COVID symptoms

If you have symptoms that indicate COVID-19 disease, please consult a physician. You can call in advance.

Home Prepared for your stay in Germany What should I do if I have COVID symptoms

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What should I do if I have COVID symptoms?

If you have symptoms that could indicate a coronavirus infection, contact your doctor by phone or dial 116 117. You’ll be offered help quickly and the next steps will be explained to you.

Does my insurance cover a COVID-19 test?

Regardless of whether you have statutory or private health insurance, your insurance provider will only cover the costs of a COVID-19 PCR test if a registered doctor has prescribed a test for you based on your symptoms. Your insurance will not cover the costs of a preventive COVID-19 PCR test that has not been prescribed by a doctor. Quick tests can be performed at a recognised test centre, at a doctor’s surgery or in a pharmacy. The government covers the costs of these quick tests, and all citizens can take a test free of charge at least once a week. Further information is available on our coronavirus test types page. If you are required to take a COVID-19 PCR test for flying or to reduce the length of any quarantine period and this test has not been prescribed by a registered doctor, the cost of the test will not be covered by your health insurance.

Am I insured if I get infected with COVID-19?

As you will have standard insurance cover during your time spent studying in Germany, you will be reimbursed for the costs, of your treatment if you become ill due to COVID-19. Your insurance will cover the costs of all of the treatment, testing and medication prescribed by your doctor.

Background information on pandemics and travel warnings

Due to the pandemic affecting many countries around the world, the Federal Foreign Office in Germany has issued a travel warning advising against any unnecessary travel (e.g. holidays). However, this travel warning does not apply to anyone who needs to travel or spend time abroad for business reasons, including studying in another country. This means that, during your time as a student, you will continue to benefit from the normal health insurance cover, which will also cover the costs of your treatment for COVID-19 if required.

Am I still insured if I am infected with COVID-19 while I am in China?

To answer this question, you will need to know whether your health insurance provides cover in China. If it does, you will need to consider the following points:

1. Is there a travel warning in place?
2. What is the purpose of your journey/stay?

If there is no travel warning in place, your insurance will continue to cover you for any essential medical treatment if you become acutely unwell or are involved in an accident abroad. This also includes reimbursement for the costs of your treatment if you are infected with COVID-19.

In all other cases, your insurance cover may be limited.

You can view current travel warnings on the Federal Foreign Office website here.

Does my insurance cover me if I am infected with COVID-19 while travelling in other EU countries?

To answer this question, you will need to consider the following points:

1. Is there a travel warning in place?
2. What is the purpose of your journey/stay?

In all other cases, your insurance cover may be limited. You can view current travel warnings on the Federal Foreign Office website here.

How does the German healthcare system work?

In the German healthcare system, there are two types of health insurance – statutory health insurance and private health insurance.

How do I apply for a residence permit for my stay in Germany?

To apply for a residence permit, you will need to prove that you have valid health insurance in place. Find out where you can apply for a residence permit and which other documents you will need to present here.

Which type of health insurance do I need to take out during my studies?

Depending on the type of course you’re studying, you will either only be eligible for private health insurance, or you will be able to choose between private health insurance or statutory health insurance.

What do I need to do if I get ill or injured?

If you get ill or injured, you should contact a doctor. With most health insurance policies, you can choose your own doctor.