During their course of study students have to have a compulsory health and nursing care insurance (Kranken- und Pflegeversicherungspflicht). You have to present proof of this at enrolment.

Students can be insured in the health insurance fund of one of the parents until the age of 25 (family insurance policy) (Familienversicherung). This also applies if the students are married and are co-insured with their husband or wife.

Note: Voluntary service carried out before the start of the course of study can extend the period of co-insurance. The extension however is restricted to 12 months or two semesters. This applies to all the services which began on or after 1st July 2011.

The income of the students may not exceed 445 euros per month in the case of co-insurance. In the case of short-time employment (mini-job), the total income permitted amounts to 450 euros. BAföG benefits are not counted as income.

From the age of 25, students have to insure themselves. Students are free to choose their heath insurance funds. This compulsory insurance exists up to the 14th semester or at the latest until the students are 30 years old. Afterwards, they can continue to be insured voluntarily at a higher premium. Deadlines must be observed.

Note: Students at cooperative state universities have to take note of some special features. Please ask your health insurance company for advice.

The contribution for students for health insurance and nursing care is about 72,82 euros in total. In addition, you must pay the individual additional contribution to the statutory health insurance company to which you belong. The contribution to care insurance currently amounts to 16.55 EUR. For students without children aged over 23, this amounts to 18.17 EUR

Recipients of BAföG benefits, who have statutory health and nursing care insurance, receive an allowance (health and nursing care allowance) (Kranken- und Pflegeversicherungszuschlag). This amounts to 71 euros for health insurance and 15 euros for nursing care insurance.

Note: Even students have to make additional payments when claiming benefits from the statutory health insurance.