Comparing health insurance companies: How to save money and get better services!

Comparing health insurance companies: How to save money and get better services!

A current evaluation by Stiftung Warentest has published basic information about the additional services provided by statutory health insurance companies (GKV). In a comprehensive analysis, 67 health insurance funds were examined, which are open to almost all insured persons, although there may be regional restrictions. Overall, around 98% of those insured by statutory health insurance are insured with these funds. The results are based on the examination of over 200 extras and services, of which the results for 21 of them are presented in a clear table. The services examined include, among other things, the reimbursement of costs for travel vaccinations, pregnancy and childbirth services as well as bonus payments for early cancer detection and exercise. versicherungsjournal.de reports that…

The cheapest health insurance companies in comparison are BKK Firmus, HKK and Audi BKK. The total contribution rate of these funds varies between 16.78% and 19.00%. Among the cheapest providers are BKK Faber-Castell & Partner and BKK Public. In contrast, the BKK24 and Knappschaft cash registers are among the most expensive with rates of 18.99% and 19.00% respectively. A detailed cost analysis is important: Switching from the most expensive to the cheapest health insurance company can save up to 33 euros per month or 400 euros annually with a gross income of 3,000 euros. High earners could even save up to 730 euros a year, according to an analysis by test.de shows.

Additional benefits and bonuses

The additional services offered by the health insurance funds are not only diverse, but also crucial for choosing the right health insurance fund. For example, 52 health insurance companies offer subsidies for professional teeth cleaning, with the SDK BKK granting unlimited subsidies, while the AOK Niedersachsen can reimburse up to 500 euros. Reimbursement for osteopathic treatments is also handled differently; Here the AOK Niedersachsen is at the top with 500 euros. Other interesting offers include the highest bonuses for early cancer detection, which are paid out by the IKK at 40 euros, followed by AOK Rheinland/Hamburg and Bahn-BKK at 30 euros each.

The differences in additional services are significant and can significantly influence the final choice of fund. Many health insurance companies allow those insured to optimize their protection with powerful additional offers, while an estimated 95 percent of medical services are comparable across all health insurance companies. Stiftung Warentest is also aimed at those who want to change their health insurance provider by giving tips on choosing a health insurance provider. These include, among other things, ensuring that the health insurance companies respond quickly to concerns as well as taking into account support in the event of serious illnesses and timely payments.

Switching options and tips

Changing your health insurance provider is possible after 12 months of membership; Once again there is a special right of termination in the event of an increase in the additional contribution. This means that insured people can actively keep their costs under control and, if necessary, benefit from the cheaper offers from the health insurance companies. The health insurance calculator from Stiftung Warentest helps to determine potential savings by switching.

The current report “Cheap and good – the cash register that suits me” is available online for those interested at a price of 4.90 euros. Those interested can also purchase the Finance 8/2025 magazine as a download for 7.49 euros or as a print edition for 7.90 euros. The constant updating of Stiftung Warentest's database ensures the reliability of the information for all insured persons.