Student Health Insurance: Your Guide to Optimal Coverage During Studies
27 May 2025
10
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
The studies begin, and with them the question of the right health insurance. Health insurance is mandatory for students – but which option is the best for you? This article examines your options and helps you make an informed decision.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Students in Germany are required to have health insurance; family insurance is often available free of charge until the age of 25. After that, the affordable student health insurance (KVdS) is available until the age of 30, or alternatively, private health insurance (PKV).
The contributions to the KVdS consist of a basic amount (€87.38 from the winter semester 2024/25), the fund-specific additional contribution, and the nursing care insurance contribution (e.g. €35.91 for childless individuals from 23 years old from 2025).
Exemption from compulsory health insurance in favour of private health insurance is possible at the start of studies, but it binds for the entire duration of studies and should be carefully considered.
Evaluate options for student health insurance coverage
Students in Germany are required to have health insurance. There are primarily three ways to secure coverage. Free family insurance is often possible until the age of 25. After that, the contributory student health insurance (KVdS) applies. Alternatively, private health insurance (PKV) can be chosen. The choice depends on age, income, and current insurance status. The statutory health insurance offers a solid basic provision. This initial guidance helps to reduce complexity and find the right option.
Understand family insurance as a free basic service
Family insurance is the first choice for many students. It allows for free co-insurance through their parents. This option is generally available until the age of 25 is reached. An important requirement is that one's own total monthly income does not exceed certain limits. For the year 2025, this limit is 535 euros, or 556 euros for a mini-job. BAföG does not count as income in this regard. Co-insurance through a legally insured spouse is also possible without an age limit. Carefully check your eligibility for family insurance. Exceeding the income limit leads to compulsory insurance in KVdS.
Calculating contributions for student health insurance (KVdS)
When family insurance ends, the KVdS becomes relevant. The contribution rate for this is uniformly regulated nationwide. From the winter semester 2024/2025, the basic health insurance contribution will be 87.38 Euros monthly. Additionally, there is the fund-specific supplementary contribution. For example, the Techniker Krankenkasse charges a supplementary contribution of 20.95 Euros (as of January 2025). The contribution for nursing care insurance is also added. For childless students aged 23 and over, this is 35.91 Euros monthly (as of January 2025). The assessment basis is the BAföG requirement rate, currently 855 Euros. A comparison of the supplementary contributions can be worthwhile. This affordable insurance option generally exists until the age of 30.
Key Aspects of KVdS Contributions:
Basic health insurance contribution: 87.38 Euros (from WS 2024/2025).
Fund-specific supplementary contribution: Varies depending on health fund, e.g., 20.95 Euros at TK.
Nursing care insurance (childless, from age 23): 35.91 Euros (from 01.01.2025).
Nursing care insurance (with 1 child or under age 23): 30.78 Euros (from 01.01.2025).
Total costs can therefore quickly exceed 140 Euros monthly.
The exact costs of your health insurance thus depend on several factors. It is important to be aware of the age limits and exemptions.
Consider private health insurance (PKV) as an alternative
Students can be exempted from the statutory insurance obligation. This application must be submitted within three months of enrollment. The exemption then applies for the entire duration of the studies. Returning to statutory health insurance during studies is often no longer possible. Private health insurance often offers special student rates. These can be particularly attractive for children of civil servants due to aid entitlements. For students over 30 years, private insurance may also be a more affordable option than voluntary statutory health insurance. Carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a private health insurance. The decision to choose private health insurance should be well-considered.
Consider special cases and age limits
Student health insurance generally ends at the age of 30. However, there are exceptions that allow for an extension. These include, for example, the birth of a child and its care or obtaining a higher education entrance qualification through an alternative educational pathway. The maximum extension usually goes up to the age of 37. Students over 30 who can no longer be insured under the KVdS have the option of voluntary statutory insurance. The contribution for this is income-dependent and often higher. The minimum assessment basis is 1,248.33 euros (as of 2025). Those who work alongside their studies (student workers) must observe the 20-hour rule. If more than 20 hours per week are worked during the lecture period, the affordable student insurance generally ends. A health insurance with a mini-job has its own rules. These details are crucial for correct insurance.
Regulations for student workers and interns:
Student worker privilege: Up to 20 hours/week of work during lecture periods usually no impact on KVdS.
Exception: During semester breaks or night/weekend work, more work can be done (26-week rule).
Mandatory internships: Often insurance-free, regardless of remuneration and working hours.
Voluntary internships: Different regulations may apply here, especially regarding remuneration.
Specific insurance conditions also apply for a semester abroad. Clarify these early with your health insurance provider.
Understanding Mandatory Health Insurance and Exemption Options
In Germany, there is a general health insurance mandate, including for students. At the start of your studies, you must present proof of insurance. As previously mentioned, you may be exempt from compulsory insurance in the statutory health insurance (GKV) under certain conditions. This is relevant if you choose to take out private health insurance. The application for exemption must be submitted to a statutory health insurance fund within three months of the start of the insurance obligation. This decision is binding for the entire duration of your studies. There are situations where no exemption is necessary. This applies, for example, if you start your studies after the age of 30 or pursue a doctorate following a university degree. Make sure to fully understand your options. Seeking advice can provide clarity here.
After studying: Mastering the transition to the professional world
With the end of your studies and the start of your professional life, the conditions for health insurance change. Those who take up a job that requires social security contributions are usually subject to compulsory insurance in the statutory health insurance again. This also applies if you were privately insured during your studies. An exception exists if your salary from the start exceeds the annual income threshold. This was 66,600 euros in 2023 and regularly increases. Self-employed individuals often remain in private health insurance. For the transition, a voluntary statutory insurance can be an option. Plan this transition early to avoid insurance gaps and unexpected costs.
Expert tip: Make use of personalised advice for optimal coverage
More useful links
Statista offers statistics on the insured population structure in private health insurance (PKV) in Germany, broken down by social status.
vdek (Association of Substitute Health Funds) provides information on health insurance for students, including membership and contribution regulations.
Wikipedia provides an article on student health insurance in Germany.
The Federal Ministry of Health provides information on statutory health insurance.
Gesetze im Internet offers the legal text of § 199a SGB V, which governs contributions for students in health insurance.
Study in Germany (DAAD) offers information on health insurance requirements for international students in Germany.
The German Bundestag offers search results on student health insurance through its document information portal.
The Ärzteblatt publishes an article on which health insurance is suitable for students.
FAQ
Do I have to pay health insurance contributions as a student if I receive BAföG?
Yes, if you are no longer covered by family insurance, you will need to pay contributions. However, BAföG recipients can apply for a subsidy for health and nursing care insurance, which was 122 euros from the winter semester 22/23.
What is the income limit for family insurance with student jobs?
For family insurance, the monthly total income from a mini job must not exceed 556 euros in the year 2025. For other sources of income, the limit is 535 euros.
What is the 20-hour rule for working students?
Working students are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week during the lecture period in order to remain eligible for the favourable student health insurance. Exceptions apply during lecture-free periods or for night/weekend work under certain conditions.
Can I switch from private to statutory health insurance as a student?
If you were exempted from the statutory health insurance obligation at the start of your studies and switched to private health insurance, it is generally no longer possible to switch back to statutory health insurance during your studies. A change is usually only possible again once you take up a job that requires mandatory insurance after your studies.
What is the cost of health insurance for students over 30?
Students over 30 are generally no longer eligible for coverage under the KVdS. They can then opt for voluntary statutory health insurance, where the contribution depends on income (the minimum contribution often exceeds 200 euros), or choose to take out private health insurance.
Do I need special health insurance for a semester abroad?
Within the EU/EEA, you are often fundamentally covered by your German statutory health insurance (with the EHIC card). For countries outside the EU or for more comprehensive protection, a <a href="/blog/was-ist-eine-auslandskrankenversicherung">foreign health insurance</a> is strongly recommended. Clarify details with your insurance provider.
