Overview
- The membership‑weighted average Zusatzbeitrag rose from 2.94% to 3.13% at the turn of the year, increasing payments for millions of members, the GKV-Spitzenverband said.
- The baseline contribution rate remains 14.6% shared equally, with each fund’s additional surcharge also split between employers and employees.
- Surveys show widespread hikes: dpa counts 42 of 93 statutory insurers raising rates, while Stiftung Warentest reports 35 of 72 open funds lifted surcharges by 0.2–1.1 points, pushing total rates to roughly 16.78%–18.99%.
- Major funds including Techniker Krankenkasse, DAK, AOK Niedersachsen and AOK Nordwest announced higher total rates for 2026, according to BILD.
- Members obtain a special cancellation right when rates rise and can switch relatively easily, while Health Minister Nina Warken stresses the 2.9% figure was only guidance and insurers cite rising hospital and drug costs and reserve requirements.