Barmer or KKH as a student: both funds offer optional tariffs with a self-retention amount (Selbstbehalt) and premiums, as well as bonus programmes, but they differ in the details. If you are weighing Barmer against KKH, compare minimum terms, sick pay tariffs and bonus deadlines. This guide does not rate either fund.
Short answer: The basic contribution for students is the same at Barmer and KKH: 87.38 euros per month (as of 1 January 2026). The additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag) varies by fund. Both articles of association provide for self-retention tariffs, premiums and bonus programmes. Minimum terms, proofs and deadlines decide the rest.
The key points
- The basic contribution is the same at Barmer and KKH. Each fund publishes its additional contribution on its website.
- The Barmer articles regulate self-retention tariffs (§ 23), premiums for not claiming benefits (§ 24) and bonus programmes (§§ 37 to 39).
- The KKH articles regulate the self-retention tariff (§ 29f), the premium for benefit-free years (§ 29c) and the bonus (§ 24a).
- Sick pay tariffs have their own conditions in both funds. Ask before you choose whether you qualify as a student.
- 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 Barmer or KKH?
Students pay 10.22 percent on a contribution base of 855 euros, which is 87.38 euros per month without the additional contribution (as of 1 January 2026, GKV-Spitzenverband). The additional contribution is added and differs per fund. For a comparison with other funds, 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: 2.8 percent) | 855 euros × 2.8 percent | 23.94 euros |
| Long-term care insurance (without childless surcharge) | 855 euros × 3.6 percent | 30.78 euros |
| Example total | Sum of components | 142.10 euros |
Assumption: 2.8 percent is a calculation value, not a rate published by Barmer or KKH. The nationwide average was 2.9 percent in 2026 (Federal Ministry of Health), which would give an additional contribution of 24.80 euros and a total of 142.96 euros. From the month after the 23rd birthday, the childless surcharge of 0.6 contribution points applies in long-term care insurance, which is 35.91 euros per month (as of 1 January 2026).
Which optional tariffs do Barmer and KKH offer?
Both articles distinguish between tariffs with a self-retention amount, premiums for benefit-free years and sick pay tariffs. The table places the relevant paragraphs side by side. It shows the structure only, because the amount of each premium is set in the articles.
| Optional tariff | Barmer (articles, consolidated version) | KKH (articles, as of February 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Self-retention | Self-retention tariffs with a commitment period and premium (§ 23) | Self-retention, premium depends on income, applies per calendar year (§ 29f) |
| Premium for not claiming benefits | Premium payment for not claiming benefits (§ 24) | Premium for benefit-free years, one-year commitment, election before the period begins (§ 29c) |
| Sick pay | Sick pay optional tariffs (§ 27) | Sick pay from the 22nd to the 42nd day of incapacity to work (§ 28b) |
| Minimum term | As set by the tariff, with a commitment period | Sick pay tariffs can be terminated at the earliest after three years, with two months notice (§ 28d) |
A sick pay tariff is open to specific groups of members under the KKH articles. Ask both funds in writing whether a student qualifies before you decide.
How do the bonus programmes differ?
| Bonus | Barmer | KKH |
|---|---|---|
| Basic rule | Bonus for health-conscious behaviour with a subsidy option (§ 37) | Bonus for documented measures, up to 100 euros once when first participating from age 16 (§ 24a) |
| Amounts | As set out in the annexes of the articles | 10 euros for the first and second measure, 5 euros for each further measure per year (§ 24a para. 3) |
| Deadline | As set out in the articles | Application and proofs by 31 March of the following year (§ 24a para. 6) |
| End | As set out in the articles | Ends with your insurance or after two years without proofs (§ 24a para. 9) |
The Barmer articles also name a success bonus for adults (§ 38) and a bonus for workplace health promotion (§ 39). Check Barmer’s current amounts and deadlines in its articles.
When does a self-retention tariff make sense?
A self-retention tariff is mainly worth considering if you can estimate your health costs realistically and could bear the self-retention amount if you needed care. The premium is tied to conditions. At KKH, the self-retention and premium also depend on your income (§ 29f). Read the conditions in the relevant articles before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose the same sick pay tariff at Barmer and KKH?
The articles regulate sick pay tariffs differently. KKH links them to specific groups of members. Ask both funds in writing whether a student qualifies.
What is a self-retention tariff?
You pay part of the costs yourself and receive a premium in return. The amount depends on the articles. At KKH it also depends on your income.
How long am I bound to an optional tariff?
It depends on the tariff. At KKH, sick pay tariffs are bound for at least three years (§ 28d), while the premium for benefit-free years runs for one year (§ 29c). At Barmer, the term depends on the specific tariff.
Does the fund commitment apply in addition?
Yes. Membership is bound for twelve months under § 175 para. 4 SGB V. The tariff commitment is separate. Check both rules.
Next steps
- Find the current additional contribution of both funds on their websites.
- Compare the optional tariffs by commitment period, premium and sick pay before you decide.
- Check the bonus deadlines and the proofs you can realistically submit.
- Clarify the student eligibility in writing before you switch, and keep to the deadlines under § 175 SGB V.
Related reading
- TK or Barmer for students 2026
- KKH or TK for students 2026
- TK or hkk for students 2026
- Switching health insurance as a student (in German)
Sources: Barmer, consolidated articles (21 July 2026 according to the document, German), KKH, articles of association (February 2026, German), 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).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
