Short answer
No, students in student health insurance (KVdS) have no entitlement to sickness benefit. The law expressly excludes insured persons under section 5 para. 1 nos. 9 and 10 SGB V. It is different if you are in employment subject to social insurance contributions. Sickness benefit can then arise, for example in a working student job beyond 20 hours per week.
The most important facts at a glance
| Item | Value | As of | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students (KVdS) | No sickness benefit | 20 October 2026 | § 44 para. 2 sentence 1 no. 1 SGB V |
| Employment subject to social insurance | Sickness benefit possible | 20 October 2026 | § 5 para. 1 no. 1 and § 44 SGB V |
| Voluntary members without sickness benefit | Reduced contribution rate of 14.0 percent plus additional contribution | 20 October 2026 | § 243 SGB V |
| Working student limit | At most 20 hours per week during term time | 20 October 2026 | Joint circular 2016 |
Why do students not receive sickness benefit?
The law names the groups excluded from sickness benefit. These include insured persons under section 5 para. 1 nos. 2a, 5, 6, 9, 10 or 13 as well as those insured under section 10. Students fall under nos. 9 and 10. The exclusion applies regardless of how high your income from studies is.
Student health insurance therefore remains pure cover for treatment costs. It does not include any replacement of income.
When is there sickness benefit nevertheless?
Sickness benefit may apply if you are in employment that classifies you as an employee in statutory health insurance (section 5 para. 1 no. 1 SGB V). Employment then takes precedence over student status.
This affects working students who work beyond the privilege. The limit during term time is 20 hours per week. Anyone who regularly exceeds it becomes subject to social insurance contributions. The details are explained in Side jobs and taxes (in German).
A mini-job, by contrast, does not give entitlement to sickness benefit. You remain in student health insurance, which provides no sickness benefit.
Worked example: contribution without sickness benefit
A student under 23 pays about 142.96 euros per month in 2026 for health and long-term care insurance, at an average additional contribution. This gives the following per year:
- 142.96 euros × 12 months = 1,715.52 euros per year.
- In case of illness, you receive no sickness benefit from this, only treatment benefits.
- Loss of income due to illness must therefore be covered from your own resources or your own cover.
The contribution figure is based on the average additional contribution of 2.9 percent and may vary by insurer.
How to proceed
- Check how you are insured: as a student, through family insurance, as an employee, or voluntarily.
- If you are employed, check your payslip. It shows whether health insurance contributions are deducted.
- Without entitlement to sickness benefit, plan for lost income, for example through savings.
- In case of longer illness, inform the university about a possible leave of absence and the BAföG office about your situation.
- Compare private daily sickness benefit offers only against the terms of the contract, as the benefits differ considerably.
Frequently asked questions
Do I receive sickness benefit with a working student job?
Only if you are subject to social insurance contributions, for example because you exceed the limit of 20 hours per week during term time. In the privileged working student job, there is no sickness benefit.
Is there sickness benefit with a mini-job?
No. A mini-job does not change your student insurance, and that insurance does not provide sickness benefit.
Do voluntary members receive sickness benefit?
That depends on the form of insurance. If you are voluntarily insured and remain without entitlement to sickness benefit, you pay the reduced rate of 14.0 percent plus additional contribution. Your insurer can check the details of the choice.
What do I do if I am ill for a long time during my studies?
Inform the university to clarify a leave of absence or compensation for disadvantage, and the BAföG office if you receive funding. Your health insurer can help with questions about treatment.
Sources and review
- § 44 para. 2 sentence 1 no. 1 SGB V, gesetze-im-internet.de, accessed 20 October 2026.
- § 5 para. 1 SGB V, nos. 1, 9 and 10, accessed 20 October 2026.
- § 243 SGB V on the reduced contribution rate, as of 2026.
- Joint circular on the insurance law assessment of students and interns, 23 November 2016.
This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
Editorial team: Academycon · Last updated: October 2026
For a first assessment of your situation, use the Online check.
Related articles
- Student health insurance 2026 in figures (in German)
- Side jobs and taxes: mini-job, working student and more (in German)
- Health insurance after studies without a job (in German)
- Glossary: health insurance during studies (in German)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
