Health Insurance Costs Surge: What You Need to Know
Many health insurance companies are increasing their contribution rates, leading to financial strain for many. Particularly hard hit are retirees who face rising costs. This is what insured individuals should know to navigate the changes.
Contribution Hikes on the Horizon
Statutory health insurers face increasing financial pressures. Numerous companies are planning to increase additional contributions throughout 2025. These adjustments are not only implemented at the beginning of the year but also at various points during the year.
The top association of statutory health insurance (GKV) has revealed that six additional health insurance providers have applied to increase their additional contributions by July 1. Since the start of the year, a total of fourteen providers have raised their contributions.
“If there are no short-term measures, another increase in contributions would result at the turn of the year,”
—Florian Lanz, Spokesman for the GKV association
Contribution Increases Continue
At the beginning of the year, 59 statutory health insurance companies had already increased their additional contributions. Among them were significant providers like Barmer, DAK, and Techniker Krankenkasse. The contribution rates vary significantly, with the miners currently having the most expensive statutory health insurance at 19 percent.
In April, contribution increases became effective for BKK Verbund Plus, MHPlus, and BKK 24. BKK Firmus saw its rate increase to 16.78% on May 1st, while BKK Scheufelen rose to 18%. Employees, employers, and pensioners share the overall contributions.
Impact and Options for Insured
For those receiving a standard pension, the rising contributions could mean additional expenses totaling up to 255 euros annually, according to Verivox. There is an exception for company pensions where insured individuals are required to bear the entire contribution alone. However, there’s a monthly allowance of 187.25 euros.
An increase in health insurance contributions could prompt insured individuals to seek more affordable options. There is a special right of termination in such situations. Individuals can switch at any time, as long as the deadline is observed: the change will take effect at the end of the month, but no sooner than two months later.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health, the average supplementary contribution rate in 2024 was 1.7%. However, the rates are expected to rise, as a recent analysis by the “WirtschaftsWoche” projects. (Source 2024)
