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Medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription in Germany since 2017. Over the years, it has become an established treatment option for patients with certain serious medical conditions. Under specific circumstances, statutory health insurance (GKV) can cover the costs — but approval is usually required before treatment begins.

When Medical Cannabis Is Covered by Insurance

Health insurance providers in Germany may cover medical cannabis if certain criteria are met. In most cases, patients must go through a pre-approval process (Genehmigung) before receiving treatment.

Approval is typically granted when:

• A serious medical condition is present
• Conventional treatments have not been effective or are not suitable
• There is a reasonable expectation that cannabis therapy will improve symptoms

Doctors must provide medical justification when applying for approval on behalf of the patient.

Conditions Commonly Treated with Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis is not a first-line treatment. It is usually prescribed when standard therapies have failed or caused significant side effects.

It may be approved for conditions such as:

• Chronic pain
• Spasticity, particularly in conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Severe nausea and vomiting, especially during chemotherapy
• Loss of appetite, for example in cancer or chronic illness
• Other serious conditions where conventional treatment options are insufficient

Each case is assessed individually by the health insurance provider.

What Types of Cannabis-Based Medications Are Available?

Medical cannabis in Germany is strictly regulated and can only be obtained with a valid prescription from a doctor.

Available products include:

• Cannabis flowers
• Cannabis extracts
• Dronabinol (synthetic THC)
• Nabilone (synthetic cannabinoid medication)

All of these products are dispensed through pharmacies and must meet strict pharmaceutical quality standards.

How the Prescription Process Works

If a doctor determines that medical cannabis may be appropriate, they will initiate the approval process with the patient’s health insurance provider.

The typical steps include:

1. Medical assessment and recommendation by the doctor
2. Submission of an application to the Krankenkasse
3. Review and approval by the insurer
4. Issuance of a prescription after approval
5. Collection of medication from a pharmacy

Once approved, patients can receive cannabis-based medication as part of their ongoing treatment plan.

Patient Co-Payment Rules

Even when medical cannabis is covered by statutory health insurance, standard co-payment rules apply.

Patients are required to pay:

• 10% of the medication cost
• Minimum €5 per prescription
• Maximum €10 per prescription

These co-payments are consistent with other prescription medications within the GKV system.

Does Recreational Cannabis Affect Medical Coverage?

Germany has introduced changes regarding recreational cannabis use, but these do not affect medical cannabis coverage.

Medical cannabis remains a separate, strictly regulated treatment option that requires a doctor’s prescription and, in most cases, prior approval from the health insurance provider.

Patients using cannabis recreationally are still eligible for medical cannabis prescriptions if they meet the necessary medical criteria.

A Regulated Treatment Option Within the Healthcare System

Medical cannabis is now an established part of Germany’s healthcare system for patients with serious conditions who do not respond to standard therapies.

While access is controlled through a structured approval process, the option provides an additional pathway for treatment where other methods have proven insufficient.

For patients dealing with chronic pain, neurological conditions, or severe treatment side effects, discussing medical cannabis with a doctor may be a valuable step toward finding effective symptom relief.

Germany’s healthcare system continues its transition toward digital infrastructure. One of the most visible changes for patients is the introduction of the electronic prescription (E-Rezept), which is now mandatory for prescription medications covered by statutory health insurance.

The traditional pink paper prescription (Muster 16) that patients were used to receiving from their doctor is gradually being phased out. Instead, prescriptions are now issued and transmitted digitally through Germany’s secure healthcare network.

What Is the E-Rezept?

The E-Rezept is a digital prescription that replaces the traditional paper prescription for medications that require a doctor’s authorization.

When a doctor prescribes medication, the prescription is created electronically and stored within Germany’s secure healthcare infrastructure. Patients no longer need to carry a paper prescription to the pharmacy.

Instead, pharmacies can access the prescription through the national healthcare network once the patient presents the appropriate identification method.

How the Electronic Prescription Works

The process for receiving medication with an E-Rezept is designed to be simple for patients.

After the doctor issues a prescription, it is transmitted digitally via Germany’s Telematikinfrastruktur, the secure digital network used by healthcare providers.

Patients can then collect their medication at any pharmacy using one of the following options:

• Their health insurance card (Versichertenkarte)
• The E-Rezept smartphone app
• A printed QR code if requested by the doctor’s office

The pharmacy retrieves the digital prescription from the system and dispenses the medication as usual.

Picking Up Medication at Any Pharmacy

One advantage of the electronic prescription system is increased flexibility. Because prescriptions are stored digitally, patients can choose any pharmacy in Germany to collect their medication.

There is no longer a need to physically hand over a paper prescription. Pharmacies simply access the prescription through the secure healthcare network once the patient identifies themselves.

This digital approach also reduces the risk of lost prescriptions and simplifies repeat medication management.

The Role of the Telematikinfrastruktur

The E-Rezept system operates through Germany’s Telematikinfrastruktur, the secure digital communication network connecting doctors, pharmacies, hospitals, and health insurance providers.

This infrastructure ensures that prescription data is transmitted securely between healthcare providers while meeting strict data protection requirements.

The system is designed to protect sensitive medical information and ensure that only authorized parties can access prescription data.

Electronic Sick Notes (eAU) Are Also Fully Digital

Alongside the electronic prescription system, Germany has also introduced the electronic sick note (eAU).

Previously, employees received a paper certificate from their doctor confirming their inability to work and had to submit copies to their employer and health insurance provider.

With the eAU system, the process is now fully digital:

• Doctors transmit the sick note directly to the health insurance provider
• Employers retrieve the information electronically from the system
• Patients no longer need to deliver paper certificates themselves

This change reduces paperwork and simplifies the process for both patients and employers.

A Major Step Toward Digital Healthcare

The introduction of the E-Rezept and electronic sick notes represents another major step in Germany’s effort to modernize its healthcare system.

By replacing paper-based processes with secure digital communication, the system aims to improve efficiency, reduce administrative work, and make healthcare services more convenient for patients.

As digital healthcare infrastructure continues to expand, tools like electronic prescriptions are expected to become a standard part of everyday medical care in Germany.

Germany’s long-term care insurance system (Pflegeversicherung) is facing growing financial pressure. Rising costs, an aging population, and a shortage of care workers are placing increasing strain on the system. In response, contribution rates have continued to increase, and policymakers are debating how to ensure sustainable funding for long-term care in the coming decades.

In 2026, the Pflegeversicherung contribution rate has increased to 3.4%, reflecting the growing demand for nursing care services across the country.

What the Pflegeversicherung Covers

Germany introduced long-term care insurance in 1995 to help individuals manage the financial burden of nursing care. The system is mandatory and is funded through contributions shared between employees and employers.

The Pflegeversicherung provides financial support for individuals who require assistance with daily living due to age, illness, or disability. This includes support for:

• Home-based care services
• Nursing home care
• Professional nursing assistance
• Support for family caregivers

However, it is important to understand that the Pflegeversicherung does not cover the full cost of care.

The Growing Cost Gap for Nursing Care

Although long-term care insurance provides financial assistance, it typically covers only part of the total expenses. Patients and their families are responsible for paying the remaining costs.

For individuals living in nursing homes, this gap can be substantial. In many cases, residents must contribute between €1,500 and €2,500 per month out of pocket to cover accommodation, food, and additional care services.

These costs can place a significant financial burden on families, especially when long-term care is required for several years.

A Major Shortage of Nursing Staff

Another major challenge facing Germany’s care system is the shortage of qualified nursing staff.

Experts estimate that Germany will need more than 500,000 additional nursing professionals by 2030 to meet the needs of its aging population. The demand for care services is expected to grow significantly as the number of elderly citizens continues to rise.

Without sufficient staffing, maintaining high-quality care across hospitals, home care services, and nursing homes will become increasingly difficult.

Why Private Supplementary Nursing Insurance Is Becoming More Important

Because statutory long-term care insurance covers only part of the total costs, many financial advisors now recommend private supplementary nursing insurance (Pflegezusatzversicherung).

These additional policies are designed to help cover the gap between what the Pflegeversicherung pays and the actual cost of care. By providing additional monthly benefits, supplementary policies can significantly reduce the financial burden on families.

Such policies are particularly relevant for individuals who want to protect their savings and avoid placing financial pressure on their relatives.

State-Subsidized Pflege-Bahr Option

One accessible option for additional coverage is the state-subsidized Pflege-Bahr insurance.

This program encourages individuals to take out supplementary long-term care insurance by providing a government subsidy. Policies can start from around €10 per month, making them one of the most affordable entry points into private nursing care coverage.

Although Pflege-Bahr policies typically offer limited benefits compared to more comprehensive private insurance plans, they can still provide valuable additional financial protection.

The Future of Long-Term Care in Germany

Germany’s long-term care system is entering a period of major transformation. With rising costs, demographic shifts, and workforce shortages, policymakers are working to find sustainable solutions for the future.

For individuals and families, understanding how the Pflegeversicherung works — and recognizing its limitations — is increasingly important. Planning ahead and exploring supplementary coverage options may help reduce financial risks associated with long-term care needs later in life.

Germany is currently undergoing one of the most significant healthcare restructuring efforts in decades. The hospital reform (Krankenhausreform) aims to modernize the hospital system, improve quality of care, and address financial pressures within the healthcare sector.

With around 1,700 hospitals across the country, Germany has more hospitals per capita than many other developed nations. While this broad network has historically ensured strong regional access to care, policymakers increasingly argue that the system is fragmented and inefficient. The new reform seeks to reorganize hospital services to deliver higher-quality treatment while ensuring long-term sustainability.

Why Germany Is Reforming Its Hospital System

Germany’s hospital landscape developed over many decades and includes a large number of smaller facilities offering a wide range of services. While this model helped provide accessible care, it also led to challenges such as duplicated services, financial strain on smaller hospitals, and variations in treatment quality.

Many hospitals struggle with staffing shortages, rising costs, and increasing demands for specialized medical care. As a result, the reform aims to restructure the system so that hospitals can focus on areas where they have the expertise and resources to deliver the best outcomes.

Fewer Hospitals, More Specialized Care

A central goal of the reform is to shift toward fewer but better-equipped hospitals that specialize in specific medical services.

Instead of every hospital offering a broad range of procedures, the system will increasingly organize care into specialized service groups. Hospitals will focus on particular medical fields where they have the necessary experience, equipment, and personnel.

This approach is intended to improve treatment quality, especially for complex procedures that require highly trained teams and advanced technology.

Complex Surgeries to Be Concentrated in Experienced Centers

One of the key elements of the reform is the concentration of complex medical procedures in highly experienced centers.

Research has shown that hospitals performing a higher number of specific procedures often achieve better outcomes for patients. By centralizing complex surgeries in specialized hospitals, the reform aims to improve safety, reduce complications, and increase overall treatment quality.

Patients may need to travel slightly farther for certain treatments, but the expectation is that the higher level of expertise will lead to better results.

Changes to the Hospital Financing System

Another major component of the reform involves the way hospitals are funded.

Until now, Germany’s hospital financing has largely relied on the DRG system (Diagnosis Related Groups). Under this model, hospitals receive payment based on the number and type of treatments they provide. Critics argue that this structure can create financial pressure to increase the number of cases rather than focusing solely on quality of care.

The reform plans to introduce a hybrid financing model, combining:

• Base funding to ensure hospitals maintain essential infrastructure and staff
• Case-based payments for actual treatments performed

This model aims to reduce financial pressure while ensuring hospitals remain financially stable even if patient numbers fluctuate.

More Treatments Moving to Outpatient Care

Another important shift within the reform is the transition of many procedures from inpatient to outpatient treatment.

Advances in medical technology and treatment methods mean that many procedures no longer require overnight hospital stays. By performing more treatments on an outpatient basis, the healthcare system can reduce costs and free hospital capacity for more complex cases.

Patients also benefit from shorter recovery times and the ability to return home more quickly after treatment.

Impact on Rural Hospitals

The reform may have significant implications for smaller hospitals, particularly in rural areas.

Some facilities may no longer operate as full-service hospitals. Instead, they could be transformed into outpatient treatment centers, emergency care units, or specialized medical facilities.

While this change may raise concerns about local access to healthcare, policymakers argue that maintaining under-resourced hospitals can compromise treatment quality. The goal is to ensure that patients receive care in facilities that are properly equipped and staffed.

A Major Transformation of the German Healthcare System

Germany’s hospital reform represents a major transformation of the country’s healthcare infrastructure. By concentrating specialized services, adjusting financing models, and expanding outpatient treatment options, the reform aims to improve both efficiency and quality of care.

Although the transition will take several years and may involve difficult adjustments for some hospitals, the long-term objective is to create a more sustainable and modern hospital system capable of meeting the evolving needs of patients.

Access to mental health care remains one of the biggest challenges within Germany’s healthcare system. Despite ongoing reforms, many patients still face waiting times of 3 to 6 months for a regular psychotherapy spot.

To address this issue, Germany has introduced several reforms aimed at improving access, expanding treatment options, and providing faster support for people in need of mental health care.

The Current Challenge: Long Waiting Times

Demand for psychotherapy in Germany continues to exceed available capacity. Many patients seeking treatment for conditions such as depression, anxiety, or stress-related disorders often wait several months before starting regular therapy.

This delay can significantly impact recovery and highlights the need for faster access pathways and alternative treatment options.

Faster Help Through Akutbehandlung

One of the key improvements is the increased availability of Akutbehandlung (acute treatment).

This form of therapy is designed for patients in urgent need of psychological support. It offers:

• Up to 24 sessions
• Short-term, structured intervention
• Immediate support during mental health crises

Akutbehandlung helps bridge the gap between initial consultation and long-term therapy, ensuring patients receive timely care when they need it most.

Systemic Therapy Fully Covered

Another important development is the inclusion of systemic therapy (Systemische Therapie) as a fully covered treatment method under statutory health insurance.

Since its introduction, systemic therapy has become an established option alongside other recognized approaches. It focuses on relationships, social context, and interaction patterns, making it particularly effective for certain psychological conditions.

This expansion gives patients more flexibility in choosing a therapy method that suits their needs.

Growth of Group Therapy Options

To improve access and increase treatment capacity, reforms are encouraging the expansion of group therapy.

Group sessions allow therapists to treat multiple patients at the same time, which helps:

• Reduce waiting times
• Provide peer support and shared experiences
• Improve access to therapy overall

For many patients, group therapy can be an effective and supportive alternative to individual sessions.

Faster Appointments via 116117

Germany’s Terminservicestelle, available via the number 116117, plays a central role in improving access to care.

Patients are entitled to receive:

• A psychotherapy consultation within 4 weeks

This initial consultation helps assess the patient’s condition and determine the next steps for treatment.

While this does not always guarantee immediate long-term therapy, it ensures that patients are quickly evaluated and guided within the system.

What If No Therapist Is Available?

In cases where no approved (publicly contracted) therapist is available within a reasonable time, patients have another option: the Kostenerstattungsverfahren (reimbursement procedure).

This allows patients to:

• Seek treatment from a non-approved private therapist
• Apply for reimbursement through their statutory health insurance

To qualify, patients usually need to demonstrate that they were unable to find an available approved therapist within a reasonable timeframe.

This option provides an important safety net for patients who would otherwise face long delays in accessing care.

What These Reforms Mean for Patients

The recent reforms are aimed at making mental health care more accessible and flexible. While challenges remain, patients now have more pathways to receive support:

• Faster access to initial consultations
• Immediate short-term help through Akutbehandlung
• More therapy options, including systemic therapy and group sessions
• Alternative routes through reimbursement if no therapist is available

A Step Forward for Mental Health Care in Germany

Although waiting times are still a significant issue, the latest reforms represent an important step toward improving access to psychotherapy in Germany.

By expanding treatment options and introducing faster access points, the system is gradually becoming more responsive to patient needs. For individuals struggling with mental health conditions, understanding these options can make a meaningful difference in accessing timely care.

Germany is continuing the nationwide rollout of the electronic patient record (elektronische Patientenakte, ePA), marking a major step toward digital healthcare. The system is designed to give patients easier access to their medical information while improving coordination between doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers.

Under the new approach, every member of Germany’s statutory health insurance system (GKV) automatically receives an electronic patient record unless they actively opt out. This approach is known as the opt-out model (Widerspruchslösung) and is intended to accelerate the adoption of digital medical records across the country.

What Is the Electronic Patient Record (ePA)?

The electronic patient record (ePA) is a secure digital file that stores important medical information about a patient in one place. Instead of relying on paper documents or fragmented records across different providers, the ePA allows healthcare professionals to access relevant medical data when treating a patient.

The record can include a wide range of health information, such as:

• Diagnoses from doctors and specialists
• Prescribed medications
• Laboratory results
• Vaccination records
• Hospital discharge letters
• Medical imaging results such as X-rays or scans

By centralizing this information, the system helps ensure that doctors have a more complete picture of a patient’s medical history.

Automatic Enrollment for GKV Members

With the rollout of the ePA, all members of statutory health insurance automatically receive a digital patient record. Patients do not need to actively apply for it.

However, participation is not mandatory. Individuals who do not wish to use the system can opt out at any time by informing their health insurance provider.

This opt-out structure is designed to encourage widespread adoption while still giving patients full control over whether they participate.

Patients Control Their Medical Data

One of the key features of the electronic patient record is that patients remain in control of their health information.

Users can decide:

• Which doctors can access their data
• Which specific documents are shared
• How long healthcare providers can view certain records

This level of control allows patients to manage access to sensitive medical information while still benefiting from a centralized record.

Managing Your ePA Through Health Insurance Apps

Each statutory health insurance provider offers its own mobile app or digital platform that allows members to manage their electronic patient record.

Through these apps, patients can:

• View stored medical documents
• Grant or revoke access for healthcare providers
• Upload additional health information
• Manage permissions for different types of medical data

This makes it possible for patients to monitor and control their medical records directly from their smartphone.

Secure Infrastructure Behind the ePA System

Because medical information is highly sensitive, the ePA system was designed with strict security requirements.

Patient data is encrypted and stored within Germany’s secure healthcare infrastructure, known as the Telematikinfrastruktur. The system is operated by gematik, the national organization responsible for digital healthcare infrastructure.

This architecture ensures that medical data is protected according to Germany’s strict data protection regulations and cannot be accessed without proper authorization.

Why the Electronic Patient Record Matters

The introduction of the electronic patient record is expected to significantly improve healthcare coordination. When doctors have access to relevant medical information, they can make better treatment decisions and avoid unnecessary duplicate tests or procedures.

For patients, the system offers greater transparency and control over their own health data. Instead of collecting documents from multiple providers, individuals can access their medical history in one centralized digital record.

As the rollout continues across Germany, the ePA is set to become a key component of the country’s broader digital health strategy.

Germany continues to expand its digital healthcare system through the DiGA program (Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen). The initiative allows doctors to prescribe certified digital health applications that are fully covered by statutory health insurance.

With more than 50 approved digital health apps now available, patients across Germany can access innovative digital therapies for a growing range of medical conditions.

What Are DiGA Apps?

DiGA stands for digital health applications that can be prescribed by a doctor and reimbursed by statutory health insurance providers (Krankenkassen). These apps are designed to support medical treatment and help patients manage certain health conditions through structured digital programs.

Unlike general wellness apps found in typical app stores, DiGA applications must undergo strict medical evaluation before they can be approved. They must demonstrate proven benefits for patient care and meet high standards for data protection, safety, and effectiveness.

Once approved, these apps become part of Germany’s healthcare system and can be prescribed just like traditional treatments.

How Digital Health Apps on Prescription Work

The process of receiving a DiGA app is relatively simple and designed to integrate smoothly into normal medical care.

First, your doctor evaluates whether a digital health application could support your treatment. If it is suitable, the doctor issues a Verordnung (prescription) for the specific digital health app.

The typical process works as follows:

1. Your doctor prescribes an approved DiGA app
2. You submit the prescription to your Krankenkasse
3. Your health insurance provider reviews the request
4. You receive an activation or unlock code
5. You download the app and activate it using the code

Once activated, the app becomes part of your treatment plan, and the costs are covered by your statutory health insurance.

Health Conditions Supported by DiGA Apps

The range of health conditions supported by digital health applications continues to grow. Many DiGA apps focus on conditions where digital therapy and structured programs can significantly improve outcomes.

Some of the most common areas include:

Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, where digital therapy programs can complement traditional treatment.

Sleep disorders such as insomnia, where behavioral therapy programs delivered through apps can help patients improve their sleep patterns.

Chronic back pain, where digital physiotherapy exercises and posture guidance help patients manage pain and improve mobility.

Tinnitus, where specialized therapy programs can help patients reduce stress and manage symptoms.

Additional apps support diabetes management, ADHD treatment assistance, and other chronic health conditions.

Examples of Approved Digital Health Apps

Several DiGA apps have already become widely used within the German healthcare system.

For mental health treatment, apps such as Deprexis and HelloBetter provide structured therapy programs based on cognitive behavioral therapy methods.

Patients dealing with chronic back pain may be prescribed Kaia, which offers guided exercises, movement tracking, and educational content to support pain management.

For individuals experiencing tinnitus, the Kalmeda app provides therapy-based training designed to help patients cope with persistent ringing in the ears.

These apps are only a few examples among the growing number of approved digital health tools available to patients.

Why Digital Prescriptions Are Becoming More Important

Digital health applications offer several advantages within modern healthcare systems. One major benefit is accessibility. Patients can start using therapy programs immediately after activation, without long waiting times for appointments.

This is particularly valuable for conditions such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain, where regular engagement with therapeutic exercises can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Another advantage is patient empowerment. Digital health apps allow individuals to actively participate in their treatment, track their progress, and follow structured programs designed to support long-term health improvements.

When to Ask Your Doctor About DiGA Apps

If you are dealing with certain medical conditions, a digital health app could be a useful addition to your treatment plan.

You may want to discuss DiGA options with your doctor if you experience:

• Depression or anxiety
• Insomnia or sleep disorders
• Chronic back pain
• Tinnitus
• Diabetes management challenges
• ADHD-related symptoms

Your doctor can determine whether a certified digital health app is suitable for your situation and provide the necessary prescription.

The Growing Role of Digital Healthcare in Germany

Germany’s DiGA program represents a major step toward integrating digital technology into everyday healthcare. By allowing doctors to prescribe medically approved apps, the healthcare system is expanding access to therapy and improving patient support outside traditional clinical settings.

As the number of approved applications continues to grow, digital health tools are expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of patient care.

Germany’s statutory health insurance system continues to experience rising costs in 2026. The average supplementary contribution (Zusatzbeitrag) has increased to around 1.7%, continuing the upward trend seen in recent years. For many policyholders, this means slightly higher monthly premiums. At the same time, contribution increases can also create an opportunity to review your current insurer and potentially switch to a more affordable option.

Why the Supplementary Contribution Is Increasing

The supplementary contribution is used by statutory health insurance funds to cover the gap between healthcare expenses and the fixed base contribution rate. In recent years, healthcare costs in Germany have steadily increased due to several factors.

These include higher expenses for medical treatments, rising pharmaceutical prices, and an aging population that requires more healthcare services. As a result, many health insurance providers have had to adjust their supplementary contribution rates to ensure financial stability.

Average Zusatzbeitrag in 2026

In 2026, the average supplementary contribution is approximately 1.7%. This average serves as a benchmark for the statutory health insurance system, but individual insurers are allowed to set their own rates.

This means the actual Zusatzbeitrag can vary depending on the health insurance fund you are insured with. Some providers have increased their contributions noticeably, while others have managed to keep their rates relatively stable. For example, hkk has consistently remained among the insurers with comparatively low supplementary contributions.

Because of these differences between providers, it can be worthwhile for insured individuals to review their current policy and compare alternatives.

What the Increase Means for Employees

Even small percentage changes can have a noticeable effect on monthly contributions.

For example, an employee earning €4,000 gross per month may pay approximately €12 to €20 more per month compared to 2025, depending on the specific health insurance fund and its new supplementary rate.

While this increase may appear modest, it adds up over time and can become significant over the course of a year.

How the Zusatzbeitrag Is Shared

Since a reform introduced in 2019, the supplementary contribution has been shared equally between employers and employees.

This means:

• 50% of the Zusatzbeitrag is paid by the employer
• 50% is paid by the employee

As a result, when a health insurance fund raises its supplementary contribution, both sides share the additional cost.

Special Right to Switch Health Insurance

An important rule many insured individuals are unaware of is the special right to switch health insurance if their provider increases its supplementary contribution.

If your health insurance fund raises its Zusatzbeitrag, you are allowed to:

• Cancel your membership within two months
• Switch to another statutory health insurance provider
• Avoid the usual 12-month minimum membership period

This rule gives policyholders the opportunity to respond quickly to contribution increases and potentially move to a provider with lower premiums.

Why Reviewing Your Health Insurance in 2026 Can Save You Money

The increase in the average supplementary contribution to around 1.7% in 2026 reflects the ongoing financial pressure within Germany’s healthcare system. For many employees, this results in €12–€20 higher monthly contributions compared to the previous year.

However, if your health insurance fund raises its Zusatzbeitrag, you are not locked into your current provider. The special right to switch within two months allows you to review your options and potentially move to a more cost-effective health insurance fund.

Taking the time to compare providers after a contribution increase can be a simple way to manage healthcare costs more effectively.