ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ

On July 1, 2026, several health insurers again raised their additional contribution rates — a step that otherwise usually takes place at the turn of the year. The reason for this is rising healthcare expenditures, as well as demographic change, which additionally burdens the system. Although insured persons of Knappschaft experienced slight relief: the insurance's additional contribution rate fell marginally but remained at a high level. The current rate is around ** percent. This still makes it one of the most expensive health insurers in Germany.

How are statutory health insurance contributions composed?

Statutory health insurance (SHI) contributions in Germany consist of the general contribution rate and the fund-specific additional contribution rate. The general contribution rate is the same for all statutory health insurance funds and currently stands at **** percent. The additional contribution rate is set by the health insurance funds themselves and is guided by the average additional contribution rate. With individually set contribution rates, funds can finance supplementary benefits, such as bonus programs, and cover their extra financial needs. At an additional contribution of ***percent.

Do all insured persons of one fund pay the same?

How much insured persons pay to their health fund depends on various factors. For example, insured persons without entitlement to sickness benefit pay a reduced contribution rate, and people without income pay the statutory minimum amount. The contributions of insured persons with regular income are determined by the members' income subject to contributions (§ 226 SGB V) below the so-called contribution assessment ceiling. This is the amount up to which a legally insured person's wages and pension are used for contributions to statutory pension insurance, unemployment insurance, health insurance, and long-term care insurance. The portion of income that exceeds the respective contribution assessment ceiling is not considered when calculating contributions.