Health insurance for students aged over 45 is a topic many people underestimate. Once you pass your 30th birthday while still studying, the cheaper student health insurance (Krankenversicherung der Studierenden, KVdS) no longer applies, and you need a new arrangement. This guide explains the rules, the options and what they cost in 2026.
Short answer: Compulsory health insurance for students ends under section 190 (9) of the German Social Code Book V (SGB V) at the end of the semester in which you turn 30. Age 45 plays no role in this. Afterwards you can join the statutory scheme voluntarily or take out private health insurance. Voluntary statutory cover costs at least 222.80 euros a month in 2026, plus nursing care insurance. Last updated: October 2026.
Key points at a glance
- Student health insurance ends at the end of the semester in which you turn 30 (section 190 (9) SGB V).
- Family insurance through your parents is limited for students to age 25 (section 10 (2) no. 3 SGB V).
- In voluntary statutory insurance the contribution follows your income. The minimum assessment base in 2026 is 1,318.33 euros a month.
- Private health insurers check health information and set premiums by tariff and entry age.
- If income proof is missing, the fund calculates contributions on the contribution assessment ceiling. Submit proof early to avoid this.
Is there a separate age limit for students over 45?
No. In the SGB V, age 30 is the limit for student health insurance. The obligation itself is set out in section 5 (1) no. 9 SGB V, and the end of membership in section 190 (9) SGB V. The contribution rule for students is in section 245 SGB V: the rate is seven tenths of the general contribution rate. For 2026 this gives 10.22 percent (last updated October 2026, calculated from 14.6 percent).
Family insurance through your parents has no limit at 45 either. For students it ends at age 25, unless an exception under section 10 (2) SGB V applies. For spouses, section 10 (1) SGB V sets no age limit, but it does set an income limit. After your student insurance ends, you will in most cases need your own cover.
Which health insurance is an option after your 30th birthday?
There are two realistic routes. They differ in cost, benefits and commitment. The table compares them. The statutory figures apply to 2026. For private insurance we deliberately give no figure, because premiums depend on the tariff, your entry age and your health.
| Route | Who it suits | Cost 2026 | What to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voluntary statutory health insurance (freiwillige GKV) | Those who meet the conditions of section 9 SGB V, for example former compulsory members with sufficient prior cover | At least 222.80 euros a month for health insurance (14.0 percent on 1,318.33 euros, plus an average additional contribution of 2.9 percent), plus nursing care from 47.46 euros | The contribution rises with income. Sickness benefit is generally not paid. |
| Private health insurance (PKV) | Anyone who applies and passes the health check | Individual, depending on tariff, entry age and health, so only a quote gives the real figure | Health details in the application must be complete. The premium is not linked to your income. |
If you are reviewing your insurance anyway, look at the conditions for private cover. Our guide on health insurance for students over 30 explains the time limits in more detail, and the German article on the conditions for private health insurance in studies (in German) describes what insurers check.
What does voluntary statutory insurance cost during a degree?
Voluntary members pay a reduced rate of 14.0 percent, because members without an entitlement to sickness benefit pay this rate (section 243 SGB V). Your fund also charges its own additional contribution. The average in 2026 is 2.9 percent, while the actual rate depends on your fund (last updated October 2026, Federal Ministry of Health).
The contribution base is the decisive factor. If your income is below the minimum of 1,318.33 euros, the fund calculates with that minimum. If proof is missing, section 240 (1) SGB V applies the monthly contribution assessment ceiling, which is 5,812.50 euros in 2026. This is the most common cost mistake, so submit your income proof early.
What does a 1,500 euro income example look like?
Assumption: you are 46, have no children and have a contribution-relevant income of 1,500 euros a month. The fund additional contribution is set at the 2026 average of 2.9 percent. The steps for 2026 are:
- Contribution base: 1,500 euros, because the amount is above the minimum of 1,318.33 euros.
- Health insurance: 1,500 euros x (14.0 + 2.9) percent = 253.50 euros.
- Nursing care insurance without children from age 23: 1,500 euros x (3.6 + 0.6) percent = 63.00 euros.
- Total: 316.50 euros a month. If your fund rate differs, the amount changes accordingly.
Which deadlines do you need to observe?
- Joining voluntary insurance: notify the fund within three months. For former compulsory members the period starts when their membership ends (section 9 (2) SGB V).
- Changing funds: after a minimum binding period of twelve months you can give notice for the end of the second calendar month after notice (section 175 (4) SGB V).
- Additional contribution increase: a special right of termination applies until the end of the month from which the higher rate takes effect (section 175 (4) sentence 6 SGB V).
Can a partner over 45 be covered as a dependant?
Spouses and registered partners can be covered as dependants if they meet the conditions of section 10 (1) SGB V. One condition is total income that does not exceed 565 euros a month in 2026 (last updated October 2026, one seventh of the reference income). Section 10 sets no age limit for spouses.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch straight to private insurance after my 30th birthday?
That depends on your application and on the insurer’s health check. Private insurers review pre-existing conditions and set premiums by tariff and age. Tariffs differ considerably, so a structured comparison makes sense. Our guide to private health insurance for working students covers the practical steps.
What happens if I submit income proof late?
The fund then sets the contribution on the contribution assessment ceiling for the time being. If you apply for a recalculation within twelve months of that assessment, the contributions are recalculated for the periods you prove (section 240 (1) sentence 3 SGB V). Keep your payslips and assessment notices.
Is there a special tariff for older students?
In voluntary statutory insurance the contribution follows your income, not your student status. Some private insurers offer student tariffs. Whether they do, and on what terms, you need to ask the insurer directly. Age limits differ from tariff to tariff.
Do I lose benefits if I stay in voluntary statutory insurance?
The benefits of statutory health insurance are set by law and apply to all members to the same extent. Sickness benefit is the exception: voluntary members generally do not receive it. If you would depend on it, check this with your fund in advance.
What should you do now?
- Find out when your student insurance ends. The date appears on your membership certificate, and your fund can confirm it.
- Collect income proof so the fund calculates your contribution on your actual income.
- Compare voluntary statutory insurance with at least two private offers, each with premium, benefits and health check.
- Check the deadlines for notification and termination and keep everything in writing.
- Have the decision reviewed before you sign. Our process for personal advice is described on our working method page.
Related reading
- Health Insurance for Students Over 30 in Germany
- Student Health Insurance Costs by Age in Germany
- Studying at 45: BAföG, Insurance and Loans
- Health insurance for students: glossary from A to Z
Sources: Section 190 SGB V, end of compulsory membership (retrieved October 2026, in German), Section 9 SGB V, voluntary membership (retrieved October 2026, in German), Section 240 SGB V, contribution base for voluntary members (retrieved October 2026, in German), GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on 2026 contribution parameters (in German, status 1 January 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
