Switch to a Cost-Effective Health Insurance Provider in 2024
In the coming year, prepare for an average additional contribution of 1.7%. However, health insurance companies may surpass or fall below this amount. If your health insurance fund's cost becomes overwhelming, explore cheaper options. Several health insurance providers have already shared their additional contribution information for the upcoming year.
The average additional contribution in 2023 amounted to billions of euros, according to the comparison portal Check24. If all statutory health insurance holders switched to the most affordable nationwide health insurance fund (BKK Firmus) with a 0.9% additional contribution, they would have saved an impressive five billion euros.
So far, nine health insurance companies have disclosed their additional contributions for 2024. Several aim to maintain the contribution level, while one plans to reduce it. No significant increase has been announced yet; however, health insurance companies cannot hike the contribution unnoticed without prior notice - four weeks before adjusting the contribution rate. It is vital to monitor your health insurance provider's website or membership magazine for updates.
Save Big by Switching Providers
Health insurance contribution entails a general contribution rate and an additional contribution, both shared equally between employees and employers or pensioners and the pension insurance fund. The supplementary contribution can fluctuate based on the health insurance fund's decision. By exploring cheaper options, insured individuals may save between 100 and 200 euros annually.
Streamlined Switching Process
All health insurance companies remain freely selectable, regardless of age or ongoing treatment, as long as they are available in your federal state. In 2021, the process of switching became more straightforward, allowing for annual switches, similar to car insurance.
Should your health insurance company increase the additional premium, you enjoy a special right of termination at the end of the month where the higher premium goes into effect. Termination given regularly will take effect at the end of the following month. A 12-month notice period now applies instead of the previous 18 months, enabling annual switching opportunities.
Health Insurance Companies with Lower Additional Contributions (as of 2024):
- AOK Baden-Württemberg (not available nationwide) - 1.60%
- AOK Bavaria (not available nationwide) - 1.58%
- AOK Bremen/Bremerhaven (not eligible nationwide) - 1.38%
- BKK Faber-Castell & Partner (not eligible nationwide) - 1.10%
- BKK VerbundPlus - 1.38%
- Energie-Betriebskrankenkasse - 1.59%
- MHplus (not available nationwide) - 1.58%
- Handelskrankenkasse (HKK) - 0.98%
- Techniker Krankenkasse - 1.20%
The cheapest nationwide health insurance company, HKK, stands firm at 15.58% total contribution. Although the most affordable nationwide health insurance company, BKK Firmus, has not revealed its additional contribution for 2024 yet.
Tax Implications and Extra Services
Keep in mind that switching to a less expensive health insurance provider may cause marginal tax increases on your income. Before deciding, consider whether the new provider's services align with your preferences, such as dental cleaning, osteotherapy, and homeopathy.
Further Reading
Change your health insurance provider and save money by exploring cost-effective options while considering special termination rights and tailoring your selected provider's services to your preferences.
