Health insurance students pay 21 percent more

Health insurance: Students pay 21 percent more: At the turn of the year, students have to be prepared for significantly higher health insurance contributions. For summer semester 2011, student contributions will increase by 21 percent.

22.12.2010

Starting in 2011, students have to be prepared for significantly higher health insurance contributions. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, the contributions of the statutory health insurance increased by 21 percent. From January 1, 2011, students will pay 55.55 euros per month. From the summer semester an increase of the contribution to 64,77 Euro is planned. The previous contribution of a student so far was 53.40 euros per month. Due to the incremental increase, the Bafög increase, which has just been decided upon, is almost canceled out by higher contributions from the fund. The joy of a higher one

For students who have completed the 14-semester or the 30-year-old, a uniform contribution rate will apply from 2011 to the statutory health insurance companies. The contribution is based on the regular contribution rate of the health insurance companies. The rate of the statutory health insurance increases at the turn of the year from 14.9 to 15.5 percent. As part of the increase, the contributions for students will also be increased.

Higher health insurance contributions cancel Bafög increase
After a long struggle in the Bundesrat for an increase in student loan rates, it was decided for the winter semester to raise the student loan cap to 670 euros per month. Depending on how high the subsidy amount is, the health insurance contribution will be calculated from the beginning of the year as well. On average, the Bafög rate was raised by 13 euros per month per student. This gain in support will be taken off the students from the summer semester in April 2011 by the higher cash contribution again. Therefore, if you receive more student loans from next year, you will have to pay more for health insurance.

Especially older students pay higher cash contributions
Affected by the increase are mainly older students. Most students are between 25 and 30 years old. If you are younger, you will usually receive health insurance via the parents' joint family insurance. If a student is older than 30 years and has already studied more than 14 semesters, the health insurance may not choose more for students. Thereafter, a voluntary insurance with the health insurance companies or a private health insurance is possible for those affected. The minimum rate of a voluntary health insurance of the statutory health insurance will cost from 2011 126.90 euros a month. (Sb)

Image: Barney O.´Fair