Student health insurance in Germany is not a free choice for most students. If you are enrolled at a state or state-recognised university, you are usually compulsorily insured through the statutory student health insurance scheme (KVdS) until the age limit of 30. This guide explains the 2026 figures and what to compare when you choose a statutory health insurance fund (Krankenkasse).
Kurz beantwortet: Enrolled students in statutory health insurance pay 10.22 percent of an assessment base of 855 euros per month in 2026, which is 87.38 euros, plus the fund’s own additional contribution. The average additional contribution was 2.9 percent in 2026. Last updated: October 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- Enrolled students are usually compulsorily insured through the KVdS until they turn 30 (§ 5 para. 1 no. 9 SGB V, Sozialgesetzbuch V).
- The general contribution rate in 2026 is 14.6 percent. Students pay seven tenths of it, which is 10.22 percent (§ 245 SGB V).
- The fund’s additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag) comes on top and differs between funds.
- When comparing funds, the additional contribution, the range of benefits and the service matter most.
- Students pay the long-term care contribution alone. It is higher for people without children from the age of 23.
What does statutory health insurance cost a student in 2026?
Contributions for students are not calculated from actual income. They are based on a statutory assessment base. For students who do not live with their parents, this base follows the BAföG need rate (§ 236 SGB V). For 2026 it is 855 euros per month. The table below summarises the key figures.
| Item | Amount or rate 2026 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| General contribution rate | 14.6 percent | § 241 SGB V |
| Contribution rate for students | 10.22 percent (7/10 of 14.6) | § 245 SGB V |
| Health contribution without additional contribution | 87.38 euros per month | GKV-Spitzenverband, as of 1 Jan 2026 |
| Average additional contribution | 2.9 percent, about 24.80 euros per month | BMG, as of 3 Sep 2026 |
| Long-term care without childless surcharge | 30.78 euros per month | GKV-Spitzenverband, as of 1 Jan 2026 |
| Long-term care from age 23, no children | 35.91 euros per month | GKV-Spitzenverband, as of 1 Jan 2026 |
How is your monthly contribution made up?
You can check your contribution yourself with the following steps. All figures refer to 2026.
- Assessment base: 855 euros per month if you do not live with your parents.
- Health insurance: 855 euros times 10.22 percent gives 87.38 euros.
- Additional contribution: your fund’s rate times 855 euros. The average of 2.9 percent gives about 24.80 euros.
- Long-term care: 30.78 euros up to age 23 or with a child, otherwise 35.91 euros.
Assumption for this example: you do not live with your parents, have no children, are 23 or older, and your fund charges the average additional contribution. Health and long-term care insurance then come to 148.09 euros per month in total. Your actual amount can differ.
What should you compare when choosing a fund?
The average figure is only a guide. Each fund sets its own additional contribution, and it differs from fund to fund. For 2027, the estimation committee (Schätzerkreis) calculated an average of 2.9 percent. The official rate is still to be set by the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), so treat this figure as an estimate.
- Additional contribution: Compare the rate the fund states for the current year and watch for announced changes.
- Benefits: Check which benefits go beyond the statutory minimum and which of them you actually need.
- Service: Reachability, processing routes and whether applications can be submitted online matter.
A low additional contribution alone says little about how well you are looked after when you need care. It is worth reading the fund’s statute, which describes the benefits beyond the statutory minimum. This guide does not recommend individual funds. For experiences with specific benefits and processes, see Statutory health insurance as a student: experiences, costs, limits (in German).
When are you compulsorily insured at all?
The compulsory insurance for students is subsidiary. If you are already insured through another compulsory scheme or through family insurance, you are not compulsorily insured in the KVdS as well under § 5 para. 7 SGB V. There are exceptions, for example where your spouse, partner or child is not insured.
Under the general rule, compulsory insurance ends with the semester in which you turn 30. How long a degree takes and whether there is a limit on semesters is a separate question, covered in the German guide 14. Fachsemester und Krankenversicherung: Die Grenze entfällt (in German).
What changes if you also work?
Employment alongside your studies can change your insurance position. The rules for students with paid employment are set out in § 6 para. 1 no. 3 SGB V. Because the consequences depend on the individual case, clarify the employment with your fund before you start.
Frequently asked questions
Does family insurance still apply during my studies?
Yes, but only up to an age limit. Children in school or vocational training, which includes a degree, are covered by family insurance up to age 25 under § 10 para. 2 no. 3 SGB V, provided the other conditions are met. In 2026 the total monthly income may not exceed 565 euros (as of January 2026). The age limit of 25 remains in place even if your studies take longer.
Which fund is the best?
There is no single answer, and we do not name a fund as a recommendation. The right fund is the one whose additional contribution, benefits and service suit your situation. Compare the current rates on the funds’ own websites before you decide.
Why is my contribution higher than the average?
The additional contribution is set by each fund and can be above the 2.9 percent average. The 10.22 percent rate for students is set by law and is the same for everyone. The fund’s additional contribution is therefore the main factor that differs.
Do I have to take out long-term care insurance separately?
No. For students, long-term care insurance is part of compulsory insurance and is collected through the fund. Students pay their long-term care contribution alone. The surcharge for people without children applies from the month after they turn 23.
Where can I find the current figures?
The statutory contribution rates are in § 241 and § 245 SGB V. The GKV-Spitzenverband publishes the reference figures in its fact sheet, and the Federal Ministry of Health publishes the average additional contribution. Figures change every year, so always check the date.
What to do now
- Check with your enrolment certificate whether you fall under the KVdS as an enrolled student at a recognised university.
- Find out whether you are already covered by family insurance before you register yourself.
- Compare the additional contributions and benefits of the funds for the current year and note the date.
- Work out your total contribution with the steps in this guide.
- If you want to go through your situation personally, you will find how a consultation works on How we work.
Related guides
- Public or Private Health Insurance for International Students
- Student Health Insurance Costs by Age in Germany
- Student Health Insurance Germany 2026: Key Figures
- Health Insurance for Students Over 30 in Germany
Sources: § 5 SGB V, Compulsory insurance (gesetze-im-internet.de, in German, accessed October 2026), § 245 SGB V, Contribution rate for students (gesetze-im-internet.de, in German, accessed October 2026), GKV-Spitzenverband, Fact sheet on reference figures for contribution law (as of 1 Jan 2026, in German), Federal Ministry of Health, Contributions to statutory health insurance (as of 3 Sep 2026, in German)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
