The Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) has set the average additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag) for public health insurance at 2.9% for 2027. That is the same rate as in 2026. The ministry announced the figure on October 30, 2026.
Together with the general rate of 14.6%, the average total contribution stays at 17.5% of your gross salary. Employees and employers each pay half.
But a stable average does not mean your own premium stays the same. Each health insurer (Krankenkasse) sets its own Zusatzbeitrag, and many already charge more than 2.9%.
- Average Zusatzbeitrag 2027: 2.9% (unchanged from 2026)
- General contribution rate: 14.6% (unchanged)
- Average total rate: 17.5%, split equally between you and your employer
- Actual average charged in 2026: about 3.13%, according to the GKV-Spitzenverband (umbrella association of public health insurers)
NOTE: The 2.9% is only a benchmark (Rechengröße). Your health insurer decides its own Zusatzbeitrag for 2027. Many insurers announce their new rates in December.
Why Did the Average Zusatzbeitrag Not Rise This Time?
The rate is based on a forecast by the GKV-Schätzerkreis, a panel of experts from the health ministry, the Federal Office for Social Security (BAS) and the GKV-Spitzenverband. The panel met on October 13 and 14, 2026.
It expects the health fund (Gesundheitsfonds) to take in €320.7 billion in 2027. Health insurers are expected to spend €378.1 billion.
The government credits its savings law, the GKV-Beitragssatzstabilisierungsgesetz. According to the ministry, it relieves health insurers by up to €19 billion in 2027. Spending should rise by less than 3% next year, compared with almost 7% in 2026. The same law also raises contributions for higher earners and their employers.
Health Minister Carsten Linnemann (CDU) said the average rate had kept rising in recent years and that the government has “now stopped this development”. He added that this can only be a first step. A government commission (FinanzKommission Gesundheit) is due to present proposals for structural reforms by the end of 2026.
Could Your Health Insurer Still Raise Its Rate?
Yes. Insurers with enough reserves can keep their rate stable or even lower it. Others may still have to raise it, for example to refill their legally required minimum reserves.
The association of substitute insurers (vdek) expects rates to stay largely stable overall but does not rule out increases at individual insurers. It also warned that a planned exemption for pharmaceutical companies (Standortklausel) could cost up to €1.3 billion. Without funding for it, rates could rise again. The AOK federal association also pointed to uncertainties in the 2027 forecast.
Last year showed how wide the gap can be. The average for 2026 was also set at 2.9%, but many insurers raised their rates above it in January 2026.
See the Zusatzbeitrag of every public health insurer ->
How Much Do You Pay With a 2.9% Zusatzbeitrag?
If your insurer charges the average 2.9%, you and your employer each pay 1.45% of your gross salary as Zusatzbeitrag. On a gross salary of €4,000 a month, that is €58 a month each.
The contribution ceiling (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze) also rises in 2027. Health insurance contributions are charged on income up to €6,375 a month (€76,500 a year), up from €5,812.50 in 2026. If you earn above the ceiling, your maximum employee share at the average total rate of 17.5% rises from about €508.59 to about €557.81 a month.
| Gross monthly salary | Your share of the 2.9% Zusatzbeitrag | Your share of the 17.5% total |
|---|---|---|
| €3,000 | €43.50 | €262.50 |
| €4,000 | €58.00 | €350.00 |
| €5,000 | €72.50 | €437.50 |
| €6,375 or more (ceiling 2027) | €92.44 | €557.81 |
Long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung) comes on top. Its rates are part of a separate reform, which we cover in our article on the long-term care insurance reform from 2027.
Self-employed people with voluntary public insurance usually pay the full rate themselves. Read more in our guide to health insurance for self-employed people and freelancers.
Public Health Insurance Cost Calculator
- Calculate how much different public health insurance companies cost.
- You can check if you are insured with the cheapest public health insurance.
- Calculate how much you can save by switching to cheaper public health insurance.
Will Your Health Insurer Tell You About an Increase?
Not necessarily. Since the end of July 2026, health insurers no longer have to inform you personally before raising their Zusatzbeitrag. We explained the background in our article on the scrapped notification duty.
The governing coalition wants to bring the duty back. Insurers would have to inform you by letter or digitally, for example in their app. Whether the new rule applies in time for increases on January 1, 2027 depends on when the law takes effect.
WARNING: Do not wait for a letter. Check your insurer’s website or app in December, or look at your January payslip. Expats often miss German-language notices in the online portal.
Can You Switch to a Cheaper Health Insurer?
Yes. If your insurer raises its Zusatzbeitrag, you have a special termination right (Sonderkündigungsrecht). You can use it until the end of the month in which the higher rate first applies.
- If your insurer raises its rate on January 1, 2027, you have until January 31, 2027 to choose a new insurer.
- You do not need to cancel in writing. The new insurer handles the switch for you.
- The usual notice period of two full months still applies. In this example, you would be with the new insurer from April 1, 2027, and you pay the higher rate until then.
Around 95% of the benefits of public health insurers are set by law, so the Zusatzbeitrag is often the biggest difference. Compare the cheapest public health insurers in Germany before you decide. Many expats choose TK* because it offers an English website, app and customer support.
Is Private Health Insurance an Option for You in 2027?
Employees can only choose private health insurance if they earn more than the compulsory insurance limit (Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze). In 2027, this limit rises to €84,150 a year. If you earn more, read our comparison of public vs. private health insurance in Germany.
The right choice depends on your age, health, family plans and income. We recommend speaking with an independent health insurance broker before you switch. You can book a free callback below.
Book a free call with a health insurance expert
- German health insurance is a complicated product. There are several factors that must be considered before deciding which health insurance is best for you. An expert can guide you and help you pick the best option for you.
- An Insurance broker is liable for their advice. This means if the policy they recommended doesn’t offer the coverage you requested, they are liable to pay the damages incurred in the future.
What Should You Do Now?
- Check your current Zusatzbeitrag and compare it with the 2.9% average.
- Watch for your insurer’s 2027 rate in December. Rates take effect on January 1.
- If your rate goes up, decide by January 31, 2027 whether to switch.
- Use our public health insurance cost calculator to see how much you could save.
See every change in Germany for 2027 ->
Sources
- Bundesministerium für Gesundheit: BMG legt durchschnittlichen Zusatzbeitragssatz auf 2,9 Prozent fest (30.10.2026)
- Bundesamt für Soziale Sicherung: Ergebnis des GKV-Schätzerkreises für 2026 und 2027
- G+G (AOK): BMG lässt durchschnittlichen Zusatzbeitragssatz unverändert
- krankenkasseninfo.de: Durchschnittlicher Zusatzbeitrag 2027 bleibt bei 2,9 Prozent
- BMAS: Sozialversicherungsrechengrößen-Verordnung 2027
- Verbraucherzentrale: Zusatzbeitrag der Krankenkasse – Sonderkündigung und Wechsel möglich
