Overview
- Private health insurers will implement tariff-based premium increases from January 2026, with adjustments following prescribed legal mechanisms rather than signaling miscalculation.
- The insurance obligation threshold (JAEG) for employees rises to €77,400 in 2026, narrowing access to private coverage for those below that income level.
- The contribution ceiling (BBG) increases, which means higher earners in statutory insurance will pay contributions on a larger share of income even if benefits do not change.
- Employer support is higher but capped in 2026 at up to €508.59 per month for health insurance plus €104.63 for long-term care, leaving any excess private premium to the employee.
- Advisers caution that cutting private tariffs can reduce employer subsidies, shrink tax deductions, and diminish age-related reserves, while statutory insured largely only gain by switching funds for modest savings.