Overview
- A Bundessozialministerium regulation, which the cabinet approved on 7 October 2026, confirmed the new contribution‑assessment ceilings that will take effect in 2027.
- The key thresholds are now set at €76,500 a year for statutory health insurance, €84,150 for the insurance‑obligation threshold, and €106,200 for pension insurance.
- Workers already above the old ceilings will pay more from 2027, with an illustrative rise of about €102 a month for many and roughly €1,220 a year for a parent, while employers’ contribution shares also increase.
- A planned rise in the childless care surcharge from 0.6% to 0.9% is part of the Pflegeneuordnungsgesetz but still needs Bundestag approval and the overall changes require Bundesrat sign‑off.
- Experts warn some high earners may weigh switching to private health insurance, but that move carries long‑term risks because private rates can rise and returning to statutory cover later is often difficult.