Health Insurance at 30 as a Student

Short answer

Health insurance at 30 as a student ends with the end of the semester in which you turn 30. An extension is possible only on a recognised ground, and the health insurer examines each case. Without an extension, voluntary statutory insurance or private insurance are options. Voluntary statutory insurance costs at least 278.17 euros per month in 2026 for health and long-term care insurance if you have no children.

Health insurance at 30: when does student cover end?

Initially, there is an age limit. Compulsory insurance as a student is limited to the 30th year of life. According to the joint circular of the insurers, it ends with the end of the semester in which you complete your 30th year of life. The age limit under the circular is an end limit, not an entry limit. Whether a start of studies after 30 triggers compulsory insurance is decided by the insurer in each case.

A limit of 14 subject semesters applied earlier, but it has been dropped since 2020 (joint basic guidance of the umbrella associations, version of 23 December 2025). Only the age limit therefore applies.

Are there grounds for extension?

Yes. The insurer extends compulsory insurance if a recognised ground applies. The most important grounds are:

• Second educational route: Until the 30th year of life is completed, if the qualification is pursued without delay.
• Own illness: At least three months continuously, certified by a doctor.
• Own disability: Up to seven semesters.
• Child care: Up to six semesters.
• Care of or illness of close relatives: With the required care.
• Military or civilian service: For its duration.
• Voluntary service: Up to twelve months, before the start of studies.

In addition, each decision applies for one semester. If the grounds are continuous, the extension ends at the latest with the 37th year of life (administrative practice).

Which options remain after 30?

1. Extension of the KVdS: Application with proof to the health insurer.
2. Voluntary statutory insurance: Contribution based on the minimum assessment base of 1,318.33 euros.
3. Private health insurance: Admission depending on the tariff and a health check.

What does voluntary statutory insurance cost at 30?

First, the minimum assessment base is 1,318.33 euros (one third of the reference earnings of 3,955 euros per month). With the reduced rate of 14.0 percent and the average additional contribution of 2.9 percent, the calculation for 2026 is as follows:

1. Health insurance: 1,318.33 × 16.9 percent = 222.80 euros.
2. Long-term care insurance without childless surcharge: 1,318.33 × 3.6 percent = 47.46 euros.
3. Total without childless surcharge: 222.80 + 47.46 = 270.26 euros.
4. Long-term care insurance with childless surcharge from 23 (4.2 percent): 1,318.33 × 4.2 percent = 55.37 euros.
5. Total with childless surcharge: 222.80 + 55.37 = 278.17 euros.

The figure of 16.9 percent for health insurance at 30 assumes the reduced rate that applies without entitlement to sickness benefit (§ 243 SGB V). With entitlement to sickness benefit, for example through employment, the general rate of 14.6 percent applies, which would be 230.71 euros for health insurance.

Note on BAföG funding

If you receive BAföG, you also receive a supplement to your insurance from age 30. The maximum amount is 185 euros for health insurance and 48 euros for long-term care insurance (2026). The supplement is approved on application and is not paid automatically.

How to proceed

1. Note your 30th birthday and the end of the semester.
2. Check whether a ground for extension applies, and collect the evidence.
3. Then submit the application for extension to your health insurer in good time.
4. If the extension does not apply, compare voluntary statutory insurance and private insurance using the contributions in this article.

Frequently asked questions

Can I start studying at 30 and join the KVdS?

Whether a start of studies after 30 triggers the obligation is decided by the insurer in each case. Until then, cover through statutory or private insurance is the reliable basis for planning.

Does a mini-job count for the minimum assessment base?

The insurer calculates with at least 1,318.33 euros. Higher income, however, increases the contribution.

What happens if the application for extension is rejected?

Then the obligation ends. For health insurance at 30, you can choose voluntary statutory insurance or private insurance instead.

Does the extension also apply to master’s degrees?

The insurer examines this in each case. There is no longer a subject-semester limit.

Sources

• § 5 para. 1 no. 9 SGB V, § 8 SGB V, § 240 SGB V (minimum assessment base), gesetze-im-internet.de, accessed 20 October 2026.
• Joint circular on the KVdS (version of 6 December 2017), sections 1.1.4 and 1.1.5.
• GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on the 2026 calculation figures, as of 1 January 2026.
• Federal Ministry of Health, contributions in statutory health insurance, as of 3 September 2026.

Related articles

• Studying at 30: opportunities, financing and everyday life (in German)
• Health insurance as a student over 30: obligation, costs and options (in German)
• Extending student health insurance beyond 30: grounds and evidence (in German)
• Student over 30 with a mini-job or part-time job: how the contribution is calculated (in German)

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.

Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.