Many students wonder whether student health insurance in Germany ends if their degree takes a long time. The 14-semester limit that was once discussed no longer exists, and has not since 2020. Today the decisive factors are your age and your enrolment at a university, not the number of semesters.
Kurz beantwortet: There is no maximum number of subject semesters (Fachsemester) for student health insurance (KVdS) in Germany since 2020. The age limit applies instead: compulsory insurance for enrolled students generally lasts until the age of 30 (§ 5 para. 1 no. 9 SGB V). Last updated: October 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- The 14-semester limit has been abolished. Older references to it in circulars and guides are outdated.
- Compulsory insurance depends on your enrolment at a state or state-recognised university.
- The age limit is 30. As a general rule, compulsory insurance ends with the semester in which you reach that age.
- Contributions are based on the assessment base, not on the number of semesters you have studied.
- If your studies take longer, check early whether other cover, such as family insurance, is an option.
What does the law say about the number of semesters?
Compulsory insurance for students is set out in § 5 para. 1 no. 9 SGB V. It covers students enrolled at a state or state-recognised university. The provision sets the age limit of 30 as the time limit. The wording does not contain a maximum number of semesters.
The joint basic guidance of the GKV-Spitzenverband on the KVdS (Gemeinsame Grundsätzliche Hinweise) states that the limit to 14 semesters has ceased to apply. The version we reviewed is dated 20 March 2020. You should check the current version of the guidance yourself before making an important decision.
Which rules apply if you study longer?
The table below answers the central questions under the current legal position.
| Question | What applies | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Is there a limit on subject semesters? | No, it has been abolished since 2020 | GKV-Spitzenverband guidance on the KVdS |
| Up to what age does compulsory insurance apply? | Generally until the end of the semester in which you turn 30 | § 5 para. 1 no. 9 SGB V |
| When does membership end? | Generally with the semester in which you are de-registered or reach the age limit | § 190 para. 9 SGB V |
| What determines the contribution? | The assessment base of 855 euros per month and your fund’s additional contribution | § 236 and § 245 SGB V |
The table shows that your number of subject semesters does not itself determine whether you are insured. Enrolment and age are the decisive factors.
What does it cost if your studies take longer?
The contribution does not change with the number of semesters. For students who do not live with their parents, the assessment base is 855 euros per month (§ 236 SGB V). The contribution rate for students is 10.22 percent (§ 245 SGB V). The fund’s additional contribution comes on top and differs between funds.
Assumption for the calculation: assessment base of 855 euros and an average additional contribution of 2.9 percent. The health contribution is then 87.38 euros plus about 24.80 euros, a total of 112.18 euros per month. The long-term care contribution is added on top. The figures refer to 1 January 2026, and the additional contribution average to 3 September 2026.
Which limits matter in practice?
In practice, three points determine how long compulsory student insurance lasts. Each one must be checked on its own, so keep all three in view.
- Enrolment: As long as you are enrolled at a recognised university, the obligation generally continues.
- Age limit: Under the general rule, compulsory insurance ends with the semester in which you turn 30.
- Priority of other cover: If you are already insured through another compulsory scheme or family insurance, the KVdS does not apply (§ 5 para. 7 SGB V).
Check family insurance as an alternative
Many students are covered by their parents’ family insurance until age 25 if they are in training that includes a degree. This is set out in § 10 para. 2 no. 3 SGB V. Family insurance also requires that total monthly income in 2026 does not exceed 565 euros (§ 10 para. 1 no. 5 SGB V). If you meet these conditions, include family insurance in your planning before you insure yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 14-semester limit still in place?
No. According to the guidance of the GKV-Spitzenverband, the limit to a maximum number of subject semesters has been abolished since 2020. Older guides or circulars that still refer to 14 semesters are outdated on this point.
Do I lose my insurance if I study for more than 14 semesters?
No. The number of your subject semesters no longer determines compulsory insurance. As long as you are enrolled and have not yet reached the age limit, the obligation generally continues.
Does the number of subject semesters matter for other benefits?
Yes, but not for health insurance. For example, BAföG requires proof of performance after the 4th subject semester, according to the Studierendenwerke FAQ (in German). This has no effect on health insurance.
Does this also apply to part-time study?
The GKV-Spitzenverband guidance does not distinguish between full-time and part-time study. Whether you still count as a student if you also work is checked by your fund on a case-by-case basis.
What happens after the age limit?
Once the age limit is reached, compulsory student insurance ends. You then need to check which cover applies, for example compulsory insurance through employment or voluntary membership. For voluntary members, the 2026 minimum contribution base is 1,318.33 euros per month (GKV-Spitzenverband fact sheet, as of 1 Jan 2026, in German). Switching in good time avoids gaps in cover.
Who can clarify my situation?
Your health insurance fund is the first point of contact for binding information about your insurance status. The legal texts are published at gesetze-im-internet.de (in German). For a personal assessment, you can also book a consultation.
What to do now
- Check your enrolment and work out from your date of birth when you reach the age limit.
- Find out whether family insurance can cover you in the meantime.
- Work out your monthly contribution with the steps in the German guide Krankenversicherung als Student (in German).
- Plan ahead for the time after the age limit and clarify further cover with your fund.
- For a personal assessment, see how a consultation works on How we work.
Related guides
- Health Insurance for Students Over 30 in Germany
- Student Health Insurance Germany 2026: Key Figures
- Student Family Insurance 2026: Income Limits and Age
- Student Health Insurance Costs by Age in Germany
Sources: § 5 SGB V, Compulsory insurance (gesetze-im-internet.de, in German, accessed October 2026), GKV-Spitzenverband, Joint basic guidance on the KVdS (version of 20 March 2020, in German), § 10 SGB V, Family insurance (gesetze-im-internet.de, in German, accessed October 2026), GKV-Spitzenverband, Fact sheet on reference figures for contribution law (as of 1 Jan 2026, in German)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
