TK’s Bonusprogramm is one of the most consistently underused benefits available to students in Germany. You pay for health insurance regardless — the bonus program lets you earn cash back for things you’d probably do anyway.
How the Program Works
TK awards points for preventive health activities. Accumulate enough points in a calendar year and you receive a Prämie (cash payment) credited to your bank account. The maximum annual payout was around €270 in recent years, though TK adjusts the program periodically.
Points come from: annual physical (Gesundheits-Check-up), dental checkup, eye exam, cancer screening (Krebsvorsorge), gym membership, sports courses, app-based fitness tracking, and various health programs TK runs.
The Easiest Points to Get
Annual checkup: Required anyway, gives significant points. Book an appointment with a Hausarzt (GP) and complete the statutory checkup. Takes 30 minutes, earns you the checkup record you can upload to the TK app.
Dental checkup: German public insurance covers twice-yearly dental cleanings. The checkup itself earns points. Go to the dentist twice a year and upload the Bonusheft confirmation.
Gym membership: Any licensed gym qualifies. Upload your contract or membership card. If you already use a gym, this is free points for something you’re already paying for.
TK-Coach app: TK has a health coaching app that gives points for completing health goals and programs. Takes about 20 minutes of setup and earns a meaningful chunk of your annual points quota.
The Upload Process
All documentation goes through the TK app (available for iOS and Android, with an English interface). Photograph your receipts, checkup confirmations, and gym contract. Submit under the Bonusprogramm section. TK typically processes submissions within 2-4 weeks and sends a notification when points are added.
Common Mistakes
Missing the calendar year deadline: Points must be submitted before December 31 for the current year. Many people forget to upload their gym membership or dentist visit from January.
Non-qualifying activities: Not every gym qualifies — it must have the right certification (Qualitätssicherung). Check the TK list of eligible facilities before joining if the bonus points are a factor in your decision.
BARMER and AOK Have Similar Programs
TK gets the most attention for this, but BARMER and most AOK branches run comparable bonus systems. If you’re with another insurer, check their app or website for equivalent programs. The maximum payouts differ but the structure is similar.
