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Health insurance during studies: what students need to know

Students must have health insurance. Depending on age, income, and employment, the contribution-free family insurance, the affordable student health insurance, or another solution applies. The right choice saves money and avoids gaps.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Up to the age of 25, students are often insured contribution-free through their parents' family insurance, provided their own income does not exceed the limits. After that, or with higher income, student health insurance applies (§ 5 SGB V).
Student health insurance is comparatively affordable. A side job can jeopardize the family insurance if the income limits are exceeded, but this can be planned for.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check your status

    Clarify whether you are covered by family insurance or must insure yourself.

  2. 2

    2. Watch your income

    With a side job, watch the income limits of the family insurance.

  3. 3

    3. Check student cover

    From age 25 or when family insurance ends, switch to student health insurance.

  4. 4

    4. Meet the deadlines

    Register in good time to avoid gaps in coverage.

How to spot the scam

  • A side job unnoticed causes the family insurance to end.
  • After the age of 25, the necessary switch is missed.
  • A gap in coverage arises without valid protection.

Frequently asked questions

Am I covered as a student through my parents?

Up to age 25 often yes, in the contribution-free family insurance, as long as your own income does not exceed the limits. A mini-job is usually harmless, but higher earnings can end the family insurance.

What is student health insurance?

A reduced-cost insurance for students who are no longer covered by family insurance, usually from age 25 or with too high an income. It applies up to an age limit and certain numbers of semesters and is considerably cheaper than the regular tariff.

What happens with a well-paid side job?

If your income exceeds the limits, the contribution-free family insurance can end and you must insure yourself. A working-student job is also possible but has its own rules. So coordinate your employment and insurance accordingly.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.