You will need incoming insurance if you arrive in Germany before your actual enrolment date. Statutory health insurance only provides cover if you fall ill after you have enrolled. This means that you would not be insured for the days or weeks between your arrival date and the actual start of your studies. An incoming insurance plan is an affordable, effective way to protect against this risk.  One very good incoming insurance plan is MAWISTA Visum. This meets all requirements for the Schengen visa and is recognised by the authorities.