German health insurance contributions will “remain stable” in 2027

German health insurance contributions will remain stable in 2027, according to Federal Health Minister Carsten Linnemann of the CDU party. The average additional contribution rate is expected to stay at 2.9 percent, after a series of increases since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. These rates are set by the government as a benchmark, but health insurance providers can set their own rates within this range.

The lowest additional contribution rate for 2026 was 2.5 percent, paid by TUI BKK, while the highest was 4.39 percent, charged by BKK 24. The government has passed a series of austerity measures that will result in fewer subsidised treatments and services for those with statutory health insurance, including higher prescription fees and the end of free spousal health insurance.

Despite this, the additional contribution rate is stabilising as a result of the government's healthcare reform passed in July. The additional contribution rate is important for those with public health insurance, as it determines the cost of additional treatments, such as cancer screenings and contraception. If a health insurance provider increases its additional contribution rate, policyholders have the right to switch providers before the end of the month in which they receive notice of the change.