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Health Insurance Costs Climb Across Germany as Statutory Surcharges Rise and Private Premiums Jump

A limited hospital savings plan has not offset rising medical costs, shifting pressure toward broader reform.

Overview

  • More than 40 statutory funds raised their 2026 additional contribution, with the average surcharge around 2.9 percent and large insurer DAK setting 3.2 percent.
  • BKK Firmus is currently listed as the cheapest statutory option at a 2.18 percent surcharge and a total rate of 16.78 percent, while some funds exceed 3 percent.
  • About 60 percent of privately insured customers face premium hikes averaging roughly 13 percent, with Allianz (~11%), Gothaer (~12.7%), Barmenia (~11.6%) and HanseMerkur (~13%) among those increasing rates.
  • Health Minister Nina Warken’s package aims to save up to €2 billion mainly in hospitals as an expert review prepares proposals by March, with a significant funding gap projected for 2027.
  • Studies highlight non-painful savings of up to €13 billion annually through digitalization and better care steering, while consumers can switch statutory funds, use special cancellation rights, or pursue internal PKV tariff changes; many pensioners will see adjusted withholdings reflected from March.