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Additional contributions from health insurance companies are increasing again: This is how you can save now!
Find out how increasing additional contributions for health insurance companies can affect your costs in 2025 and which insurance companies are currently cheap.
Additional contributions from health insurance companies are increasing again: This is how you can save now!
Statutory health insurance in Germany is facing a new challenge: Many health insurance companies are increasing their additional contributions, which is becoming a burden for those insured given the financial situation and general inflation. Loud Mercury 82 health insurance companies increased their additional contributions to an average of 2.9 percent at the beginning of 2025. This increase follows a cost shock that was already felt in January.
Doris Pfeiffer, head of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds, describes the situation as “dramatic” and warns of further increases. Eight funds have already applied to increase their contributions for the month of July, but specific funds have not been named. The general contribution rate for statutory health insurance remains at 14.6 percent, which is shared between employer and employee.
Increases and savings at a glance
What is particularly noticeable is that despite the increased additional contributions, some health insurance companies can offer lower contributions. The ten cheapest health insurance companies have an additional contribution of less than 2.5 percent, with the bkk firmus being the cheapest health insurance company with a contribution of just 0.9 percent, followed by the Handelskrankenkasse (hkk) with 0.98 percent. For comparison, the Knappschaft has the highest additional contribution of 2.7 percent.
| Health insurance | Additional contribution |
|---|---|
| bkk firmus | 0.9% |
| hkk | 0.98% |
| Technicians' Health Insurance | 1.2% |
| Commercial health insurance (KKH) | 3.28% |
| BKK 24 | 3.25% |
| Knappschaft | 2.7% |
These differences can have significant financial consequences for many insured people. For example, switching to bkk firmus with gross earnings of 4,000 euros could result in savings of 533 euros per year. This option is becoming more and more useful, as not all health insurance companies increase the additional contributions equally.
Forecasts and alternatives
The economic situation of the statutory health insurance companies is also reflected in the forecasts for 2025. How daily news reported, the additional contribution is expected to increase by 0.8 percentage points to up to 2.5 percent. This could mean that with a gross monthly income of 3,000 euros, both the insured person and the employer have 12 euros less available net.
In addition, the contribution assessment limit will rise from the current 5,175 euros to 5,512.50 euros. Insured people should therefore be well informed and, if necessary, change provider in order to save money. Consumer advice centers recommend not only taking into account the contributions, but also the additional services offered and support in finding a doctor.
In view of the current economic situation and the increasing additional contributions, comparisons between health insurance companies are essential. Stiftung Warentest and numerous internet portals can help you make the best decision.