Overview
- The average additional contribution is set at 2.9 percent for 2026, up 0.4 percentage points, on top of the unchanged 14.6 percent base rate.
- Members affected by higher surcharges can cancel under the special right through January 31, with new coverage typically starting April 1 after continuing to pay the increased rate until the change.
- Stiftung Warentest reports 35 funds raised their rates, 36 left them unchanged and one lowered them at the turn of the year.
- Independent comparisons indicate switching can save up to about €800 annually for higher earners, though employees split contributions with employers while the self-employed shoulder the full amount, so careful benefit and cost checks are essential.
- The federal government is pursuing a plan to consolidate the number of statutory health funds from roughly 90 to about 20 to cut administrative costs, a proposal that has not yet been implemented.