Contribution bomb bursts: PKV increases standard tariff by 25 percent!

Contribution bomb bursts: PKV increases standard tariff by 25 percent!

From July 1, 2025, contributions in the standard private health insurance (PKV) tariff in Germany will increase by 25 percent, increasing the monthly contributions from 400 euros to 500 euros. This premium increase follows an increase of 9.3 percent that occurred in the previous year, which also placed a burden on the insured. The standard tariff was introduced in 1994 and is aimed primarily at older insured people with limited income. Around 53,000 people have currently chosen this tariff, which ensures access to important health services.

The adjustment of contributions is regulated by law and can only take place if the actual benefit expenditure exceeds the original calculation by at least 10 percent, which is currently the case. An independent trustee checks whether the contribution adjustments are necessary. In particular, the increased costs in the hospital sector are cited as the main reason for the increase in the standard tariff. This development not only affects private health insurance, but also statutory health insurance companies (GKV), which also suffer from increased service expenditure.

Invitation to membership in the standard tariff

The standard tariff is open to long-term privately insured people aged 65 and over and, under certain conditions, also to younger insured people. The monthly contributions are capped at 804.82 euros for individuals and 150 percent of this value for married couples. The services in the standard tariff largely correspond to those of the GKV.

The premium adjustment also affects the basic tariff, which is available for new PKV insured people. From July 1, 2025, increases will also be required here. However, the premium increase in the basic tariff only affects some of the insured and is based on the GKV benefits, with the contribution being limited to the maximum GKV contribution plus the average additional contribution.

Financial challenges for the insured

A significant increase in costs in the hospital sector, which rose by over 13 percent in 2023, contributes to the need for premium increases. Hospital care costs rose by 37.5 percent between 2021 and 2023. There has also been an increase in planned hospital treatments, which brings additional burdens for those insured.

Around two thirds of all private health insurance tariffs had to be increased in 2025, which puts many insured people under pressure. The PKV Association reviews the necessity of such measures and determines the necessary contributions for newly insured people. However, the existing regulations guarantee that the contribution in the standard tariff is not higher than the maximum contribution in the GKV.

The contribution level in the standard tariff remains attractive for those who have been insured for a long time, as aging provisions can be taken into account. Nevertheless, the standard tariff is under pressure due to legal regulations that close access to those with private insurance after December 31, 2008. In this context, the basic tariff is offered as an alternative, but the access restrictions could deter many interested parties.

Subsidies from the German Pension Insurance Federation are also available for pension recipients, which can provide financial relief. However, many insured people are faced with an uncertain financial future as rising healthcare costs are likely to continue to pose challenges in the future.

In summary, the current situation in the healthcare system shows that both private and statutory health insurance are facing significant financial challenges. The standard tariff remains an important option for many insured people, even if the upcoming premium increases raise questions about its long-term affordability.

North24 reports on the significant premium adjustments, while the PKV explains the background to the increases and explains further details about the standard and basic tariff.