A ranking of student health insurance funds (German: Krankenkassen) means little unless you know the figures each fund uses. This data page gives that basis for 2026 and shows the drafts for 2027 separately. A ranking of individual funds is not included, because the additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag) differs by fund and can change.
Short answer: For students, every statutory fund calculates with a contribution rate of 10.22 percent (7/10 of the general rate of 14.6 percent) on 855 euros per month. The fund’s additional contribution comes on top, averaging 2.9 percent. For 2026 this gives about 112.18 euros per month for health insurance. Last updated: October 2026.
The most important points
- The general contribution rate for health insurance is 14.6 percent in 2026, and students apply the factor 7/10 (source: GKV-Spitzenverband).
- The additional contribution is the part that differs by fund. The average is 2.9 percent.
- For 2027, some values are drafts or estimates. The tables mark each one separately.
- Changing fund follows rules in the Social Code Book V that come with deadlines you should know in advance.
Which calculation figures apply in 2026?
The figures below are set by law or published by the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG). They form the basis for every contribution calculation in statutory health insurance (GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on calculation figures 2026 (in German), status 1 January 2026; BMG, contributions in the GKV (in German), status September 2026).
| Calculation figure | Value | Valid since / status |
|---|---|---|
| General contribution rate for health insurance | 14.6 percent | 1 January 2026 |
| Reduced rate (no entitlement to sick pay) | 14.0 percent | 1 January 2026 |
| Rate for students (7/10 of the general rate) | 10.22 percent | Calculated, 1 January 2026 |
| Average additional contribution | 2.9 percent | Status September 2026, differs by fund |
| Assessment basis for students | 855 euros per month | Calculated from the BAföG allowance |
| Contribution ceiling for health and long-term care insurance | 5,812.50 euros per month | 1 January 2026 |
| Compulsory insurance threshold | 6,450 euros per month (77,400 euros per year) | 1 January 2026 |
| Contribution rate for long-term care insurance | 3.6 percent | Status September 2026 per BMG |
When you compare funds, work from the same basis: the same assessment basis, the same month and the same long-term care insurance. Only then are the amounts comparable. A difference of a few euros per month adds up over a whole degree programme, which is why the additional contribution deserves a close look.
What does health insurance cost students in 2026?
For the calculation we use the average additional contribution. This is an assumption, because your fund sets its own rate. This way you can see which part is fixed and which part depends on the fund. For a fuller explanation of how contributions are calculated, see our key figures article on student health insurance 2026.
| Component (assumption: additional contribution 2.9 percent) | Euros per month | Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Health insurance without additional contribution | 87.38 | 855 times 10.22 percent |
| Additional contribution (average) | 24.80 | 855 times 2.9 percent |
| Health insurance in total | 112.18 | 87.38 plus 24.80 |
| Long-term care without childless surcharge | 30.78 | 855 times 3.6 percent |
| Long-term care with childless surcharge from age 23 | 35.91 | 855 times 4.2 percent |
| Total without childless surcharge | 142.96 | 112.18 plus 30.78 |
| Total with childless surcharge | 148.09 | 112.18 plus 35.91 |
How does the additional contribution change the total? A sensitivity check
The table shows how far a different additional contribution moves the total. All values are assumptions with an assessment basis of 855 euros. At this basis, each tenth of a percentage point costs about 0.86 euros per month, or roughly 10 euros per year.
| Additional contribution (assumption) | Additional contribution in euros per month | Health insurance in total in euros per month |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 percent | 17.10 | 104.48 |
| 2.5 percent | 21.38 | 108.76 |
| 2.9 percent (average) | 24.80 | 112.18 |
| 3.5 percent | 29.93 | 117.31 |
What is planned for 2027, and what is only a draft?
For 2027 there are figures from three sources with different status. In October 2026 the Schätzerkreis (estimating committee) calculated an average additional contribution of 2.9 percent for 2027, while the official setting is still pending (Federal Social Security Office, estimating committee (in German)). The law to stabilise contributions has passed the Bundestag, but the BMG does not give its full details and effective date (BMG, FAQ on the law to stabilise GKV contributions (in German)). The 2027 social security calculation figures are cabinet drafts and not yet binding.
| Scenario 2027 (draft only) | Value | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment basis for students from winter semester 2027/28 | 943 euros per month | Government draft, not passed |
| Health insurance without additional contribution | 96.37 euros | Calculated: 943 times 10.22 percent |
| Additional contribution (assumption 2.9 percent) | 27.35 euros | Calculated |
| Long-term care without children, 4.3 percent | 40.55 euros | Childless surcharge of 0.7 points planned |
| Total of the scenario | 164.27 euros | Pure calculation scenario |
| Contribution ceiling for health and long-term care insurance 2027 | 6,375 euros per month | Draft ordinance |
The total in this scenario is a calculation with draft values. It does not show what you will pay from October 2027. Rely only on the official setting.
When can you change your fund?
Changing fund follows section 175 SGB V. As a rule, a binding period of 12 months applies after membership begins, and the cancellation takes effect at the end of the second calendar month after it is declared. If your fund raises the additional contribution, you can cancel up to the end of the month from which the increase first applies. In that case the binding period does not apply (section 175 (4) SGB V, accessed October 2026). Read your fund’s notices carefully.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there no ranking of individual funds here?
Additional contributions change, and the order shifts with every setting. A ranking would be out of date quickly. Instead, the tables give you the figures to check each fund yourself.
What is the difference between the contribution rate and the additional contribution?
The contribution rate of 14.6 percent is the same for all funds. Each fund sets its own additional contribution to cover its expenses. For students it is added in full to the student contribution.
Where do I find my additional contribution?
The additional contribution appears in your fund’s contribution notice and applies from the month the fund names. It may be given as a percentage or in euros. If needed, check it yourself with the assessment basis of 855 euros.
Do I have to report a change of fund?
The new fund takes over the cancellation with your old fund once you join it, under section 175 (4) SGB V. Still, check that the confirmation arrives, which the old fund should send within two weeks.
What does the sensitivity check tell me?
It shows what one tenth of a point is worth per month and per year. When the additional contribution rises, the special termination right becomes especially relevant.
What to do now
- Note the current amount of your additional contribution from your contribution notice.
- Use the tables to check what your monthly contribution should be.
- If your fund raises its rate, check the special termination right and the deadlines.
- Compare funds by benefits and service as well as by the additional contribution.
Related reading
- Additional contribution 2027: what students can do now
- Student health insurance costs by age in Germany
- Health insurance income limit 2026: what it means
- Switching health insurer as a student: deadlines and rules
- Health insurance for students: glossary from A to Z
Sources: GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on calculation figures (status 1 January 2026, in German); BMG, contributions in the GKV (status September 2026, in German); Federal Social Security Office, estimating committee (status October 2026, in German); Section 175 SGB V, gesetze-im-internet.de (accessed October 2026, in German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
