Overview
- About half of statutory insurers raised their Zusatzbeitrag from January 1, lifting the weighted average to 3.13% from 2.94%, with BKK firmus the cheapest at 2.18% and BKK 24 the highest at 4.39%; Knappschaft slightly reduced its rate.
- Members get a special cancellation right through the end of the month in which the higher rate first applies, plus regular switching after 12 months with two months’ notice, and a January termination typically takes effect April 1 when initiated via the new fund.
- Capital’s examples show annual employee savings of about €240 per percentage point at €4,000 monthly gross and up to roughly €770 when moving from BKK 24 to BKK firmus at the contribution cap; Stiftung Warentest notes increases at large funds such as Techniker and Barmer.
- Private insurers say around 60% of customers face increases averaging about 13% in 2026, with reported hikes at Allianz (~11%), Gothaer (~12.7%), Barmenia (~11.6%) and HanseMerkur (~13%).
- Insurers cite sustained spending growth, including higher hospital and long‑term care costs, while private customers can mitigate by switching to cheaper in‑house tariffs, adjusting deductibles or dropping add‑ons, though age reserves complicate moving to a new insurer; social tariffs remain a fallback.