In short: In Lower Saxony, the basic trainee amounts in the pay table for April 2026 are 1,722.66 euros at grade A 13 and 1,686.91 euros at grade A 12, gross per month, subject to official promulgation. Beihilfe (state aid for medical costs) is usually 50 percent. Before appointment, check whether to take out an advance policy (Anwartschaft), whether flat-rate Beihilfe applies, or whether to stay in statutory insurance. Last updated: October 2026.
The most important points
- The basic trainee amount is 1,722.66 euros at grade A 13 and 1,686.91 euros at grade A 12 according to the pay table. The figures are subject to promulgation.
- Civil servants on probation with an entitlement to Beihilfe are exempt from statutory insurance under Section 6 (1) No. 2 SGB V and need cover for the remaining costs.
- Before appointment, clarify health questions early. An advance policy can secure conditions before the contract starts.
- According to secondary sources, Lower Saxony has offered flat-rate Beihilfe since 2024. The choice is binding and subject to a deadline, so check it early.
- Your decision depends on your Beihilfe rate, pay, health and the benefits you want. One number alone is not enough.
Which pay applies in Lower Saxony?
The pay table for Lower Saxony lists the basic trainee amounts for the Vorbereitungsdienst (preparatory training). At grade A 13 the basic amount is 1,722.66 euros gross per month, and at grade A 12 it is 1,686.91 euros. The figures come from the pay table for April 2026 and carry the caveat of official promulgation.
| Grade | Basic amount (gross, euros per month) | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 13 | 1,722.66 | 01.04.2026 | dbb table, subject to promulgation |
| A 12 | 1,686.91 | 01.04.2026 | dbb table, subject to promulgation |
Your placement letter shows which grade applies to you. For some school types the lower grade may apply. Check this detail before you plan with figures.
If you are a legal trainee, different rules apply. The maintenance allowance follows state law and is set by the responsible higher regional court (Oberlandesgericht). We do not have a verified figure for Lower Saxony, so we state no amount. The responsible court gives the authoritative answer.
Is Beihilfe 50 percent in Lower Saxony?
For civil servants on probation without children, the standard Beihilfe rate is 50 percent. Higher rates can apply with children and follow state law. Beihilfe then covers a share of the costs. The rest must be covered by supplementary insurance, otherwise a gap remains.
Assumption: A bill of 400 euros is eligible. At 50 percent, Beihilfe covers 200 euros. The other 200 euros stay with you or are reimbursed by your tariff. Whether flat-rate Beihilfe pays off depends on how you are insured. The guide Submitting Beihilfe claims explains the process.
Flat-rate Beihilfe in Lower Saxony
According to the secondary sources we reviewed, Lower Saxony has offered a flat-rate Beihilfe since 1 February 2024. It is aimed at civil servants who are voluntarily insured in statutory health insurance. The choice is binding, and the sources mention a one-year exclusion deadline. We have not cross-checked these details against a state source. Clarify them with the responsible office before you decide.
An overview of all states and their models is available in the guide Flat-rate Beihilfe for trainees.
Before appointment: check health insurance early
The time before appointment is the most important phase for your health questions. With private insurance, pre-existing conditions are assessed, and they affect both premium and acceptance. If you apply early, you can answer health questions calmly and have time to compare.
An advance policy (Anwartschaftsversicherung) can help. It secures the conditions without starting the actual contract straight away. Whether it suits you depends on your health, your timetable and the costs. The guide Is an advance policy sensible for students? (in German) explains the basics.
| Option | Suitable for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Beihilfe plus supplementary private tariff | Civil servants on probation entitled to Beihilfe | Tariff matches the Beihilfe rate and your needs |
| Flat-rate Beihilfe | Voluntary statutory members, where offered | Binding choice, deadline, information from the responsible office |
| Voluntary statutory insurance | Those who want to stay in the statutory system | Contribution based on pay: 14.0 percent plus additional contribution |
Worked example: voluntary statutory insurance
Assumption: Gross pay of 1,722.66 euros, the basic amount at A 13 from the table. The reduced rate is 14.0 percent under Section 243 SGB V, and the average additional contribution in 2026 was 2.9 percent. Together that is 16.9 percent, so 1,722.66 × 16.9 percent = 291.13 euros per month for health insurance. Long-term care insurance is extra. Employer contributions are not included.
For voluntary members, a minimum contribution assessment base of 1,318.33 euros applies in 2026. This gives a minimum health insurance contribution of 222.80 euros per month (GKV-Spitzenverband, status 2026). At your basic amount, the contribution is higher.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be privately insured before appointment?
Not necessarily. What matters is that from appointment you have a solution that covers the rest of your costs. Applying early avoids pressure during the health check and gives you time to compare.
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
Pre-existing conditions can affect the premium or acceptance. Health questions must be answered fully. If you are unsure, get advice before you submit the application.
Does this also apply to teachers employed rather than appointed?
That depends on your status. Without civil servant status, the general rules of social insurance apply, and the health insurer decides on the individual case. Clarify this in writing.
How much time should I plan for?
Allow several weeks, because applications, health questions, follow-up queries and Beihilfe documents take time. If you start early in the year, you have enough buffer before service begins and can meet deadlines without pressure.
Where do I find the current amounts?
The most reliable sources are the official promulgation in the state gazette and the responsible authority. The table in this guide reflects the status of the pay table and does not replace your notice.
What to do now
- Confirm your grade in your placement letter and note the basic amount.
- Have your Beihilfe rate for your situation confirmed by the Beihilfe office.
- Check early whether an advance policy or a tariff with a health check makes sense for you.
- Clarify flat-rate Beihilfe and its deadlines before you decide.
Related reading
- Teacher training in Lower Saxony: overview
- Legal traineeship in Lower Saxony
- Beihilfe in Lower Saxony: rates and suitable private cover
- Health insurance during the Referendariat (in German)
Sources: Pay table Lower Saxony, dbb, status 04/2026 (trade union document, subject to promulgation), Section 6 SGB V, exemption from insurance, Section 193 VVG, insured person and duty to insure, Section 9 SGB V, voluntary insurance, GKV-Spitzenverband, reference figures 2026 (German sources).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
