Barmer student health insurance costs 115.51 euros a month in 2026, and DAK-Gesundheit costs 114.74 euros, in each case plus long-term care insurance. The basis is the additional contributions of 3.29 percent (Barmer) and 3.20 percent (DAK). The difference is 0.77 euros a month, and the rest of the contribution calculation is the same for both insurers.
The key points at a glance
- Barmer and DAK-Gesundheit are substitute health insurers (Ersatzkassen) and operate nationwide.
- The health insurance contribution is (10.22 percent plus additional contribution) of 855 euros. On top comes long-term care insurance of 30.78 euros, or 35.91 euros for childless students from age 23.
- Together you pay in 2026 with Barmer 146.29 euros (childless from age 23: 151.42 euros) and with DAK 145.52 euros (150.65 euros).
- The statutory benefits are largely the same at both insurers. The differences lie in the additional contribution and in the voluntary offers of each insurer.
What does Barmer student health insurance cost compared with DAK?
Both insurers calculate the contribution with the same formula: (10.22 percent plus additional contribution) of 855 euros. The 855 euros figure corresponds to the BAföG need rate and applies whether or not you receive BAföG. The basic contribution is 87.38 euros. The additional contributions come from the list of health insurers of the GKV-Spitzenverband (as of 16 October 2026).
| Item | Barmer | DAK-Gesundheit |
|---|---|---|
| Additional contribution 2026 | 3.29 percent | 3.20 percent |
| Additional contribution in euros (on 855 euros) | 28.13 euros | 27.36 euros |
| Health insurance (87.38 euros plus additional contribution) | 115.51 euros | 114.74 euros |
| Long-term care insurance under 23 or with a child | 30.78 euros | 30.78 euros |
| Long-term care insurance, childless from age 23 | 35.91 euros | 35.91 euros |
| Total under 23 or with a child | 146.29 euros | 145.52 euros |
| Total, childless from age 23 | 151.42 euros | 150.65 euros |
DAK itself states the totals of 145.52 euros and 150.65 euros on its DAK page on contributions and costs for students (as of 1 October 2026).
Example: Jonas, 25, studies and has no children. With Barmer he pays 115.51 euros + 35.91 euros = 151.42 euros a month, with DAK 114.74 euros + 35.91 euros = 150.65 euros. The difference is 0.77 euros a month and 9.24 euros a year. Additional contributions can change, and the current rates of all insurers are in the article additional contributions of health insurers for students (in German).
How do Barmer and DAK differ in the additional contribution?
The difference in 2026 is 0.09 percentage points. Based on the contribution basis of 855 euros, that is 0.77 euros a month in favour of DAK. The average additional contribution rate set by the Federal Ministry of Health for 2026 is 2.9 percent, but it is only a reference figure. Both insurers are above it, because each insurer sets its own rate.
Long-term care insurance is the same at all insurers and therefore does not appear as a differentiator in the comparison. How the amounts look at a regional insurer is shown in the article AOK for students (in German), and the figures for Techniker Krankenkasse are under Techniker Krankenkasse for students (in German).
Are there benefits specifically for students?
The statutory benefit catalogue is largely the same at all statutory health insurers, and that includes Barmer and DAK. Differences arise in statutory-option benefits. These are voluntary benefits that an insurer sets out in its articles of association and which it can change. Which of them matter for students you will find on the insurers’ own pages, or by calling them.
Concrete questions help: How quickly does the digital confirmation for the university arrive? How do you reach the insurer if something is unclear? Are there offers you would actually use? You can weigh these against the contribution difference of 0.77 euros a month.
How does admission work with Barmer and DAK?
Both insurers follow the same statutory steps. You choose your insurer no later than two weeks after compulsory insurance begins. Membership starts with the semester, or, for enrolment after the semester has started, on the day of enrolment.
- Apply for membership as a student with Barmer or DAK.
- Retrieve the digital confirmation, from 1 June at the earliest for the winter semester or 1 December at the earliest for the summer semester.
- The university requires this confirmation before enrolment and reports your enrolment to the insurer. Processing can take up to 24 hours.
- Pay the contribution on time: if you fall behind, the insurer reports this to the university, which may then refuse re-registration.
What applies to family insurance and the transition after study?
You are co-insured through a parent if that parent is a member of the respective insurer. This applies up to age 25 while studying, and as long as your total income in 2026 is no more than 565 euros a month, or 603 euros for a mini-job. When family insurance ends, you usually pay the contributions calculated above. More on this is in the overview health insurance for students (in German).
After your studies, membership continues as voluntary insurance if you do not leave within two weeks of the insurer’s notice and do not prove other cover. The assessment is then at least 1,318.33 euros a month. With Barmer, (14.0 percent + 3.29 percent) gives 227.94 euros for health insurance, and DAK states 226.76 euros, in each case plus 55.37 euros long-term care insurance for childless people. If you provide proof of income, the contribution can be lower than without it.
How do I switch to Barmer or DAK?
You register with the new insurer. It informs the previous insurer and the university, so you do not need to terminate yourself. After a choice of insurer, the decision generally binds you for twelve months. If your insurer raises its additional contribution, a special right of termination applies. All deadlines and the process are explained in the article switching health insurer as a student (in German). For a comparison across insurers, see statutory health insurance during study (in German).
Frequently asked questions
How much does Barmer student health insurance cost?
At an additional contribution of 3.29 percent, you pay 115.51 euros a month for health insurance in 2026. With long-term care insurance the total is 146.29 euros (under 23 or with a child) or 151.42 euros (childless from age 23). The amount results from (10.22 percent + 3.29 percent) of 855 euros.
How much does DAK student health insurance cost?
At an additional contribution of 3.20 percent, health insurance costs 114.74 euros a month. With long-term care insurance you pay 145.52 euros or, if you are childless and at least 23, 150.65 euros. DAK states these totals on its page for students, as of 1 October 2026.
How do Barmer and DAK differ in the additional contribution?
Barmer charges 3.29 percent, DAK 3.20 percent. The gap of 0.09 percentage points equals 0.77 euros a month on 855 euros. Long-term care insurance is the same for both, as is the basic contribution of 87.38 euros.
How do I switch to Barmer or DAK?
Register with the new insurer. It notifies the previous insurer and the university. Note the binding period of generally twelve months with the insurer you last chose, and the special right of termination if the additional contribution rises.
Are there benefits specifically for students?
Statutory students receive largely the same benefit catalogue at all insurers. In addition, insurers may offer voluntary statutory-option benefits. These change over time, so check the insurer’s current page or ask before you register.
So what do you do now?
- Calculate both amounts for your situation with the formula (10.22 percent plus additional contribution) of 855 euros.
- Check whether family insurance is possible: age up to 25 and income of no more than 565 euros a month.
- Ask both insurers about the offers that matter to you.
- Retrieve the digital confirmation in good time before enrolment.
If you want to talk through your situation, you will find the way to advice on the Academycon homepage.
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Related articles
- Additional contributions 2026 of all health insurers and what students pay (in German)
- Techniker Krankenkasse for students: contributions, benefits and facts (in German)
- AOK for students: regional differences, contributions and admission (in German)
- Health insurance for students: compulsory, options and special cases (in German)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
