KKH or TK as a student: both are statutory health insurance funds (gesetzliche Krankenkassen) with the same statutory benefits under the German Social Code Book V (SGB V). They differ in their additional contribution, their articles of association (Satzung), their optional tariffs (Wahltarife) and their bonus programmes. This guide shows where to find these differences and does not rate either fund.
Short answer: The basic contribution for students is the same at KKH and TK: 87.38 euros per month (as of 1 January 2026, GKV-Spitzenverband). Each fund sets its own additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag) on top. Differences lie mainly in that additional contribution and in the benefits, optional tariffs and bonus programmes described in each fund’s articles of association.
The key points
- The basic contribution is 10.22 percent of a contribution base of 855 euros, which is 87.38 euros per month (as of 1 January 2026).
- The additional contribution is added in full. The average across all funds was 2.9 percent in 2026 (Federal Ministry of Health).
- The articles of association set out additional benefits such as prevention, a second medical opinion or dental cleaning in different ways. The current version of each fund applies (KKH as of February 2026, TK as of 17 April 2026).
- Both funds run bonus programmes. The amounts depend on documented measures and deadlines.
- 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 KKH or TK?
Students pay a reduced rate. For them, 7/10 of the general contribution rate of 14.6 percent applies, which is 10.22 percent. For students who do not live with their parents, the contribution base is 855 euros per month. These values are the same at every statutory fund. Only the additional contribution differs, and you can find each fund’s current rate on its website. If you want to understand the private option, read Health Insurance for International Students in Germany.
This is how the monthly contribution adds up (as of 1 January 2026, GKV-Spitzenverband):
| Component | Calculation | Amount per month |
|---|---|---|
| Health insurance without additional contribution | 855 euros × 10.22 percent | 87.38 euros |
| Additional contribution of the fund (assumption: 2.5 percent) | 855 euros × 2.5 percent | 21.38 euros |
| Long-term care insurance (without childless surcharge) | 855 euros × 3.6 percent | 30.78 euros |
| Example total | Sum of components | 139.54 euros |
Assumption: 2.5 percent is a calculation value and not a figure published by KKH or TK. With the nationwide average of 2.9 percent (Federal Ministry of Health, 2026), the additional contribution is 24.80 euros and the total 142.96 euros. People without children pay an extra 0.6 contribution points in long-term care insurance from the month after their 23rd birthday, which is 35.91 euros instead of 30.78 euros per month (as of 1 January 2026).
How do KKH and TK differ in their articles of association?
Statutory funds provide the benefits of SGB V. In addition, they can define extra benefits in their articles of association. The overview below shows extracts from both funds. Whether a benefit matters to you depends on whether you use it and meet its conditions.
| Topic | KKH (articles, as of February 2026) | TK (articles, as of 17 April 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Prevention | Subsidy for two prevention measures per year (§ 24) | 80 percent subsidy for behaviour-related courses, up to 150 euros, two measures per year (§ 18) |
| Second medical opinion | Independent medical second opinion before certain planned procedures, costs fully covered (§ 29b) | Not named in the extract reviewed |
| Osteopathy and dental cleaning | Named in §§ 29j to 29z of the articles, details there | Osteopathy up to three sessions per year, 40 euros per session (§ 27b); professional dental cleaning up to 40 euros per year from age 18 |
| Digital health literacy | Cost coverage for own offers, subsidy for third-party offers (§ 26) | Training measures (§ 25a) |
The table shows only extracts. A subsidy for dental cleaning does not help if you do not use it, so write down which benefits you will actually need in the coming semesters before you compare.
Which bonus programmes and optional tariffs do KKH and TK offer?
- KKH health bonus (§ 24a): 10 euros each for the first and second documented measure, then 5 euros for each further measure per calendar year. Application and proof by 31 March of the following year.
- KKH optional tariffs: self-retention tariff (Selbstbehalt, § 29f), premium for not claiming benefits (§ 29c, one-year commitment) and sick pay tariffs (§ 28b).
- TK bonus programme (§ 26): health bonus for preventive check-ups, vaccinations and prevention offers. Details are in annexes 2 to 4 of the articles.
- TK optional tariffs: PrämieXtra (§ 30, minimum term one year, ends after three years at the latest), 300Plus (§ 31, requires a contribution-liable annual income of at least 30,000 euros, term three years).
Optional tariffs come with minimum terms. Sick pay tariffs are open to specific groups of members, so ask each fund in writing whether you qualify as a student before you choose one.
How does switching between KKH and TK work?
You declare your choice to the fund you want to join. That fund may not refuse membership or obstruct it through false or incomplete advice (§ 175 para. 1 SGB V). The new fund notifies your current fund, which confirms the end of membership within two weeks. A step-by-step guide is available in Switching health insurance as a student (in German).
| Rule | Content |
|---|---|
| Commitment to the chosen fund | At least twelve months (§ 175 para. 4 sentence 1) |
| Ordinary termination | At the end of the second calendar month after notice. The new fund’s registration replaces the termination (§ 175 para. 4 sentences 3 and 4) |
| Special termination for additional contribution | Until the end of the month from which an additional contribution is first charged or raised (§ 175 para. 4 sentence 6) |
What should you check when comparing?
| Criterion | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Current additional contribution | Website of the fund |
| Benefits such as prevention, dental cleaning or osteopathy | Current articles of association (PDF on the fund’s website) |
| Bonus: documentation, deadlines, forfeiture | Participation conditions and articles |
| Optional tariffs: minimum term and notice period | Section on tariffs in the articles |
A comparison that looks only at the additional contribution often overlooks the benefits you actually use. Funds change their additional contribution every year, so check the current rate shortly before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the basic contribution the same at KKH and TK?
Yes. The rate of 10.22 percent on the contribution base is set by law. What differs is the additional contribution each fund sets, as well as its benefits and bonus programmes.
Can KKH or TK refuse my membership?
No. 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 (§ 175 para. 2a SGB V).
What happens if my fund raises its additional contribution?
You can terminate until the end of the month from which the higher rate applies. The twelve-month commitment does not apply in that case (§ 175 para. 4 sentence 6 SGB V).
Is a bonus programme worth it?
That depends on whether you would take the measures anyway. Bonus programmes pay amounts for documented measures and do not automatically lower your contribution. Documents you do not submit in time are forfeited.
Where do I find my fund’s current articles?
Funds publish their articles and amendments on their websites. Check the date of the latest amendment, because benefits can change during a year.
Next steps
- Calculate your monthly contribution with the current additional contribution of the fund that interests you, and compare the result with the example above.
- Read the current articles of KKH and TK, especially the sections on prevention, additional benefits and optional tariffs.
- Note which benefits you will probably use in the coming semesters and check whether both funds cover them.
- Clarify the deadlines under § 175 SGB V. If you have questions about your personal situation, you can request personal advice from Academycon.
Related reading
- German Health Insurance Terms for Newcomers
- Health Insurance for International Students in Germany
- TK or Barmer for students 2026
- Switching health insurance as a student (in German)
Sources: GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on contribution calculation values 2026 (as of 1 January 2026, German), Federal Ministry of Health, contributions of statutory health insurance (2026, German), § 175 SGB V (gesetze-im-internet.de, accessed October 2026, German), KKH, articles of association (as of February 2026, German), TK, articles of association (as of 17 April 2026, German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
