Major statutory health insurance providers in Germany have announced increases to their additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag) rates effective January 2026. An additional contribution is charged on top of the 14.6% general rate. The average Zusatzbeitrag is set at 2.9%, up from 2.5% in 2025, impacting employees, employers, and retirees.
How is the health insurance premium calculated? ->
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), Germany’s largest provider with 12.3 million members, raises its rate from 2.45% to 2.69%. This results in a total contribution of 17.29%. DAK-Gesundheit will increase the additional contribution from 2.8% to 3.2%. Others insurers, such as energie-Betriebskrankenkasse jump to 3.98% and VIACTIV to 4.19%. Some providers, such as BKK firmus, offer lower rates around 2.18%, remaining among the cheapest options nationwide.
Additional contribution of public health insurance companies in Germany in 2026 ->
For a €5,000 gross monthly salary, a 0.4% Zusatzbeitrag increase results in about €10 less net pay per month for employees and 20€ per month for self-employed. Retirees face changes from March 2026.
The government has also increased the maximum income used to calculate public health insurance premiums. It has increased from 5512.5€ per month (2025) to 5812.5€ per month (2026). This further increases premiums for high earners. Despite a €2 billion government stabilization package, providers cite rising costs for the increases.
You can switch your health insurance provider by January 31, 2026, if your premiums have increased. Because public health insurance companies’ services are regulated by law, 95% of their services are the same. Thus, you should save by choosing an insurer with a lower Zusatzbeitrag, such as TK* or HKK. Check the full list of Additional Contributions in 2026 for all providers.
Public Health Insurance Cost Calculator
- Calculate how much different public health insurance companies cost.
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Providers continue announcing rates into late December 2025, with the GKV-Spitzenverband expecting averages above 3% for many. Staying informed helps expats and employees minimize costs amid these mandatory changes.
