Short answer
Health insurance at 25 changes, because family insurance for children in training ends at 25. If you are studying, you are generally insured through student health insurance (KVdS), provided the requirements are met. Without this status, voluntary statutory insurance or private insurance are options. For students aged 23 or over without children, the KVdS costs about 148.09 euros per month in 2026.
Health insurance at 25: how long family insurance lasts
Children are covered by family insurance while they are in school or vocational training, up to their 25th birthday. The age limit is extended by periods of statutory service, voluntary military service or a voluntary service. Periods of study do not extend it. Health insurance at 25 therefore depends on the training.
There is also an income limit. Total income may not exceed 565 euros per month in 2026. For a mini-job, a regular income up to the mini-job limit of 603 euros (2026) is permitted.
| Feature | Value 2026 | As of | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age limit in training | 25 years | current law | official | § 10 para. 2 SGB V |
| Income limit for family insurance | 565 euros per month | 1 January 2026 | official | § 10 SGB V, GKV-Spitzenverband |
| Mini-job special case | 603 euros per month | 1 January 2026 | official | § 10 para. 1 sentence 5 SGB V |
| Income limit 2027 | 590 euros per month | 1 January 2027 | draft law | Draft regulation, calculated |
Which options exist after the 25th birthday?
- Student health insurance (KVdS): It applies as long as you are enrolled as a student and have not reached the age limit of 30.
- Voluntary statutory insurance: It is an option if the KVdS no longer applies. The minimum assessment base is 1,318.33 euros.
- Private health insurance: An exemption from compulsory insurance is possible under certain conditions within three months. The exemption cannot be revoked.
What does health insurance at 25 cost through the KVdS?
The KVdS contribution base is 855 euros per month (475 euros basic need and 380 euros housing allowance). This gives the following calculation for health insurance at 25 in 2026:
- Health insurance without additional contribution: 855.00 × 10.22 percent = 87.38 euros.
- Average additional contribution: 855.00 × 2.9 percent = 24.80 euros.
- Long-term care insurance without childless surcharge: 855.00 × 3.6 percent = 30.78 euros.
- Total without childless surcharge: 87.38 + 24.80 + 30.78 = 142.96 euros.
- With childless surcharge from 23 (0.6 points): 855.00 × 4.2 percent = 35.91 euros instead of 30.78 euros. Total 148.09 euros.
The actual additional contribution depends on your insurer.
How to proceed
- Check whether you are in school or vocational training and whether a service extends the age limit.
- Check your income against the limit of 565 euros and the mini-job limit of 603 euros.
- Report your enrolment to your health insurer and clarify your status.
- If you want to be exempted, submit the application within three months.
Frequently asked questions
Does family insurance continue during a master’s degree?
Only until the 25th birthday. After that, the KVdS applies if the other requirements are met.
Does a different limit apply to a mini-job?
Yes. For a mini-job, the higher limit of 603 euros (2026) applies. If you regularly exceed it, family insurance ends.
Can I switch to private insurance after my 25th birthday?
This is possible if the requirements are met. The exemption from compulsory insurance must be applied for within three months.
What happens with a voluntary service?
The age limit is extended by the length of the service, as described in the requirements.
Does the KVdS continue until 30?
Yes, as long as you are enrolled and the other requirements apply. The obligation ends at the end of the semester in which you turn 30, unless there is a reason for extension.
Sources
- § 10 SGB V (family insurance), § 5 SGB V (students), § 8 SGB V (exemption), gesetze-im-internet.de, accessed 20 October 2026.
- GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on the 2026 calculation figures, as of 1 January 2026.
- Joint circular on the KVdS (2017 version): check the current version.
Related articles
- Studying at 30: opportunities, financing and everyday life (in German)
- Family insurance during studies under 25: income limit and requirements 2026 (in German)
- Health insurance during studies by age: costs under 25, 25 to 29 and from 30 (in German)
This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
Editorial team: Academycon · Last updated: October 2026
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Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
