Last updated: 20 October 2026. All figures apply to 2026 unless stated otherwise. This overview answers common questions about student health insurance, BAföG, child benefit and tax in brief. It provides general information and does not replace individual advice. The answers link to the in-depth guides.
Student health insurance
How much does student health insurance cost in 2026?
The KVdS is calculated from a contribution base of 855 euros multiplied by 10.22 percent, which gives a basic contribution of 87.38 euros per month. Your insurer’s additional contribution and the long-term care insurance are added to this. With the average additional contribution of 2.9 percent and without the childless surcharge, the total comes to about 143 euros per month.
From when do I pay the childless surcharge in long-term care insurance?
Members without children pay a surcharge of 0.6 contribution rate points from the month after they turn 23. The long-term care contribution then rises from 3.6 to 4.2 percent. In the KVdS, this amounts to 35.91 euros instead of 30.78 euros per month.
More on this: Student health insurance costs by age (in German)
Until when am I covered under family insurance?
Children are covered up to age 18 without further conditions, up to age 23 if they are not employed, and up to age 25 if they are in school or vocational training or studying. In addition, total income must not exceed 565 euros per month.
More on this: Family insurance during studies (in German)
What is the income limit for family insurance?
The limit in 2026 is 565 euros of total income per month. Anyone with only a mini-job may earn up to 603 euros. For 2027, a limit of 633 euros for mini-jobs has been set, while the total income limit in the draft legislation is 590 euros.
What happens to my KVdS when I turn 30?
The KVdS ends at the end of the semester in which you turn 30. An extension is possible only if the type of training or family or personal reasons justify it. In that case, the insurer decides on application, each time for one semester.
More on this: Student health insurance over 30 (in German)
Can I be exempted from compulsory insurance?
Yes, if you want to take out private insurance. You apply to a statutory health insurer and must prove that you have another entitlement to cover in case of illness. The exemption applies for the duration of your studies and cannot be revoked.
More on this: Exemption from compulsory insurance: application (in German)
How long do I have to apply for exemption?
You must submit the application within three months of the start of compulsory insurance. The exemption takes effect from the start of compulsory insurance, provided you have not yet claimed any benefits. Otherwise it applies from the month following the application.
More on this: Exemption from compulsory insurance as a student (in German)
Should I choose private or statutory insurance during my studies?
The decision depends on income, health, marital status and life plans. Statutory membership with family insurance can be cheaper, while private insurance offers different benefits and tariff options. A comparison over the full term helps with the assessment.
More on this: Student health insurance: private or statutory (in German)
When can I change my health insurer?
The binding period is twelve months. If your insurer raises the additional contribution, you can terminate until the end of the month from which the increase applies. The new insurer handles the termination, so you do not have to cancel yourself.
More on this: Switching health insurance as a student (in German)
What is the follow-on insurance?
The mandatory follow-on insurance continues your statutory membership as voluntary membership when the KVdS or another obligation ends. You then pay your own contributions, even without income. You can leave within two weeks of the insurer’s notice if you prove other coverage.
More on this: Health insurance after studies without a job (in German)
How am I insured during a leave of absence semester?
During a leave of absence you remain enrolled, and compulsory insurance continues under the basic principles issued by the umbrella associations. Clarify this with your insurer before applying, so that no gap arises.
More on this: Health insurance during a leave of absence semester (in German)
What applies to health insurance if I drop out?
The KVdS ends with the semester of your last enrolment, if you have been de-registered by then. After that you remain voluntarily insured until you leave and prove other cover. Family insurance through your parents applies without training only until your 23rd birthday.
More on this: Health insurance when dropping out of university (in German)
What applies when changing courses?
When changing course or university, make sure enrolment is continuous. A break between two courses can interrupt the KVdS. Family insurance or follow-on insurance can close the gap, provided the requirements are met.
More on this: Health insurance when changing courses (in German)
How am I insured during a semester abroad?
In the EU, the EHIC covers medically necessary care within the state system. Repatriation is not covered. Without a social security agreement, for example in the USA, the statutory insurer often does not pay for illness. Private international health insurance closes these gaps.
More on this: Private insurance during a semester abroad: what applies? (in German)
Work and taxes
How many hours may I work as a working student?
The working student privilege applies up to 20 hours per week. You are then exempt from health, long-term care and unemployment insurance, as long as studying takes priority. Pension insurance remains compulsory. Special rules apply during semester breaks.
More on this: Working student and health insurance (in German)
Do I lose family insurance through a mini-job?
A mini-job of up to 603 euros per month is permitted within family insurance if it is your only income. If you have other income, total income counts. The limit of 565 euros then applies. Check your situation before you start the job.
More on this: Family insurance during studies under 25 (in German)
What is a midi-job?
A midi-job is employment subject to social insurance contributions in the transition zone above the mini-job limit, generally up to 2,000 euros per month. The employee’s share rises gradually with pay. For 2026, the transition zone starts above 603.01 euros.
More on this: Side jobs and taxes at a glance (in German)
Do I have to pay tax as a student?
A student pays income tax if taxable income exceeds the basic allowance of 12,348 euros for 2026. The employee lump sum is 1,230 euros. For side jobs with wage tax deducted, a tax return is often worthwhile.
More on this: Taxes for students explained simply (in German)
Is a tax return worthwhile during studies?
Many students have paid wage tax that they can get back. Work-related expenses such as travel costs, specialist literature or work equipment can be deducted, provided they are documented. The filing deadlines are set out in § 149 AO.
More on this: Tax return for students: get your money back (in German)
Do I have to pay into the pension insurance as a student?
Working students remain compulsorily insured in pension insurance, as the working student privilege does not apply there. The contribution rate in 2026 is 18.6 percent, and the employee pays half. The contributions count towards future pension entitlements.
More on this: Pension insurance during studies (in German)
Housing benefit for students: am I entitled?
Housing benefit is generally excluded for students if their training is in principle eligible for BAföG. There are exceptions, for example in certain circumstances involving a child. The amount depends on rent, income and household size. More on this: Housing benefit for students (in German)
Financing
What is the BAföG need in 2026?
The need for students living away from home is 475 euros basic amount and 380 euros housing allowance, together 855 euros per month. The maximum rate for 25 to 29-year-olds is 992 euros, with supplements for health and long-term care insurance.
More on this: BAföG 2026: entitlement and amount (in German)
How do I apply for BAföG?
You submit the application to the responsible Office for Training Support (Amt für Ausbildungsförderung) and provide evidence of income, assets and training. Deadlines and documents vary by situation. Starting early helps you avoid gaps in funding.
More on this: Apply for BAföG: application, deadlines and documents (in German)
What is parent-independent BAföG?
Students who meet certain conditions receive parent-independent BAföG, for example a completed vocational training or several years of employment before starting their studies. In that case, the parents’ income does not count. Eligibility must be checked in each individual case.
More on this: Parent-independent BAföG: requirements (in German)
How much BAföG do I have to repay?
Half of the funding is an interest-free loan. For loans from September 2019 onwards, the maximum amount is 10,010 euros. The standard repayment rate is 130 euros per month. Repayment begins five years after the end of the maximum funding period.
More on this: BAföG 2026: repayment (in German)
What is the Bildungskredit?
The Bildungskredit is a federal loan for trainees and students, paid out on set terms. You choose a monthly rate of 100, 200 or 300 euros. The interest is variable and is adjusted on 1 April and 1 October.
More on this: Bildungskredit 2026 (in German)
What interest rate applies to the KfW student loan?
From 1 October 2026, the KfW student loan has an effective annual interest rate of 6.38 percent, previously 6.53 percent. Interest is adjusted every six months on 1 April and 1 October. Loans of up to 650 euros per month are possible, and the age limit is 44.
More on this: Student loans compared (in German)
How many student loans and alternatives are there?
Besides the KfW student loan and the Bildungskredit, there are scholarships, education vouchers and side jobs. Each option has its own requirements and costs. Comparing interest, term and payout method helps with the choice.
More on this: Financing your studies without BAföG (in German)
How can I find a scholarship?
Scholarships come from foundations for gifted students, foundations, companies and universities. Selection is usually based on grades, social commitment and motivation. It pays to check several offers in parallel and keep an eye on deadlines.
More on this: Finding a scholarship during studies (in German)
Child benefit and family
How long do I receive child benefit during my studies?
During a first training, child benefit is paid until age 25, without an earnings limit. In 2026, the amount is 259 euros per child per month. For a second degree after completing a first training, a limit of 20 working hours per week applies.
More on this: Child benefit during studies 2026 (in German)
Do I get child benefit if I take a break between school and university?
For the transition period between two stages of training, there is a time limit of up to four months. If the break falls within this period, the entitlement generally remains. Longer breaks must be examined on a case-by-case basis.
More on this: Child benefit for students: requirements and application (in German)
What applies to a second degree regarding BAföG and child benefit?
A second degree is treated differently from a first degree for BAföG and child benefit. Child benefit is only possible if working hours alongside studies remain limited. Costs and taxes of a second degree must be examined separately.
More on this: Second degree: costs, BAföG, child benefit and taxes (in German)
What does a degree cost in total?
Total costs consist of rent, living expenses, insurance, semester fees and study materials. They depend heavily on city, living arrangement and subject. An overview of typical items helps with planning.
More on this: What does studying cost? Total costs at a glance (in German)
Studying at 30: how do I finance it?
If you receive BAföG and have your own health and long-term care insurance from age 30, you receive supplements of up to 185 and 48 euros per month. Scholarships, loans and side jobs are also possible. The KVdS ends with the semester of your 30th birthday.
More on this: Studying at 30: opportunities and financing (in German)
Coverage
Do I need personal liability insurance as a student?
Private liability insurance protects you against third-party claims for damages. First check whether an existing family policy of your parents already covers you. Then review the scope and coverage sum before choosing a tariff.
More on this: Liability insurance for students (in German)
When does disability insurance make sense?
Occupational disability insurance secures your income if you have to leave your job for health reasons. The earlier the policy starts, the lower the premium, and your health is usually unaffected at that point. The assessment covers health questions and terms.
More on this: Occupational disability insurance for students (in German)
What should I consider when working with an insurance broker?
An insurance broker needs a licence under § 34d GewO. You should know how they are paid, which companies they place business with and how they inform you about alternatives. Questions about remuneration are legitimate and should be answered in writing.
More on this: Insurance broker for students: what matters (in German)
Are there student discounts on insurance?
Some insurers offer discounts for students, usually against proof of enrolment. The saving depends on the tariff and should be checked against other offers. Discounts are no substitute for a suitable scope of cover.
More on this: Student discounts on insurance (in German)
What can I do if I have payment problems with private health insurance?
If contributions are in arrears, after a reminder the PKV moves you into the emergency tariff. It only covers acute illness and pain, pregnancy and children, and STIKO vaccinations. Contact your insurer early to find a solution.
More on this: Payment problems in private health insurance (in German)
What does the compulsory insurance threshold mean for students?
The compulsory insurance threshold in 2026 is 6,450 euros per month, which is 77,400 euros per year. Employees below this threshold remain compulsorily insured in statutory health insurance. It is therefore a key check point for a later switch to private insurance after your studies.
More on this: Compulsory insurance threshold during studies (in German)
The sources for each answer are given in the linked guides.
This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
Editorial team: Academycon · Last updated: October 2026
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