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Self-insurance during your studies

Michael Bauernhofer from the Styrian Chamber of Labor (small picture) explains self-insurance for students.(Bild: Krone KREATIV/Stock adobe, AK Stmk/Kanizaj)

Michael Bauernhofer, expert for social insurance law at the Styrian Chamber of Labor, knows which age limits students who are co-insured with their parents have to pay attention to and what is important when it comes to self-insurance and marginal employment.

Most students remain co-insured with their parents during their studies. However, this co-insurance is only possible until the student's 27th birthday, and a confirmation of study and proof of academic success of at least eight semester hours per week or 16 ECTS points must be submitted each year.

If co-insurance is no longer possible, for example due to age or a change of study program, there is the option of self-insurance as a student for EUR 69.13 (2024) per month. With the exception of sickness and maternity benefits, all health insurance benefits can be claimed and other family members can also be co-insured.

If you are already in marginal employment during your studies, it is advisable to take out self-insurance based on this employment for EUR 73.20 (2024) per month.

An activity is considered marginal if the monthly income does not exceed EUR 518.44 (2024). With this type of self-insurance, students are also entitled to sickness and maternity benefits and already earn periods for a later retirement pension.