Navigating health insurance as a student in Germany can seem complex, especially when understanding the costs involved. As a student enrolled in a German university, mandatory health insurance is a must. This contribution is standardized across Germany and is calculated based on the BAföG rate, regardless of whether you receive BAföG support. Let’s break down what this means for your expenses, particularly when considering payments from Euro To Tk (Techniker Krankenkasse), one of Germany’s leading health insurers.
Compulsory Health Insurance Contributions for Students
For students under 30 years old, or those who haven’t exceeded the 14th semester of their studies, compulsory health insurance applies. The contributions are divided into health insurance and long-term care insurance components. Here’s a detailed look at the monthly costs you can expect with TK, valid from January 1, 2025:
| Breakdown of Monthly Contribution | Health Insurance (EUR) | Long-Term Care Insurance (EUR) | Total Amount (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 23 years, no children | 108.33 | 30.78 | 139.11 |
| From 23 years, no children | 108.33 | 35.91 | 144.24 |
| With at least 1 child | 108.33 | 30.78 | 139.11 |
| With 2 children under 25 | 108.33 | 28.64 | 136.97 |
| With 3 children under 25 | 108.33 | 26.51 | 134.84 |
| With 4 children under 25 | 108.33 | 24.37 | 132.70 |
| With 5+ children under 25 | 108.33 | 22.23 | 130.56 |
Note: These figures include TK’s supplementary contribution rate of 2.45% for long-term care insurance.
These contributions are consistent whether you are under or over 23, with a slight increase in long-term care insurance for those 23 and older without children. Families with children benefit from reduced long-term care insurance contributions, reflecting Germany’s family-friendly policies.
Voluntary Health Insurance for Students Over 30
Once you reach the age of 30, or complete your 14th semester, your compulsory student insurance typically expires. However, under certain conditions, extensions are possible (more on that later). If you are no longer eligible for compulsory student insurance, you will transition to voluntary insurance. Voluntary insurance contributions are calculated differently, based on your income. If you have no income, a minimum contribution applies. Here are the monthly rates for voluntarily insured students with TK:
| Voluntarily Insured Students | Health Insurance (EUR) | Long-Term Care Insurance (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 23 years, no children | 205.35 | 44.94 |
| From 23 years, no children | 205.35 | 52.43 |
| With at least 1 child | 205.35 | 44.94 |
| With 2 children under 25 | 205.35 | 41.82 |
| With 3 children under 25 | 205.35 | 38.70 |
| With 4 children under 25 | 205.35 | 35.58 |
| With 5+ children under 25 | 205.35 | 32.46 |
Note: These figures also include TK’s supplementary contribution rate of 2.45% for long-term care insurance.
As you can see, voluntary insurance contributions are significantly higher than compulsory insurance, highlighting the benefits of maintaining compulsory student insurance as long as possible.
Payment Options: Direct Debit and Semester Contributions
TK offers convenient payment methods for your contributions. The easiest way to manage your payments is by setting up a direct debit mandate. This allows TK to automatically deduct your monthly contributions from your bank account, ensuring timely payments without you having to worry about manual transfers each month.
Alternatively, if you prefer not to use direct debit, you will typically need to pay the entire semester contribution in advance. Direct debit is generally recommended for its convenience and to avoid any potential issues with coverage due to late payments.
Extending Your Student Health Insurance: Circumstances and Conditions
In certain situations, TK can extend your student health insurance beyond the age of 30 or the 14th semester limit. Valid reasons for extending your insurance include:
- Illness
- Disability
- Birth of a child
- Providing care for a disabled or sick relative
- Serving on a committee or council of a higher education institution
- Denial of admission to a study program
- Basic military service or alternative community service
- Voluntary social year
- Second chance education
- Bundesfreiwilligendienst (BFD)
- Comparable approved voluntary service (e.g., IJFD)
- Attendance at a Studienkolleg
- Enrollment in a preparatory language course
If any of these circumstances apply to you, it’s crucial to contact TK to discuss the possibility of extending your student health insurance. Providing documentation related to your situation will help TK assess your eligibility for an extension.
Understanding the costs of your health insurance in Euro to TK is an essential part of managing your finances as a student in Germany. By being aware of the contribution rates, payment options, and conditions for extending student insurance, you can ensure you have continuous health coverage throughout your studies. For personalized assistance and to set up your insurance, you can contact the TK-ServiceTeam 24/7 at +49 40 – 46 06 62 53 00.
