Short answer
Health insurance at 26 to 29 is usually provided by statutory student health insurance (KVdS, Krankenversicherung der Studenten). The obligation ends when the semester in which you turn 30 ends. In 2026 the contribution is about 148.09 euros a month if you have no children and your fund charges the average additional contribution. BAföG adds a supplement for health and long-term care insurance.
What applies to health insurance at 26 to 29?
Family insurance as a child in education ends at 25. The guide Krankenversicherung mit 25 (in German) explains the transition. After that the KVdS usually applies for as long as you are enrolled. Under section 5(1) no. 9 of Book V of the Social Code (SGB V, in German) the obligation lasts until your 30th birthday at the latest. According to the joint circular of the funds, it ends when the semester of your 30th birthday ends.
The former cap on the number of subject semesters has not applied since 2020. The KVdS also steps back if you already have another compulsory insurance or are covered by family insurance (section 5(7) SGB V). The guide Familienversicherung über den Ehepartner im Studium (in German) covers cover through a spouse.
| Item | Value | As of | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| End of the KVdS | End of the semester in which you turn 30 | current law | official | Section 5 SGB V, joint circular |
| Cap on subject semesters | abolished since 2020 | version of 23 Dec 2025 | administrative practice | Joint guidance of the umbrella associations |
| Contribution base | 855 euros a month | 2026 | calculated | Section 236 SGB V |
| BAföG supplement aged 25 to 29 | 102 euros (health) and 35 euros (care) | 1 Aug 2024 | official | German Student Services (DSW) |
| Maximum BAföG rate aged 25 to 29, living away | 992 euros a month | 1 Aug 2024 | official | German Student Services (DSW) |
| Deadline for exemption | 3 months after insurance obligation begins | current law | official | Section 8 SGB V |
What does health insurance cost at 26 to 29 while studying?
The contribution base is 855 euros a month (475 euros basic need plus 380 euros housing allowance). The 2026 calculation for students without children, using the average additional contribution of 2.9 percent, runs as follows.
- Health insurance without additional contribution. 855.00 times 10.22 percent equals 87.38 euros.
- Additional contribution. 855.00 times 2.9 percent equals 24.80 euros.
- Long-term care insurance with the surcharge for people without children. 855.00 times 4.2 percent equals 35.91 euros.
- Total. 87.38 plus 24.80 plus 35.91 equals 148.09 euros a month.
With a child the surcharge does not apply. Long-term care insurance then costs 30.78 euros and the total is 142.96 euros. Your actual additional contribution depends on your fund.
How does BAföG affect the contribution?
If you receive BAföG between 25 and 29, you get supplements for health and long-term care insurance on top of the basic need. They are part of the maximum rate of 992 euros and are paid only if BAföG is granted. Example at the maximum rate.
- KVdS contribution from the example above. 148.09 euros.
- BAföG supplement. 102 euros health insurance plus 35 euros care insurance equals 137 euros.
- Remainder. 148.09 minus 137.00 equals 11.09 euros a month.
The draft of the 30th BAföG Amendment Act provides higher supplements from 1 April 2027 (121 euros and 39 euros). This is a draft and not current law.
Which alternatives exist to the KVdS?
- Family insurance through a spouse. It takes precedence over the KVdS if the conditions are met.
- Voluntary statutory insurance. For people without children it costs at least 278.17 euros a month in 2026 (minimum base 1,318.33 euros).
- Private health insurance. You must apply for the exemption within three months of the start of the insurance obligation. It cannot be revoked.
How to proceed
- Check that you are enrolled and whether another compulsory insurance, for example through employment, takes precedence.
- Recalculate the contribution with your fund’s additional contribution using the formula above.
- If you receive or apply for BAföG, check the supplement in your award notice.
- Note the end of the semester in which you turn 30 and arrange follow-up cover early. The guide Krankenversicherung mit 30 im Studium (in German) helps.
Frequently asked questions
Am I still insured through my parents at 27?
No. Family insurance as a child in education ends at 25. Only periods of statutory service, voluntary military service or a voluntary service year can extend it.
Does the KVdS also apply during a master’s degree?
Yes, as long as you are enrolled and have not reached the age limit. There is no longer a cap on subject semesters.
What happens if I keep studying after 30?
The obligation ends with the semester of your 30th birthday. An extension needs a recognised reason such as illness, raising a child or a second-chance education route. See Studentische Krankenversicherung über 30 verlängern (in German).
Can I opt out of the KVdS?
Yes, within three months of the start of the obligation and with proof of other cover. The exemption applies for the whole degree and cannot be revoked.
What changes in 2027?
The official additional contribution for 2027 has not been set yet. The estimators expect 2.9 percent. The BAföG reform is still a draft.
Sources
- Section 5 SGB V (students), section 8 SGB V (exemption), section 236 SGB V (contribution base). Gesetze im Internet, accessed 20 Oct 2026.
- GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on 2026 contribution figures, as of 1 Jan 2026.
- German Student Services, BAföG rates, as of 2026.
- Joint circular on the KVdS (2017 version). Check the current version.
Related guides
- Studieren mit 30: Chancen, Finanzierung und Alltag (in German)
- Krankenversicherung im Studium nach Alter (in German)
- Krankenversicherung mit 30 im Studium (in German)
- Glossar Krankenversicherung im Studium (in German)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
For a first look at your situation, use the online check (in German).
