Statutory health insurance: contributions, limits and comparison
Statutory health insurance bases the contribution on income, not on your state of health. Up to the Beitragsbemessungsgrenze BBG · BeitragsbemessungsgrenzeThe contribution ceiling of statutory health and long-term care insurance. Income above this amount is not used to calculate contributions.More about BBG →, the contribution rises with income. Above it, it stays the same. Spouses without their own income and children are insured free of charge.
Comparison: statutory and private health insurance
| Criterion | Statutory | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Financing | Solidarity principle in a pay-as-you-go system. No ageing reserves are built up. | Calculation based on individual risk. Part of the premium is set aside as an ageing reserve for old age. |
| Basis of the contribution | The contribution depends on income up to the Beitragsbemessungsgrenze . Above it, it stays the same. | The premium depends on age at entry, state of health and the chosen plan, not on income. |
| Catalog of benefits | The catalog of benefits is set by law and largely the same for all funds. | The scope of benefits depends on the chosen plan and can be well above the statutory level. |
| Family | Spouses without their own income and children are insured free of charge. | Each person needs their own contract with their own premium. There is no free family insurance. |
FAQ
How is the contribution to statutory health insurance calculated?
Contributions are made up of the general contribution rate of 14.6 percent and the Zusatzbeitrag ZusatzbeitragThe additional contribution each statutory health insurance fund charges on top of the general rate. Its level differs from fund to fund.More about Zusatzbeitrag → of each statutory health insurance fund. Both are charged on income subject to contributions up to the Beitragsbemessungsgrenze.
The average Zusatzbeitrag has risen considerably over the years and is 2.9 percent in 2026. On top of this comes long-term care insurance at 3.6 percent. Insured people without children pay 4.2 percent from age 23.
Who pays the contribution alone?
Employees share the contribution equally with their employer. For some years now, this has also applied to the Zusatzbeitrag .
The self-employed and freelancers are usually voluntarily insured and pay the full contribution themselves. A minimum assessment applies to them, so a minimum contribution is due even on a low profit. Pensioners pay half the contribution on their statutory pension and company pension, and in some cases the full rate on other income.
What are the maximum contribution and the Beitragsbemessungsgrenze?
The Beitragsbemessungsgrenze marks the upper income limit up to which contributions are charged. Income above it is free of contributions.
This results in the maximum contribution. In 2026, self-employed people without children who are voluntarily insured reach it at around €1,261 per month, including long-term care insurance. Employees pay half of this themselves, because the employer covers the rest.
What should I look for when I compare statutory and private?
The statutory health insurance fund works on the solidarity principle and finances benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis. So it builds no ageing reserves. Private health insurance calculates based on risk and sets aside capital for old age.
If you have the choice, do not compare only today's contribution. Also look at family planning, your state of health and the development over the years.
Which topics on statutory health insurance do we cover?
The detail pages explain contributions, limits and special cases of statutory health insurance one by one.
| Topic | What the page explains |
|---|---|
| Costs of statutory health insurance | Contribution rates and special cases |
| Maximum contribution | Amount, calculation and development |
| Voluntary statutory insurance | Who belongs and what it costs |
| Contribution increase | Mechanism and special right of termination |
| Zusatzbeitrag | Amount and range |
| Act to Strengthen Competition in Statutory Health Insurance | Background and effects |
How high is the contribution to statutory health insurance?
It is 14.6 percent of income plus the Zusatzbeitrag of the fund, on average 2.9 percent in 2026, plus long-term care insurance. For voluntarily insured people without children, the maximum contribution reaches around €1,261 per month, including long-term care.
Can I lower my statutory contribution?
Yes, for example by switching to a statutory health insurance fund with a lower Zusatzbeitrag , through elective plans with a deductible or, for the self-employed, by proving a lower profit. Free family insurance lowers costs further.
When does it pay off to switch statutory health insurance fund?
Above all when your own fund raises the Zusatzbeitrag or another fund is noticeably cheaper. If your income is close to the Beitragsbemessungsgrenze , the difference has the strongest effect.
Get all your questions answered, free of charge and without obligation.
Personal advice from our specialists. Response time: under 24 hours.
Switching to private health insurance is probably not advisable for you.
From the age of 55, admission to private health insurance is often possible only with restrictions. A late switch can also mean higher premiums.
It matters to us that a switch pays off for you in the long run. That is why we do not recommend a consultation when your answers already show that the conditions are rather unfavorable.
Not sure, or want to correct your answers? Feel free to contact us. We will help you assess your situation.
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