Overview

• Statutory health insurance contributions in Germany have risen to an average of 2.9% in 2025, with further annual increases of 0.2 percentage points projected without reforms.
• Total social insurance contributions are expected to climb from 42% to nearly 49% of workers' incomes within the next decade, exacerbating economic strain.
• The CDU/CSU–SPD coalition government has deferred structural reforms, establishing advisory commissions on health and care insurance instead.
• Economists warn that high social insurance rates are dampening private consumption, risking prolonged economic stagnation and job losses.
• Pension contributions are projected to rise from 18.6% to 22.3% by 2035 to maintain benefit levels, intensifying concerns over intergenerational fairness.