IKK classic or TK for students: in the additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag) these two funds are further apart than most other pairs, while in benefits under the articles the amounts are partly almost identical and partly different. This guide sets both side by side, checks them with an example and makes no recommendation.
Short answer: The fund list of the GKV-Spitzenverband (as of 27 October 2026) gives 3.85 percent additional contribution for IKK classic and 2.69 percent for TK. On 855 euros that is a difference of 9.92 euros per month and 119.02 euros per year. IKK classic’s own page, however, shows an additional contribution of 33.64 euros, so have the rate confirmed.
The key points
- According to the list, IKK classic’s additional contribution is 1.16 percentage points above TK’s.
- IKK classic’s contribution table shows 33.64 euros of additional contribution, which arithmetically corresponds to about 3.93 percent and thus differs from the list.
- For dental cleaning both funds name up to 40 euros per year. For osteopathy IKK names four sessions and TK three sessions of 40 euros each.
- IKK classic offers a cash bonus or triple the amount as a subsidy, and university sport counts among the eligible activities.
- The route to choosing a fund is in switching health insurer as a student.
Which additional contribution applies to IKK classic?
There is an inconsistency between two documented sources. The list of the GKV-Spitzenverband of 27 October 2026 shows IKK classic at 3.85 percent. IKK classic’s student page shows in its contribution table an additional contribution of 33.64 euros and totals of 151.80 euros (up to age 23) and 156.93 euros (from age 23 without children), without naming a date. On a contribution base of 855 euros, 33.64 euros arithmetically corresponds to about 3.93 percent. Ask for the current rate before you join.
| Component | TK | IKK classic (list, 3.85 percent) | IKK classic (page, 33.64 euros) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Additional contribution per month | 23.00 euros | 32.92 euros | 33.64 euros |
| Total with care 30.78 euros | 141.16 euros | 151.08 euros | 151.80 euros |
| Total from age 23 without children | 146.29 euros | 156.21 euros | 156.93 euros |
| Difference to TK per month | – | 9.92 euros | 10.64 euros |
The calculation with the rate from the list is the more reliable one because the list is dated. Both values are of the same order of magnitude, roughly 120 to 128 euros per year. More on the term in additional contribution 2026: all health insurers.
How do the subsidies differ?
| Benefit | IKK classic (student page) | TK (articles, as of 17 April 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional dental cleaning | Up to 40 euros annually | Up to 40 euros per year from age 18 |
| Osteopathy | Four sessions of at most 40 euros, up to 160 euros in total | Up to three sessions of 40 euros, up to 120 euros in total (§ 27b) |
| Health courses | 90 euros per course, at most two courses, at most 180 euros | 80 percent, maximum 150 euros, two measures per year (§ 18) |
| Travel vaccinations | 100 percent of vaccine costs less statutory co-payment | Named, subsidy amount not given on the student page |
| Further offers | Alternative medicines up to 50 euros per year, IKK Aktiv-Tage up to 180 euros | Bonus with challenges, PrämieXtra tariff (§ 30) |
Worked example: assume two health courses with a fee of 180 euros each. Under the rules named, that would be 2 times 90, that is 180 euros, at IKK classic and 2 times 144 (80 percent), that is 288 euros, at TK. The annual difference in the additional contribution is 119.02 euros according to the list. Whether you book such courses at all decides which figure counts for you.
How does the IKK bonus work?
For the participation year 2026, IKK classic describes a choice model: you receive either a cash bonus or a subsidy of three times that amount, reimbursed up to your actual expenses. Regular activities such as a health course, gym, sports club or university sport earn 25 euros cash bonus or 75 euros subsidy. Preventive examinations such as check-ups or cancer screening earn 10 or 30 euros, and vaccinations and dental check-ups 5 or 15 euros. The application must be made by the end of March of the following year. Cash bonus and subsidy cannot be combined. The cash bonus must be reported to the tax authorities and can have tax consequences. TK offers a bonus programme under § 26 of its articles, with amounts in the annexes.
How do you reach the funds and what applies abroad?
IKK classic names a service hotline (0800 455 1111), a live chat Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., a call-back, a contact form, an online branch, an app and service centres with appointment booking. TK names its service team on 040 460 660 around the clock, plus an app and TK-Doc. Abroad, the EHIC covers you in EU countries (EHIC explained). For countries with a social security agreement, IKK classic issues a foreign health certificate and also recommends private travel health insurance. TK excludes cost coverage in the country of study outside the EU, EEA, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Frequently asked questions
Which rate should I use for IKK classic?
For calculations, use the dated rate from the GKV-Spitzenverband list. For your decision, use the rate the fund confirms to you in writing.
Are the subsidies of IKK classic and TK comparable?
Partly. Dental cleaning has the same maximum at both. For courses and osteopathy, rules and amounts differ. The articles of association are what counts.
How do I receive the IKK classic bonus?
You submit proofs by the end of March of the following year, either through the app or as an application. Choose beforehand whether you want a cash bonus or a subsidy, since both at once is not possible.
Next steps
- Have the current additional contribution of IKK classic stated to you in writing.
- List the courses, treatments and vaccinations you plan for the next year.
- Calculate both funds’ subsidy for this list and set it against the annual difference.
- Decide and keep the twelve-month commitment in mind.
Related reading
- IKK classic student health insurance 2026: costs and benefits
- TK student health insurance: costs and benefits 2026
- Student health insurance in Germany 2026: key figures
- German health insurance terms for newcomers
Sources: GKV-Spitzenverband, health insurance fund list (27 October 2026, German), IKK classic, health insurance for students (retrieved October 2026, German), IKK classic, bonus programme (participation year 2026, German), TK, articles of association (17 April 2026, German), TK, health insurance when studying abroad (retrieved October 2026, German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
