Short answer
Health insurance for students with a child gets cheaper in long-term care insurance, because the surcharge for people without children ends. In student insurance you save 5.13 euros a month in 2026. Child benefit of 259 euros comes on top and, if you receive BAföG, a supplement of 160 euros per child under 14. The age limit of 30 can be extended by up to six semesters for child-rearing.
What changes in health insurance for students with a child?
People without children pay a surcharge of 0.6 contribution points in long-term care insurance from their 23rd birthday, which makes 4.2 percent in total. With a child the surcharge ends and the rate stays at 3.6 percent (Federal Ministry of Health, as of 14 September 2026). The surcharge applies to students and to voluntary members alike.
Entitlement to child benefit and BAföG depends on your situation. The guide Studieren mit Kind (in German) gives an overview of money and insurance.
| Item | Value | As of | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term care insurance without the surcharge | 3.6 percent, 4.2 percent without children from age 23 | 2026 | official | BMG, GKV-Spitzenverband |
| Student insurance from age 23 | no children 148.09 euros, with a child 142.96 euros a month | 2026 | calculated | GKV-Spitzenverband |
| Child benefit | 259 euros per child and month | 2026 | official | Section 66 EStG |
| BAföG childcare supplement | 160 euros a month per child under 14 | since 1 Aug 2022 | official | bafög.de, Studierendenwerke |
| Child allowance | 4,878 euros per parent a year | 2026 | official | Section 32(6) EStG |
| Extension of the age limit of 30 | up to six semesters for child-rearing | circular of 6 Dec 2017 | administrative practice | Joint circular |
What does a child add each month?
The 2026 calculation below assumes one child under 14, BAföG entitlement, age 23 or older and the average additional contribution.
- Student insurance without children. 148.09 euros. With a child. 142.96 euros. Saving. 5.13 euros a month.
- Child benefit. 259 euros a month.
- BAföG childcare supplement. 160 euros a month.
- Total of child benefit and supplement. 419 euros a month, which is 5,028 euros a year.
The supplement does not have to be repaid. If both parents are entitled to BAföG, it is paid only once. The child’s own health insurance is separate from this.
What applies to the age limit of 30?
Student insurance usually ends with the semester of your 30th birthday. According to the joint circular (version of 6 December 2017) your fund can extend the obligation by up to six semesters for child-rearing. Each case is checked individually, so document the child-rearing.
How to proceed
- Tell your health fund about the child so that the surcharge ends.
- Apply for child benefit at the family benefits office.
- Apply for the childcare supplement at the BAföG office.
- Apply for the extension for child-rearing with your fund before your 30th birthday.
Frequently asked questions
Does the surcharge for people without children end with a child?
Yes, from the month in which you have a child. The long-term care rate is then 3.6 percent instead of 4.2 percent.
How high is child benefit in 2026?
259 euros per child and month under section 66 EStG. The government draft provides for 267 euros in 2027, but it has not been passed.
Who gets the BAföG childcare supplement?
People entitled to BAföG with their own children under 14. It is 160 euros per child and month and is paid only once if two entitled parents apply.
Can I stay in student insurance after 30?
With child-rearing an extension of up to six semesters is possible. The fund checks each case individually.
Sources
- Federal Ministry of Health, surcharge for people without children, as of 14 Sep 2026.
- GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on 2026 contribution figures, as of 1 Jan 2026.
- Section 66 EStG, Gesetze im Internet.
- bafög.de, BAföG for trainees with family responsibilities.
- Joint circular of the umbrella associations on student health insurance, version of 6 December 2017. Check the current version.
Related guides
- Studieren mit Kind (in German)
- Kindergeld im Studium 2026 (in German)
- Kinderwunsch und Krankenversicherung (in German)
- Kindergeld für Studenten (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).
