State health aid (Beihilfe) in Schleswig-Holstein covers a fixed share of medical costs for civil servants, pensioners and their families. The rest, your co-payment, has to be covered by health insurance. This guide shows the rates, worked examples and the role of private insurance.
Short answer: The state government of Schleswig-Holstein lists standard rates of 50 percent for civil servants, 70 percent for spouses and 80 percent for children (status 1 December 2025). For a 300 euro bill, state aid pays 150 euros to a civil servant, and the co-payment is 150 euros. Private insurance with a Beihilfe top-up usually covers that gap, but it is not required.
The most important points at a glance
- According to the state government, civil servants receive 50 percent, spouses 70 percent and children 80 percent.
- Higher rates apply with several children for general costs, for example 90 percent for spouses with at least two children.
- Trainees keep their entitlement and are exempt from the deductible.
- A spouse has their own entitlement only if their total income is below 20,000 euros.
- Anyone who takes a contribution towards statutory insurance loses the general state aid, while care cover remains.
How high are the state aid rates in Schleswig-Holstein?
The rate depends on the person the bill is for. The state government lists the standard rate and the higher rate that applies for certain numbers of children.
| Person | Standard rate | Higher rate |
|---|---|---|
| Civil servant | 50 percent | 70 percent with at least two eligible children |
| Spouse or registered partner | 70 percent | 90 percent for general costs with at least two children |
| Children | 80 percent | 90 percent for general costs with at least three children |
Source: State government of Schleswig-Holstein, entitlement to Beihilfe (last updated 1 December 2025). The page gives 70 percent for retired civil servants and 50 percent for emeriti. The rate adjusts automatically when the number of eligible children changes.
What remains to be paid after state aid?
The co-payment is the part of a bill that state aid does not cover. The table uses a 300 euro bill as an assumption. It is not an average.
| Person (assumption) | Aid rate | State aid on 300 euros | Co-payment on 300 euros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil servant | 50 percent | 150 euros | 150 euros |
| Spouse | 70 percent | 210 euros | 90 euros |
| Child | 80 percent | 240 euros | 60 euros |
| Spouse, general costs, at least two children | 90 percent | 270 euros | 30 euros |
Not every service is eligible. The state’s Beihilfe regulation sets which costs are excluded and which maximum amounts apply. The state government notes restrictions for dental treatment, so check them before a larger treatment.
Who is entitled, and which limits apply?
- Civil servants and trainees: the entitlement exists, and trainees are exempt from the deductible. Our guide on teacher training in Schleswig-Holstein covers the training phase.
- Spouses: the total income of the year two years before the application counts. It must not exceed 20,000 euros.
- Children: they are covered as long as the family allowance is paid for them.
What does a contribution towards statutory insurance change?
Voluntary members of statutory insurance can apply to their employer for a contribution. With the contribution, the general state aid ends permanently, while care costs remain covered. Whether this is cheaper depends on your income and your insurer’s additional contribution. As a minimum, the calculation uses 222.80 euros per month for health insurance (assumption: minimum base 1,318.33 euros, 14.0 percent plus 2.9 percent, status 1 January 2026). Source: GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on calculation variables.
Does private insurance fit with state aid?
State aid and private insurance complement each other. State aid pays a fixed share, and the private top-up covers the rest. Whether this suits you depends on a comparison with your actual costs and your health. Our guide health insurance after the trainee period: what comes next covers the next step after training.
- For a private top-up: you are healthy, can carry the tariff over many years and want to cover your co-payment specifically.
- Against a private top-up: pre-existing conditions make admission harder, and premiums rise with age, so you need to plan for that.
How do you apply for state aid?
You send your bills to the state aid office. If the number of eligible children changes, you must update proof of your health insurance. The state government points out that this avoids over- or under-insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Does state aid continue in retirement?
Yes. According to the state government, retired civil servants receive 70 percent. Emeriti receive 50 percent.
Does state aid cover dental prosthetics?
Dental treatment is subject to restrictions, according to the state government. The detailed rules are in the Beihilfe regulation. For a larger treatment, ask the state aid office in advance which costs are recognised.
Do I have to apply, or is aid paid automatically?
You must submit your bills. The state aid office checks them and reimburses according to the rates. Keeping receipts and meeting deadlines avoids delays.
Can I combine state aid with statutory insurance?
Only through the contribution. State aid and statutory insurance do not run in parallel for the same costs, because the contribution replaces the general state aid. Compare both options with your insurer before you decide.
What to do next
- Confirm your rate: ask for your rate and the rate for your family in writing.
- Estimate your co-payment: use a typical annual bill and the rate to see the gap.
- Compare insurance: weigh a private top-up against the contribution to statutory insurance. A personal assessment is offered by Academycon, see how we work.
- Collect receipts: keep a folder for bills and send them in promptly.
Related guides
- Civil Servant Health Aid During Training: Rates and Claims
- Civil Servant Health Aid: Rates and How It Works
- Health Insurance After the Trainee Period: What Comes Next
- Private Health Insurance for Working Students in Germany
- Health insurance during the traineeship: GKV, PKV and Beihilfe (in German)
Sources: State government of Schleswig-Holstein, entitlement to Beihilfe (status 1 December 2025); dbb, pay table Schleswig-Holstein 2026 (status January 2026); GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on calculation variables (status 1 January 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
