Health insurance contributions will increase in 2023: This is how consumers can defend themselves

Created: 12/23/2022 2:23 p.m

By: Jannis Gogolin

Everything gets more expensive.

And for the new year also the additional contributions for most health insurance companies.

But consumers have an ace up their sleeve.

MUNICH – Amidst inflation, skyrocketing food, rent and energy prices, German consumers are facing the next additional costs.

This time it is about the statutory health insurance companies (GVK).

Almost all providers are imposing an increase in premiums on their policyholders by 2023.

And this despite the fact that they were able to record a large increase in the budget in the first three quarters of this year.

But their customers are not defenseless against the coming price increases.

Health insurance contributions will increase in 2023 - that's what the insured can do about it

But first the background: The health insurance contribution consists of two items, the general contribution rate and the additional contribution.

The former has been consistently at 14.6 percent of an employee’s gross wage since 2015.

However, the latter is determined by the health insurance companies themselves.

At the moment, the general contribution, including the varying additional contribution, is 15.6 percent on average.

Employers and employees share the sum equally.

While the general contribution rate remains at 14.6 percent, AOK, Barmer & Co. are now taking action.

The additional contribution for health insurance increases by an average of 0.3 percent.

A special feature this year: the health insurance companies do not have to inform consumers about this step.

A mention on the website or in member newspapers is sufficient.

Dissatisfied with premium increase?

Consumer advice center points out the special right of termination

What many insured persons do not know: If the contribution increases, they have a special right of termination and can switch to another, possibly cheaper, health insurer within a period of two weeks at the end of the month.

As the Bavarian Consumer Center explains on its website, insured persons can simply register with the new health insurance company of their choice.

The cancellation of the old one and the transfer to the new one happen automatically.

As a result, if your health insurance contributions increase on January 1st, according to the consumer advice center, you have until January 31st to report to your new insurance company.

If the deadline expires, the general notice period of two months applies.

However, this decision should not be made hastily.

Because different health insurance companies have different services and conditions on offer.

There are differences, especially when it comes to the assumption of check-ups, health courses or vaccinations.

"Historical deficit" - Minister of Health Lauterbach declares a drastic step

According to Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD), the reason for the increase in the contribution is a “historic deficit” in the GVK budget.

“In the last legislature, we significantly improved the benefits for those with statutory health insurance.

That costs,” he explained the drastic increase in contribution payments for 2023.