Between your Abitur and the start of university, a few months often pass in which child benefit, family insurance and student finance change at the same time. Getting your insurance before university right is straightforward once you know the deadlines. The transition period for child benefit lasts up to four months. Family insurance usually continues during this time. Once you are enrolled, student health insurance begins, unless you are exempted.
The key facts at a glance
| Key fact | Value 2026 | Status and source |
|---|---|---|
| Transition period for child benefit | At most four months | § 32 para. 4 sentence 1 no. 2 letter b EStG |
| Exemption from compulsory insurance | Application within three months | § 8 para. 1 no. 5 SGB V |
| Family insurance, income limit | €565 per month (mini-job €603) | Official, § 10 SGB V |
| Child benefit per child | €259 per month | Official, § 66 EStG |
Do you stay in family insurance after the Abitur?
As a rule, yes. From the end of school until the start of studies, you are still in school or training time. Family insurance therefore continues for as long as your own income stays below the limit. As soon as you are enrolled, student insurance applies, unless you apply for an exemption. From your 23rd birthday without vocational training, stricter rules apply. Check your own case with the family insurance check.
What happens with child benefit?
Child benefit continues during the transition period if no more than four months lie between leaving school and starting studies. If you wait longer, ask the family benefits office (Familienkasse) in writing, because the law sets no fixed rule for the waiting time for a university place. The details on waiting time are in No place at university: child benefit and family insurance (in German).
Worked example: four months of transition period
- Abitur in July, start of studies in October of the same year: three months, so the transition period applies.
- Child benefit during this time: 3 × €259 = €777, provided the entitlement exists.
- Family insurance: no separate payment during this time, as long as the income limit is observed.
Which deadlines apply to health insurance?
With enrolment you become subject to compulsory student health insurance, unless you are already insured elsewhere. You must apply for an exemption in favour of private insurance within three months. If you miss this, you remain in statutory insurance. The exemption is then no longer possible, and the decision cannot be reversed. The background is explained in PKV at the start of studies: how much time you have (in German).
Insurance before university: the steps to take
- Submit the BAföG application before the start of studies, ideally right after admission. The application usually takes effect from the month it is submitted.
- Notify the family benefits office of the start of studies as soon as you have your admission.
- Clarify your health insurance in writing with your health insurer. If you want an exemption, submit the application within three months afterwards.
- Also check your liability insurance. During your studies you are often still covered through your parents. The guide liability insurance during your studies (in German) shows how long this applies.
- Plan for the semester fee of your university, which differs between universities and falls due before re-enrolment.
- Keep the list of tasks for the start of semester ready. It is in the checklist for the start of semester (in German).
Frequently asked questions
Do I stay in family insurance after the Abitur?
As a rule, yes, until the start of studies, as long as your own income stays below €565 per month. Student insurance begins with enrolment, unless an exemption applies.
When do I have to report child benefit after the Abitur?
As soon as you know that you are studying, and at the latest when your training changes. Reporting is compulsory, even if the entitlement initially remains.
How long do I have to apply for an exemption from compulsory insurance during my studies?
Three months after compulsory insurance begins. After that, an exemption is no longer possible.
Do I have to apply for BAföG before the start of studies?
You can submit the application as soon as you have your admission. Applying early is worthwhile, because support usually only applies from the date of application.
Sources and review
- § 32 para. 4 EStG (transition period), gesetze-im-internet.de, accessed 20 October 2026.
- § 5 para. 1 no. 9, § 8 and § 10 SGB V, gesetze-im-internet.de, accessed 20 October 2026.
- Fact sheet on the calculation parameters for 2026, GKV-Spitzenverband, as of 1 January 2026.
Information, not individual advice.
Editorial team: Academycon · Last updated: October 2026
To the online check.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
