hkk or HEK for students: both funds are Ersatzkassen and sit below the market average additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag) of 2.9 percent, but not level with each other. More interesting than the contribution gap are the bonus models, the optional tariffs and how up to date each fund’s articles of association are. This guide sets the documented details side by side and gives no recommendation.
Short answer: According to the fund list of the GKV-Spitzenverband (as of 27 October 2026), hkk’s additional contribution is 2.59 percent and HEK’s is 2.89 percent. That is a difference of 2.57 euros per month and 30.78 euros per year. hkk states 140.30 euros for students, and HEK would arrive at 142.87 euros with the same calculation.
The key points
- HEK’s additional contribution is 0.30 percentage points above hkk’s and just under the nationwide average of 2.9 percent.
- hkk has a bonus model with a prevention and an activity bonus (participation terms of 27 May 2026). HEK has a bonus programme in its articles of association.
- The HEK articles available publicly for this comparison are dated 1 January 2023. Ask HEK for current amounts.
- HEK names a toll-free service hotline around the clock (0800 0213213), live chat and a service app.
- For deadlines and the switching process, see switching health insurer as a student.
How large is the contribution gap?
| Component | hkk | HEK |
|---|---|---|
| Additional contribution rate | 2.59 percent | 2.89 percent |
| Additional contribution per month | 22.14 euros | 24.71 euros |
| Total with care 30.78 euros | 140.30 euros | 142.87 euros |
| Total from age 23 without children | 145.43 euros | 148.00 euros |
The hkk values are on hkk’s student page, and the HEK values are calculated from the rate and the contribution base. Worked example: over four years of study the rate difference comes to 123.12 euros if rates stay unchanged. Rates do change, so the figure only shows the order of magnitude. For the term, see additional contribution 2026: all health insurers.
How do the bonus models work?
hkk describes a prevention bonus and an activity bonus, available as an immediate bonus or a health subsidy tied to a purpose. University and workplace sport count towards the activity bonus, and after two prevention measures and three activity measures a fitness tracker can be subsidised with up to 280 euros. Proofs count until 31 March of the following year.
HEK’s articles of association (105th supplement, as of 1 January 2023) provide for insured persons aged 18 and over a prevention bonus of 5 euros per measure, 36 euros in total, or 72 euros as a subsidy. The health bonus is 36 euros for one activity measure or 125 euros for four activity measures including a prevention course, and twice that as a subsidy. The bonus period lasts twelve months, and unused bonuses lapse. These amounts may have changed since.
| Feature | hkk (terms 27 May 2026) | HEK (articles, as of 1 January 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | University sport and gyms count towards the activity bonus | Activity measures in the health bonus (§ 25b) |
| Choice of payout | Immediate bonus or health subsidy | Bonus or doubled subsidy |
| Proof deadline | 31 March of the following year | Bonus period of twelve months |
| Carry-over | Unused subsidy lapses on 31 December of the following year | Unused bonuses cannot be carried over |
Which benefits under the articles differ?
hkk names dental cleaning at participating dentists, osteopathy and travel vaccinations on its student page, without amounts. HEK’s articles (as of 1 January 2023) name a subsidy of 10 euros per calendar year from age 16 for professional dental cleaning, 80 percent of costs for osteopathy up to 30 euros per session and three sessions per year, and subsidies of up to 75 euros for prevention courses with fees up to 150 euros, at most two measures per year. A statement about the current version is therefore not possible. The fund can give you the current articles.
How do you reach the funds?
HEK names a toll-free 24-hour hotline (0800 0213213), email, live chat and the HEK service app. hkk offers the meine hkk app with an online mailbox, applications, certificates and bonus, an address in 28185 Bremen and a branch search. Neither page names a number of branch offices. Anyone who mainly works digitally finds the basic functions in the app at both funds, and anyone who wants personal advice asks for an appointment beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
Why are the HEK amounts not documented as current?
The publicly available version of HEK’s articles is dated 1 January 2023. A newer version could not be documented for this comparison. Treat the figures only as a pointer and ask HEK for the current version.
Are both funds open to students?
Both are statutory funds that may not refuse anyone because of their status (§ 175 para. 1 SGB V). Compulsory benefits are identical at hkk and HEK, and differences concern only benefits under the articles, bonus and service.
Can I use bonus and subsidy at the same time?
At hkk the choice between immediate bonus and health subsidy cannot be changed afterwards. At HEK the articles grant either the bonus or the doubled subsidy. Read the conditions before your first measure.
Next steps
- Ask HEK for the current articles and the subsidy amounts.
- Read hkk’s bonus model terms of 27 May 2026.
- List for one year which measures you use anyway and assign the amounts to both funds.
- Decide and keep the twelve-month commitment in mind.
Related reading
- hkk student health insurance: costs 2026, over 30 and benefits
- HEK student health insurance: costs 2026, over 30 and benefits
- Student health insurance in Germany 2026: key figures
- German health insurance terms for newcomers
Sources: GKV-Spitzenverband, health insurance fund list (27 October 2026, German), hkk, health insurance for students (retrieved October 2026, German), hkk, participation terms for the bonus model (27 May 2026, German), HEK, articles of association, 105th supplement (1 January 2023, German), HEK, benefits (retrieved October 2026, German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
