Rising Additional Contributions Predicted for German Health Insurers

Recent assessments indicate that German health insurance policyholders may face significant increases in additional contribution rates. Following a year of unprecedented growth in expenditures, the Federal Court of Auditors has projected that the income of health insurers will consistently fall short of their outgoings. This trend is expected to lead to an average increase of 0.3 contribution points annually in the supplementary rates, as outlined in a report submitted to the Bundestag's Budget Committee.

The Court of Auditors referenced forecasts from the Federal Ministry of Health, which anticipates that the additional contribution rates could rise to 4.05% by 2029 under a moderate scenario. This 35-page report, which has been accessed by the German Press Agency, highlights the pressing financial situation facing the statutory health insurance system.

The auditors have criticized the federal government for its inaction, suggesting that the establishment of an expert commission is merely a delay tactic rather than a proactive solution. In a previous statement to a major newspaper, the Minister of Health indicated that initial countermeasures to combat rising contributions would be implemented prior to the outcomes of the planned reform commission.

Since 2015, the average additional contribution rate has surged from 0.9% to an alarming 2.5%, reflecting a substantial increase of 1.6 contribution points. This trend has placed a growing financial burden on both contributors and employers. In 2025, the overall social security contributions, which encompass various social insurance contributions, rose by nearly 1.5 percentage points to 42.3%, marking a significant increase.

Healthcare costs are escalating at a rate of 6 to 8 billion euros annually, with 2025 witnessing the most substantial rise in expenses--8.2%--in the last three decades. At the start of the year, average additional contributions were recorded at 2.9%, surpassing earlier expectations.

One health policy spokesperson criticized the government's delay in addressing the pressing financial difficulties, emphasizing that the current coalition lacks the strength and unity necessary for effective reform. They warned that contributors could see their rates climb to as high as 18.65% under current projections, potentially costing an individual earning 4,000 euros per month nearly 750 euros more annually.

In light of these developments, the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds has called for a spending moratorium, which would prevent increases in reimbursements, budgets, and fees from outpacing income. According to officials, the state of the statutory health insurance system is alarmingly precarious, with some suggesting that future rate hikes may be managed through loans rather than substantial political reforms.