Health insurance contributions are rising dramatically: money worries for employees!

Health insurance contributions are rising dramatically: money worries for employees!

Those with statutory health insurance must prepare for rising contributions, which will come into force on July 1, 2025. Several health insurance companies have already increased their contribution rates, which is leading to a noticeable additional burden for millions of employees. Forecasts also indicate drastic increases in contributions not only in 2025, but also in the following years. Loud Ruhr24 In particular, the additional contributions from several health insurance companies have increased significantly.

One of the most prominent increases is the Techniker Krankenkasse, which has doubled its additional contribution from 1.20% to 2.45%. With a gross monthly wage of 3,000 euros, this means that insured people have 18.75 euros less in their pockets, which amounts to an annual loss of 225 euros. The Securvita BKK, the IKK Brandenburg and Berlin as well as the Innovation Fund have also increased their contributions. While the Securvita BKK now charges 18.50% of gross wages, the contribution rate of the IKK Brandenburg and Berlin is 18.95% and that of the Innovation Fund is 18.90%. The most expensive provider remains the Knappschaft with a contribution rate of 19%.

Financial problems of health insurance companies

The financial situation of the statutory health insurance companies remains tense. Experts estimate that the shortfall will grow to 4 billion euros in 2026, even if 2.3 billion euros of government loans are made available. A financial hole of over 12 billion euros is forecast for 2027. An increase in the average contribution rate from 17.5% to 18.3% seems almost unavoidable without reforms, which means additional annual costs of 144 euros for an employee with a gross wage of 4,000 euros.

In addition, the contribution to nursing care insurance will also increase by 0.2 percentage points, which will further increase the burden on those insured. Pharmacy look around reports that the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds has already announced that it will have to expect further increases in contributions in 2026 in order to cover the costs of the hospital reform.

Political dimension

Doris Pfeiffer, chairwoman of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds, expressed concern both about the future development of contribution rates and about political behavior. She criticized health ministers for ordering significant increases in spending while simultaneously ignoring the stability of contribution rates. This has led to a decline in health insurance reserves, which is seen as the main reason for the increasing contributions.

Reiner Holznagel, President of the Taxpayers' Association, demanded that measures be taken to contain costs in the areas of care, pensions and health insurance. He also emphasized that the upcoming premium increases will result in a noticeable reduction in wallets for many people. Dissatisfaction among the insured is therefore growing, especially with a view to the coming financial burdens.