Overview
- Millions of insured will see higher deductions from January, with employers covering half of the increase under Germany’s shared-contribution rules.
- The unweighted average additional rate rose by 0.23 percentage points from 3.13% to 3.36%, based on GKV data updated at the turn of the year.
- Contribution levels now range from 2.18% to 4.39%; 48 funds left rates unchanged, two lowered them, and a merger reduced the number of statutory insurers to 93.
- Insured persons have a special right to cancel after an increase and may switch providers; a 0.23-point rise equates to roughly €3.50 less net per month on €3,000 gross.
- Large funds say the pre-Christmas hospital cost “savings package” is insufficient, while insurers point to outlays climbing from €312bn in 2024 toward projections of ~€347bn in 2025 and ~€370bn in 2026.