Definition. Mandatory follow-on insurance (obligatorische Anschlussversicherung) ensures that after the end of compulsory or family insurance you stay insured in statutory health insurance. It applies automatically as voluntary membership. It typically applies when the KVdS ends or family insurance lapses. As a rule, you do not need to apply for it.
When follow-on insurance applies
Follow-on insurance is linked to the end of compulsory membership. This can be deregistration, if no other obligation applies afterwards, or the loss of family insurance. Membership then continues without a gap, but as voluntary membership with a different contribution basis.
What voluntary membership costs
Voluntary members pay according to their economic capacity, but at least according to the minimum contribution basis. The reduced contribution rate applies if there is no entitlement to sick pay (Krankengeld). The table below shows the figures for 2026 with their sources.
| Item | Value 2026 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum contribution basis | 1,318.33 euros per month | GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on calculation variables 2026 |
| Reduced contribution rate without sick pay | 14.0 percent | § 243 SGB V |
| Minimum contribution for health insurance (14.0 plus 2.9 percent additional contribution) | 222.80 euros per month | Calculated, cross-checked against Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) |
| Minimum contribution for health and long-term care insurance without childless surcharge | 270.26 euros per month | Calculated from the figures above |
An example after your studies
You finish your studies in October and have no income yet. Your KVdS obligation ends, and follow-on insurance continues your membership. The health insurer then uses the minimum contribution basis of 1,318.33 euros. At 14.0 percent plus the additional contribution, health insurance comes to 222.80 euros, plus long-term care insurance.
Related terms
- Voluntary insurance: Glossary voluntary insurance (in German)
- Minimum contribution basis: Glossary minimum contribution basis (in German)
- Health insurance after your studies: Health insurance after studies without a job (in German)
- KVdS: Glossary KVdS (in German)
- All terms at a glance: Health insurance for students: glossary from A to Z
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to apply for follow-on insurance myself?
Mandatory follow-on insurance applies without your own application. You should still check the contribution your health insurer notifies to you, because it may differ from what you paid before.
Can I switch to private health insurance after follow-on insurance?
A switch to private health insurance is possible only under certain conditions. These depend on income and employment. The guide on health insurance after studies without a job (in German) gives an overview.
How long does follow-on insurance last?
It lasts until you find other cover, for example employment with compulsory insurance or a switch to private health insurance. Membership does not end automatically after a fixed period.
Last updated: October 2026. This entry is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
Sources: GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on calculation variables 2026, § 243 SGB V, calculation based on the minimum contribution basis.
