active part-time job, or simply want broader coverage. For most students it is not a priority from day one.

5. Legal Protection Insurance – not needed at the start

Legal protection insurance covers disputes around tenancy, employment or contracts. It can become useful the longer you stay – particularly if you're renting privately or working alongside your studies. For the initial phase of your time in Europe, it's not something you need to rush.