Statutory health insurers for students differ mainly in the additional contribution and in voluntary extras. The mandatory benefits are the same at every insurer, because they are set out in the Social Code (Sozialgesetzbuch, SGB V). If you compare health insurers for students, start with the contribution and the conditions, then look at service and extras. This guide explains what matters and how to compare fairly.
Short answer: The contribution for students combines the general contribution rate, the reduced student rate and the insurer-specific additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag). In 2026 the additional contribution averaged 2.9 percent, while individual insurers can deviate (status October 2026, Federal Ministry of Health). Switching rules, voluntary benefits in the statutes (Satzung) and service also matter.
The most important points at a glance
- The basic contribution for students is calculated the same way at every insurer, so the differences lie in the additional contribution.
- The additional contribution is due every month, whether or not you use any services.
- Voluntary benefits are set out in the statutes and include subsidies, courses and bonuses.
- A switch is possible after a binding period of twelve months, and a special termination right applies if the additional contribution rises.
- Compare with the current figures from the insurer, not with older overviews.
Why the comparison starts with the contribution
For students, the contribution is calculated on a contribution base of 855 euros per month. The general rate of 14.6 percent results in 10.22 percent for students, which equals seven tenths of the general rate under section 245 SGB V (status 2026). The additional contribution of the insurer comes on top. The part tied to the law is therefore identical at every insurer.
| Component | Value in 2026 | Status and source |
|---|---|---|
| Health insurance without additional contribution, students | 87.38 euros per month | 2026, GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on calculation variables |
| Average additional contribution | 2.9 percent, equal to 24.80 euros per month | Status October 2026, Federal Ministry of Health |
| Insurer-specific additional contribution | Deviates from the average, depends on the insurer | Information from the insurer, current status |
| Long-term care insurance without childless surcharge | 30.78 euros per month | 2026, GKV-Spitzenverband |
The additional contribution is therefore the only part of the health insurance contribution that you can actually influence when comparing insurers. Long-term care insurance is also identical at every insurer, apart from the childless surcharge from age 23.
Worked example: what half a percentage point is worth
Assumption: you are a student without children, and your contribution is calculated on 855 euros. Insurer A charges 2.4 percent additional contribution, insurer B charges 2.9 percent. Long-term care is left out because it is the same for both.
- Difference in additional contribution: 0.5 percentage points.
- Per month: 855 euros times 0.5 percent, which is 4.28 euros.
- Per year: 12 times 4.28 euros, which is 51.30 euros (rounded).
- Result: over six semesters, which is three years, the gap adds up to roughly 154 euros if it stays the same. That is not a fortune, but it is not an amount to give away without looking at the numbers.
Use the actual rate as soon as you know it. The additional contribution can change over the years, so look at how the insurer has developed.
Which benefits are voluntary?
All statutory health insurers must offer the same mandatory benefits, such as medical treatment, medicines and hospital care. Voluntary extras go beyond these and are set out in the statutes of each insurer. Examples include subsidies for glasses, prevention courses, bonuses or offers for dental prevention.
Special tariffs (Wahltarife) are a separate matter. The reimbursement option (Kostenerstattung) under section 13 SGB V means that you settle treatment costs first and submit the bills to your insurer. This can pay off for some students, but it brings more paperwork and the need to pre-finance costs. Read the conditions carefully if you consider it.
Which criteria should you compare?
A clean comparison lists the criteria and puts them side by side. The table below helps you do that.
| Criterion | What you check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Additional contribution | Current rate and announced changes | Applies every month |
| Statutory extras | Subsidies, courses, bonuses, dental prevention | Decides the benefit in everyday life |
| Service | Reachability, online portal, processing times | Relevant for applications and proof |
| Special tariffs | Reimbursement option, own share | Changes how bills are settled |
| Switching conditions | Binding period, notice period, special termination right | Determines when you are flexible |
When you can switch
Under the law, choosing an insurer binds you for twelve months (section 175 para. 4 SGB V). Termination takes effect at the end of the second calendar month after the month in which you give notice. Notifying your new insurer replaces the termination, and your old insurer must confirm the termination within two weeks.
An important exception is the special termination right. If your insurer raises its additional contribution, you may terminate until the end of the month from which the increase applies, and the twelve-month binding period does not apply. Pay attention to any notice from your insurer about increases, because the deadline for your termination starts with the month of the increase.
The contribution is charged monthly, so when you switch, the month in which your termination takes effect matters. Plan the date so that the termination reaches your old insurer on time and the new insurer takes over without a gap, for example at a change of semester or at the end of your membership.
Frequently asked questions
Can I decide based on the contribution alone?
The contribution is an important measure, but not the only one. If you often need dental prevention, glasses or a course, the statutory extras count for more. If you use few services, the contribution is the main point.
How often can I switch insurers?
The binding period of twelve months applies after you have chosen an insurer. Switching within that period is possible only under the special termination right, for example after a rise in the additional contribution. Plan any switch with the year in mind.
Do I have to submit anything when I switch?
The new insurer handles your registration and requests the documents it needs. Keep your proof of enrolment and your insurance details ready so that the change goes through without a gap.
Does the comparison differ by region?
The rules on contributions and benefits are national. The differences lie in the additional contribution and in the statutory extras of each insurer, not in the region.
Where can I find the current figures?
Current additional contributions are published by the insurers and in official information from the Federal Ministry of Health. Older comparisons can be out of date, so always check the date.
What to do now
- Note your current contribution and the additional contribution of your insurer.
- Compare the additional contributions of at least three insurers using their official information.
- Check the statutory extras that matter to you, for example glasses, dental care or courses.
- Calculate the yearly difference of the additional contribution in euros and set it against the benefit.
- If you switch, terminate on time or use the special termination right, and ask for written confirmation.
Related reading
- Bonus der Krankenkasse im Studium: Lohnt er sich wirklich?
- Brille im Studium: Was die Krankenkasse 2026 zahlt
- Student health insurance costs by age in Germany
- Copayment exemption and out-of-pocket limit for students
- Krankenkassenwechsel im Studium: Frist, Sonderkündigungsrecht und Zusatzbeitrag (in German)
Sources: Section 175 SGB V, exercise of the right to choose, gesetze-im-internet.de (retrieved October 2026), Section 245 SGB V, contribution rate for students and trainees, gesetze-im-internet.de (retrieved October 2026) and contribution rates of statutory health insurance, Federal Ministry of Health (status October 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
