Expensive times for privately insured people: This is how you can really save now!

Expensive times for privately insured people: This is how you can really save now!

In 2025, the contribution rates in private health insurance (PKV) will have increased significantly. So far, 85 percent of those with private insurance have been paying higher contributions since the beginning of the year, with the average increase being 13.9 percent. From July 2025, further increases in the standard and basic tariff are also on the agenda, which could further increase the burden for many insured persons. A possible increase in the cost of medical treatments is also expected due to a new fee schedule for doctors. These circumstances make it necessary to think about cost reduction options.

One way to relieve the burden is to change tariffs within the PKV. Insured persons have the right to switch to a cheaper tariff without having to undergo a new health check. Loud fr.de Free advice from the insurance company is required by law, which helps the insured to make the right decision. Insured persons can also switch to the standard or basic tariff, although the standard tariff is only available to insured persons who took out the insurance before 2009. The basic tariff, on the other hand, is open to all PKV insured people, but only offers services at GKV level. From July, contributions in the standard tariff will increase by 25 percent and will now amount to 500 euros per month.

Cost reduction options

There are many options for reducing costs. Changing to statutory health insurance (GKV) is possible under certain conditions. People under 55 can return to the GKV if their income is below the compulsory insurance limit of 73,800 euros. However, for people over 55, this only applies under special conditions, such as family insurance.

• Tarifwechsel innerhalb der PKV: Recht auf Wechsel in einen günstigeren Tarif ohne neuen Gesundheitscheck.
• Wechsel in den Standard- oder Basistarif: Standardtarif nur für Versicherte vor 2009, Basistarif für alle PKV-Versicherten.
• Rückkehr in die gesetzliche Krankenversicherung: Möglich unter bestimmten Bedingungen für unter 55-Jährige.

Heike Ruthenberg, responsible for consumer issues in the PKV Association, explains that there are two main motives for changing tariffs. On the one hand, there is a desire for additional benefits, especially among young self-employed people who would like to increase their insurance coverage after successfully setting up a business. On the other hand, there is a desire for financial relief, for example in the event of poorer business situations or reduced retirement benefits. When premiums are adjusted at the turn of the year, requests for tariff changes usually increase, even if most insured persons can understand the increases.

The contributions to private health insurance also increase per capita in the long term, but not more than those for statutory health insurance companies. It is important to note that a change to other similar tariffs is possible at any time and aging provisions will be taken into account. A health check is only required if the new plan offers more comprehensive benefits. Qualified advice is necessary to transparently show the various tariff alternatives; this is usually free of charge. It is advisable to first speak to your own private health insurance company or its intermediaries before changing your tariff in order to avoid possible risks that could arise from external, fee-based advice. These can often jeopardize insurance coverage because they usually work on a fee basis.

It is essential for insured people to be well informed and to weigh up all options in order to be well prepared in the current situation of rising costs for private health insurance.