Germany runs on insurance, and newcomers often either ignore it or drown in it. The truth sits in the middle: there is one cheap insurance almost everyone has, a couple worth considering, and a pile you do not need as a student. Let us cut through it.
Why €5 a month matters so much
Under German law you can be held liable for the full cost of damage you cause, with no friendly cap. Spill water and ruin the flat below, break a friend's expensive laptop, knock someone off their bike, and the bill can run into thousands or far more. Haftpflicht pays it instead of you. It is the best value insurance you will ever buy.
The honest insurance list for a student
| Insurance | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Health insurance | Mandatory. You cannot enrol or get a residence permit without it. See public vs private and what it covers. |
| Liability (Haftpflicht) | Get it. ~€5/month, protects you from huge accidental-damage bills. |
| Travel / incoming insurance | For the visa gap. Cover (at least €30,000) for the weeks between landing and your studies starting. |
| Household / contents (Hausrat) | Optional. Covers your belongings against theft and fire. Nice if you own valuable kit, skippable for a sparse student room. |
| Life, car, legal, etc. | Usually skip. You do not need life insurance as a student, and car insurance only if you actually drive. |
How to get liability insurance
- Use English-friendly digital insurers (for example Getsafe, Feather, Coya) or a comparison site (Check24).
- Look for a student tariff, they are cheap and often cover you on your parents' policy is not relevant here, so get your own simple plan.
- Set it up online in minutes; keep the digital policy document for landlords who ask.
FAQ
Is liability insurance mandatory in Germany?
No, but it is considered essential and most people have it, because you can be held liable for the full cost of accidental damage you cause. It is about €5 a month.
What insurances does a student actually need?
Health insurance (mandatory), personal liability (Haftpflicht, strongly recommended), and travel/incoming cover for the visa gap. Household contents is optional; most other policies you can skip.
Where do I buy liability insurance?
From English-friendly digital insurers like Getsafe, Feather or Coya, or via a comparison site. Look for a student tariff.
Getting your setup right before you fly? Ask a mentor for ₹500 → which insurances they actually bought.
