SBK or TK as a student: SBK Siemens-Betriebskrankenkasse and TK are statutory health insurance funds (gesetzliche Krankenkassen) with the same statutory benefits. Before you choose, check the additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag), the current articles of association of SBK and the optional tariffs (Wahltarife). This guide shows how to do that and does not rate any fund.
Short answer: The basic contribution for students is the same at SBK and TK: 87.38 euros per month (as of 1 January 2026). Each fund adds its own additional contribution. SBK’s specific benefits are set out in its current articles on sbk.org and should be checked there before you decide.
The key points
- The basic contribution is the same at SBK and TK: 10.22 percent of 855 euros, which is 87.38 euros per month.
- The additional contribution is what makes the real difference. Each fund publishes its rate on its website.
- The TK articles name concrete benefits, for example prevention, osteopathy and vaccinations beyond standard care.
- For SBK, check the current articles on sbk.org. This guide does not repeat SBK benefit figures without checking them first.
- You can switch after twelve months of commitment, effective at the end of the second calendar month after notice (§ 175 SGB V).
What do you pay as a student at SBK or TK?
Students pay 7/10 of the general contribution rate of 14.6 percent, which is 10.22 percent, on a contribution base of 855 euros. Without the additional contribution, that makes 87.38 euros per month (as of 1 January 2026, GKV-Spitzenverband). Students pay the long-term care contribution of 30.78 euros on their own. For a comparison with another fund, see KKH or TK for students 2026.
| Component | Calculation | Amount per month |
|---|---|---|
| Health insurance without additional contribution | 855 euros × 10.22 percent | 87.38 euros |
| Additional contribution of the fund (assumption: 2.7 percent) | 855 euros × 2.7 percent | 23.09 euros |
| Long-term care insurance (without childless surcharge) | 855 euros × 3.6 percent | 30.78 euros |
| Example total | Sum of components | 141.25 euros |
Assumption: 2.7 percent is a calculation value, not a rate published by SBK or TK. The average across all funds was 2.9 percent in 2026 (Federal Ministry of Health), which gives an additional contribution of 24.80 euros. The Schätzerkreis (estimation committee) expects 2.9 percent again for 2027 on a calculated basis. The official determination was still pending as of October 2026.
Which benefits does TK offer, and what should you ask SBK?
The TK articles (as of 17 April 2026) contain several benefits that may matter to students. Under § 18, prevention subsidies cover 80 percent of the cost of behaviour-related courses, up to 150 euros, for two measures per year. Under § 27b, osteopathy is subsidised for up to three sessions per year at 40 euros per session. Under § 19, vaccinations go beyond standard care, for example HPV up to age 26, tick-borne encephalitis and influenza up to age 60.
Ask SBK the same questions so that you can compare. The articles on sbk.org answer some of them. Where they are unclear, a written enquiry helps. These questions are a good starting point:
- Which benefits in the articles cover prevention, osteopathy and dental cleaning, and at what amounts?
- Which vaccinations does SBK cover beyond standard care?
- Are there optional tariffs with a minimum term, and how long are you bound to them?
- Is there a bonus programme, what proof does it require and which deadlines apply?
- What is the additional contribution this year, and when can it change?
Which optional tariffs and bonuses does TK offer?
- Bonus programme (§ 26): health bonus for preventive check-ups, vaccinations and prevention offers. The amounts are set out in annexes 2 to 4 of the articles.
- PrämieXtra (§ 30): premium if no benefits are claimed at TK’s expense, minimum term one year, ending after three years at the latest.
- 300Plus (§ 31): premium linked to a self-retention amount. It requires a contribution-liable annual income of at least 30,000 euros.
Whether a self-retention tariff suits you depends on your income and the costs you expect. Remember that optional tariffs are tied to a minimum term.
How does a switch to SBK or TK work?
The new fund receives your choice and may not refuse membership (§ 175 para. 1 SGB V). Its notification to your previous fund replaces your termination (§ 175 para. 4 sentence 4). The previous fund confirms the end of membership within two weeks (§ 175 para. 2). The twelve-month commitment applies after a switch as well, except where membership ends by operation of law (§ 175 para. 4 sentence 2).
Frequently asked questions
Why do funds differ if the statutory benefits are the same?
Funds may offer benefits beyond the statutory ones through their articles of association. Whether you use them is your decision, which is why the articles matter more than the additional contribution alone.
How long am I bound to a new fund after switching?
At least twelve months (§ 175 para. 4 sentence 1 SGB V). After that, you can terminate at the end of the second calendar month after notice.
What happens to an optional tariff when I switch funds?
Optional tariffs belong to the fund that offers them. Check in the articles whether and when a tariff ends with your membership. Ask the fund to confirm the end date in writing.
Does SBK have to accept me?
A fund may not refuse membership or obstruct it through false or incomplete advice (§ 175 para. 1 SGB V). If there are signs of unlawful obstruction, the supervisory authority must act.
Next steps
- Get SBK’s current additional contribution from its website and calculate your monthly contribution with the example above.
- Read the current articles on sbk.org and note the benefits you are likely to use in the coming semesters.
- Compare these benefits with TK’s articles and the optional tariffs of both funds.
- Clarify the deadlines under § 175 SGB V. Your registration with the new fund replaces the termination with the old one.
Related reading
- KKH or TK for students 2026
- Audi BKK or TK for students 2026
- TK or Barmer for students 2026
- Switching health insurance as a student (in German)
Sources: GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on contribution calculation values 2026 (German), Federal Ministry of Health, contributions of statutory health insurance (German), § 175 SGB V (gesetze-im-internet.de, German), TK, articles of association (17 April 2026, German), SBK Siemens-Betriebskrankenkasse, website with articles (German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
