Definition. A dual study programme combines a university degree with vocational training or paid employment. If you are employed, you are usually insured as an employee for health and long-term care insurance, so your health insurance is normally handled through your employer. Student health insurance (KVdS) then usually plays no role, because the obligation as an employee takes precedence.
How dual study affects your health insurance
Student insurance (KVdS) is secondary. If compulsory insurance already exists through employment, the student obligation does not apply. That is why you are insured through your employer in a dual study programme, not through the university. Contributions are deducted from your salary, and your employer registers you with the health insurance fund. Still, check your registration so that the assignment is correct.
Figures 2026 and their sources
| Figure | Value 2026 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Hours limit for the student employee privilege | 20 hours per week alongside a predominantly student course of study | § 6 SGB V, joint circular of 23 November 2016 |
| Mini-job limit | EUR 603 per month | § 8 SGB IV, GKV fact sheet on 2026 reference figures |
| Minimum wage | EUR 13.90 gross per hour | Fifth Minimum Wage Ordinance |
A practical example
You study in a dual programme and have a training contract with a full-time position at the company. Your health insurance runs through your employer, even if you are enrolled at the university. The student employee privilege plays a different role here, because it only applies to jobs of up to 20 hours per week alongside a predominantly student course of study.
Related terms
- Student employee privilege: Glossary student employee privilege (in German)
- KVdS: Glossary KVdS (in German)
- Family insurance: Glossary family insurance (in German)
- Dual study, health insurance and family insurance: Dual study, health insurance and family insurance (in German)
- Full glossary: Health insurance for students: A to Z glossary (in German)
Frequently asked questions
Am I automatically in student insurance (KVdS) during a dual study programme?
Usually not, because the obligation as an employee takes precedence. What matters is the contract with the company, not only your enrolment at the university.
Can I stay in family insurance despite a training contract?
Family insurance depends on income and status. A training relationship with its own compulsory insurance usually rules it out, so check this in advance.
What changes when I switch between training and studying?
When the employment ends, the student obligation applies again, provided the requirements are met. Tell your health insurance fund about the change so there is no gap in cover.
Last updated: October 2026. This entry is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
Sources: § 5 SGB V, § 6 SGB V, § 8 SGB IV, joint circular on the insurance law assessment of students and interns, 23 November 2016, Fifth Minimum Wage Ordinance.
