Definition. The health insurance contribution rate is the percentage of your contributory income used to calculate your contribution to statutory health and long-term care insurance (GKV). In 2026 the general rate is 14.6 percent and the reduced rate is 14.0 percent. Students in the KVdS (student health insurance, in German: Krankenversicherung der Studenten) pay seven tenths of the general rate, which is 10.22 percent.
How the health insurance contribution rate is made up
Your insurer’s additional contribution is added to the contribution rate. The additional contribution is not reduced, even though students pay the lower rate. Long-term care insurance has its own rate. Your total contribution therefore consists of several components that you should look at separately.
Figures for 2026 and their sources
| Item | Value 2026 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| General contribution rate | 14.6 percent | § 241 SGB V, GKV-SV fact sheet on the 2026 calculation variables |
| Reduced contribution rate without entitlement to sick pay | 14.0 percent | § 243 SGB V |
| Rate for students in the KVdS | 10.22 percent (7/10 of 14.6) | § 245 SGB V |
| Average additional contribution | 2.9 percent | Federal Ministry of Health, “Contributions to GKV”, as of 3 September 2026 |
A calculation example for the KVdS
- Contribution base in the KVdS: 855 euros per month.
- Contribution at the student rate: 855 times 10.22 percent equals 87.38 euros.
- Average additional contribution: 855 times 2.9 percent equals 24.80 euros.
- Total health insurance on average: 87.38 plus 24.80 equals 112.18 euros per month.
Your health insurer may charge a different amount than the average. Use the additional contribution your insurer actually charges in your calculation.
Related terms
- Additional contribution: Glossary: Additional contribution (in German)
- Contribution assessment ceiling: Glossary: Contribution assessment ceiling (in German)
- KVdS: Glossary: KVdS (in German)
- Additional contributions 2027 for students: Additional contributions 2027 for students (in German)
- All terms at a glance: Glossary Health Insurance for Students (in German)
Frequently asked questions
Why do students pay a lower percentage than other insured people?
Under § 245 SGB V, students in the KVdS pay a separate rate of seven tenths of the general rate. The additional contribution of the insurer is added in full.
Does the contribution rate change during my studies?
The general rate is usually not changed every year, but your insurer’s additional contribution is. Check your contribution notice every year.
Does the contribution rate also apply to long-term care insurance?
No. Long-term care insurance has its own rate of 3.6 percent in 2026. Childless insured persons aged 23 and over pay a surcharge, which is explained in the glossary entry on long-term care insurance and the childless surcharge (in German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
Sources: §§ 241, 243 and 245 SGB V, GKV-Spitzenverband fact sheet on the 2026 calculation variables, Federal Ministry of Health, “Contributions to GKV”.
