Student health insurance in Germany: what it costs in 2026
Public vs private student health insurance in Germany, real 2026 premiums, the under-30 rule, and the one decision you cannot reverse.
Sources and last review
Reviewed 2026-09-15
Health insurance is not optional in Germany, and it is not a formality you can sort out later. You cannot enrol at a university, complete your visa application, or extend a residence permit without proof of valid cover. Roughly 400,000 international students are studying in Germany, and every one of them holds a policy.
The system is genuinely confusing at first, because two parallel systems exist, the rules change the moment you turn 30, and one of the choices you make in your first three months cannot be undone. This guide covers what each option actually costs in 2026 and how to avoid the decisions students most often regret.
The short answer
Under 30 and enrolled in a degree programme
You qualify for the public student tariff at roughly €141 per month. This is almost always the right choice.
Over 30, or not in a degree programme
The student discount disappears. Voluntary public insurance costs roughly €240 to €275 per month, so private cover becomes worth considering.
Public insurers compared, 2026
Student totals include health insurance, the insurer-specific supplementary contribution and long-term care insurance. Age and children affect the total. Compare a current contribution calculation for your circumstances.
| Insurer | Monthly cost | Notable for |
|---|---|---|
| TK (Techniker) | Request current contribution | Best English-language support, campus presence |
| AOK Bayern | Request current contribution | Largest branch network, multilingual offices |
| DAK | Request current contribution | Strongest alternative medicine benefits |
| BARMER | Request current contribution | 24/7 telemedicine |
What drives the cost
The base premium is fixed by law
All statutory insurers charge the same €87.38 base rate, set nationally.
Long-term care insurance is added on top
Pflegeversicherung adds roughly €30 to €35 per month and is mandatory.
Cheaper insurers do exist
Smaller funds such as hkk or BKK firmus charge lower supplementary rates for identical core coverage.
The decision you cannot reverse
Opting out of public insurance is permanent
If you choose private insurance as a student, you are generally locked out of the public system for the whole duration of your studies.
What you need to get insured
The order matters. You need the insurance certificate before you can enrol at university.
Timing traps
Travel insurance is not a substitute
Incoming policies cover the gap before your public insurance starts, not the whole year.
Turning 30 mid-degree
The student tariff normally ends at the end of the semester in which you turn 30. Extensions require qualifying circumstances and an individual decision. The former 14-semester limit was abolished in 2020. Confirm your next insurance status before student cover ends.
Study length and eligibility
The student tariff normally ends at the end of the semester in which you turn 30. Extensions require qualifying circumstances and an individual decision. The former 14-semester limit was abolished in 2020. Confirm your next insurance status before student cover ends.