Enhanced Contributions Likely to See Substantial Growth, According to Auditor General - Enhanced Contributions May See Significant Surge, Courts of Auditors Predict
The financial situation of Germany's statutory health insurance (GKV) system is alarmingly poor, according to Florian Lanz, the association spokesperson. This situation has led to an increase in supplementary contributions, placing a significant financial burden on policyholders.
The Bundesrechnungshof (Federal Audit Office, BRH) in Berlin has reported that these rising supplementary contributions are a growing concern. These additional charges, which vary by insurer and are linked to gross monthly income, are expected to continue increasing in the near future.
In 2025, the average additional contribution rate is anticipated to be around 2.92%, with some insurers like Barmer charging as high as 3.29%. This means that for a monthly income of 4,000 euros, a policyholder could potentially face an increase of up to 18.65% in the statutory health insurance system, equating to approximately 750 euros more per year compared to today.
The current impact of these rising supplementary contributions is significant. Insured individuals face higher out-of-pocket costs beyond the standard insurance premiums, which directly affects their net income. Higher social security contributions reduce disposable salary, particularly for employees contributing about 50% alongside employers.
Experts warn of further hikes beyond 2025, which would continue to strain policyholders financially, potentially reducing affordability and increasing the economic burden on insured persons.
The GKV Association has demanded an expenditure moratorium to prevent reimbursements, budgets, and fees from rising more than revenues. Paula Piechotta, the Green Party budget and health policy spokeswoman, has criticised plans to delay health and long-term care insurance reforms, arguing that they exacerbate financial problems.
Lanz advocates for structural reforms in the health insurance system, suggesting that comprehensive political measures are needed instead of a loan to mitigate future contribution increases. The annual gap between revenues and expenditures in the health insurance sector is growing by 6 to 8 billion euros.
At the beginning of 2025, the average supplementary contribution for insured persons increased by 2.9%, surpassing the expected increase of 0.8 percentage points. Expenditures in the health insurance sector have increased by 8.2% compared to the previous year, marking the highest increase in the past three decades.
It is clear that the rising supplementary contributions to German public health insurance are a pressing issue, and policyholders are feeling the financial strain. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial that comprehensive political measures are taken to address this issue and ensure the affordability and sustainability of the health insurance system.
[1] Bundesrechnungshof (2022). Bericht zum Haushalt der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung. [Link] [2] Lanz, F. (2023). Interview: Die finanzielle Lage der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung ist alarmierend schlecht. [Link] [3] Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (2022). Sozialversicherungsbeiträge: Daten und Fakten. [Link] [4] Barmer (2023). Zusatzbeitragssätze 2025. [Link]
- The rising supplementary contributions in EC countries' health insurance systems, such as those in Germany, are causing concern for policyholders, particularly in light of anticipated increases beyond 2025.
- In the context of growing financial burdens on policyholders due to higher supplementary contributions, there is a need for structural reforms and comprehensive political measures in the health insurance sector, not just loans, to address long-term contribution increases.
