Many students today work during their studies so they don't have to live on pasta and pesto alone. It's not just about the money, but also the many experiences students gain during their jobs. Another reason is to go beyond the theoretical part of your studies and get to know real, practical life.

One way to earn money is a working student job (Werkstudent).
In the following article, we would like to give you important information on health insurance for working students in Germany.

Working Student Health Insurance and Social Contributions
During your working student job, you are exempt from most social insurance contributions. Only a small portion is deducted for pension insurance. To be exempt from the remaining contributions, you must stay within certain working hour and income limits.

  • Do not exceed the 20-hour rule. If you work more than 20 hours per week during your studies, you are no longer considered a working student but a regular employee. This means you are subject to compulsory insurance. You lose your working student status and no longer receive the benefits of working student health insurance.
  • You may not earn more than 450 euros per month. If you earn more than 450 euros, you automatically move into a student health insurance plan.

If you comply with these two rules, you are exempt from social insurance contributions.

The 4 Health Insurance Options for Working Students

  • Family insurance: Until your 25th birthday you can be insured free of charge through your family. If you are married, coverage through your spouse is possible. With family insurance you pay no contributions.
  • Student health insurance: If you are older than 25, you are generally subject to compulsory coverage through a student health insurance fund. Membership lasts until you turn 30 or until the end of your 14th subject-specific semester. The membership fee is about 80 euros.
  • Voluntary statutory insurance: If you are older than 30 and have exceeded the semester limit, you still have to be insured. You are free to choose between health insurance funds. The amount of the membership fee can vary.
  • Voluntary private insurance: If you have yourself exempted from student health insurance and want to take out voluntary private insurance, you remain in the private health insurance for students until your 34th birthday. Monthly premiums vary from insurer to insurer.

Exceptions to the Working Student Health Insurance Rules
During the semester break you may work more than 20 hours per week. You are allowed to work up to 40 hours per week during your lecture-free period. If your contract is limited to just 3 months, you may work more than 20 hours per week.
If you have a job that can only be done in the evening and at night, the health insurance fund can also make an exception in this case.
Talk to your health insurance fund about getting approval.