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Germany Sets 2026 Health Insurance Surcharge Guide at 2.9% as Funds Warn of Hikes

Insurers together with social groups warn the €2 billion savings plan is insufficient, leaving average surcharges at risk of exceeding 3 percent.

Overview

  • The Health Ministry published a 2.9 percent orientation value for the average supplemental contribution for 2026, which Minister Nina Warken cast as stable contributions.
  • The GKV-Spitzenverband cautioned that without additional measures many funds will raise rates, pushing the average above 3 percent next year.
  • The Bundestag approved a roughly €2 billion savings package to ease 2026 finances, yet insurers and social associations say it does not address structural deficits.
  • Techniker Krankenkasse chief Jens Baas argued that optimistic revenue forecasts, a loan and a late savings plan do not resolve statutory insurance financing.
  • Supplemental rates currently range from under 2 percent to over 4 percent across funds, and members have special cancellation rights if their fund increases the charge.