Definition: student health insurance Germany
KVdS (Krankenversicherung der Studenten) is the statutory compulsory insurance for enrolled students at state or state-recognised universities. It only applies if nothing takes priority, such as a job as an employee or family insurance. It ends with the semester in which you turn 30. Student health insurance Germany therefore works as the default for most students.
Value (as of 20 October 2026)
| Figure | Value 2026 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment base | 855 euros a month | Section 236 SGB V, GKV-SV fact sheet of 1 January 2026 |
| Contribution rate | 10.22 percent (0.7 times 14.6 percent) | Section 245 SGB V, section 241 SGB V |
| Basic contribution without additional contribution | 87.38 euros a month | GKV-SV fact sheet of 1 January 2026 |
On top of this come your insurer’s additional contribution and long-term care insurance.
Example
You are 25, enrolled and have no job as an employee. The basic contribution is 855 times 10.22 percent, which comes to 87.38 euros. With the average additional contribution of 2.9 percent (24.80 euros), you pay 112.18 euros for health insurance. Including long-term care insurance without the childless surcharge (30.78 euros), that makes 142.96 euros a month. If you are childless and 23 or older, the total is 148.09 euros. This calculation uses the average value, so your insurer may differ.
Note on the subject semester limit
There is no longer a limit of 14 subject semesters. According to the joint basic guidelines of the umbrella associations (version 23 December 2025), it has not applied since 2020. The statute (section 5(1) no. 9 SGB V) never contained it; only the age limit of 30 applies there.
Related terms
Family insurance (Familienversicherung), exemption from compulsory insurance (Befreiung von der Versicherungspflicht), follow-on insurance (Anschlussversicherung), age limit of 30, additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag).
Further articles
- Health insurance for students: obligations, options and special cases (in German)
- Family insurance during studies: how long you are covered (in German)
- Exemption from compulsory insurance: how to apply (in German)
Sources
Section 5 SGB V, Section 236 SGB V, GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on contribution calculation figures 2026. As of 20 October 2026.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
Editorial team: Academycon
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