This is not the normal PKV route
Most content on this platform explains how employees above the income threshold (JAEG) can access private health insurance. That logic does not apply here.
Students and trainees access PKV through a special exception-based path — with different eligibility conditions, different tariff structures, and a fundamentally different planning horizon. If you are an employee comparing GKV vs PKV, start here instead →
Who this is for
University students
Enrolled at a public or state-recognized university (Hochschule) in Germany
Trainees / Azubis
In a recognized vocational training program (Berufsausbildung)
Compulsory practical placements
Pflichtpraktikum as part of a degree program, where applicable
Conditions for eligibility
To access private health insurance as a student or trainee, all three conditions must be met:
Age 21–39
The special training-phase conditions apply to persons aged 21 to 39.
No GKV obligation
You must not be subject to compulsory statutory insurance (Versicherungspflicht). If you are, you cannot opt into PKV during this phase.
No income above JAEG
Your income must not exceed the annual income threshold (Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze). This is a special-case exception — not the normal "above JAEG" employee path.
How student/trainee tariffs differ from regular PKV
- No aging reserves (Altersrückstellungen) are built during the training phase — keeping premiums low now, but requiring a transition later
- Age-based premium adjustments occur at ages 26, 31, and 36 — aligned to the new-entry premium at each age step
- Same coverage scope — the benefit structure is identical to the regular tariff version
- Temporary by design — this is a training-phase solution, not a permanent arrangement
The available ARAG tariff options are KomfortKlasse, MedExtra, and MedBest — each in a dedicated training-phase version. Where applicable, the Beihilfe range may also be available for trainee civil servants.
Refund for claim-free periods: up to €450 per year (tariff-dependent), subject to annual insurer decision. This differs from the regular tariff refund structure.
Not sure if you qualify?
We clarify your eligibility, explain the conditions, and help you set up the right training-phase insurance — in English.
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