Health insurance premiums continue to rise: Here’s how much more you’ll have to pay in 2026
Health insurance premiums in Germany are set to rise in 2026, with some high-income earners potentially paying an additional 351 euros annually. This increase comes as insurance companies face a financial shortfall of nearly ten billion euros.
Health insurance companies spent 326.9 billion euros last year, and spending is expected to reach around 331 billion euros this year. Jens Baas from Techniker Krankenkasse says that the deficit can only be partially covered by increasing additional contributions, which have already reached an average of 3.2%.
Costs are rising due to three main factors: the aging population requiring more medical care, the shortage of workers to fund increasing expenses, and the rising cost of advanced treatments. Additionally, insurance companies will need to replenish legal reserves next year, adding billions to the deficit.
The increase in premiums will affect most workers. For an average-income employee earning €52,000 annually, the increase will be about €23.40, while low-income earners will pay about €13.50 extra. High-income earners above €69,750 will face the largest increase of up to €351 annually.
Although the Federal Ministry of Health planned an austerity package to reduce hospital costs, the federal states halted its implementation. Jens Spahn warned that without structural reform, health insurance premiums and long-term care could exceed 25% by 2029, compared to the current 21.9%.