Health insurance contribution

The health insurance contribution covers medical care, medication and hospital stays and is one of the biggest deductions from your salary in Germany.

Contribution rates 2025 (statutory health insurance, GKV):

• General contribution rate: 14.6% of gross pay
• Average additional contribution: ~1.7% (depends on the insurer)
• Total: ~16.3%
• Employee share: ~8.15% (half)
• Employer share: ~8.15% (half)

Contribution assessment ceiling 2026:

• €5,812.50 gross/month (€69,750/year)
• On salary above that: NO more health insurance contribution
• Maximum employee contribution: approx. €449/month

Compulsory insurance threshold 2026:

• €77,400 gross/year (€6,450/month)
• Anyone who earns more CAN switch to private health insurance (but doesn't have to)

GKV vs. PKV at a glance:

• GKV (statutory): contribution based on income, family insured free of charge, benefits set by law
• PKV (private): contribution based on risk (age, health), each person insured individually, higher benefits possible
• Careful with PKV: switching back to the GKV is almost impossible from 55!

Special status:

• Students: approx. €85/month (reduced up to age 25, then KVdS student insurance)
• Self-employed (GKV): minimum contribution approx. €210/month
• Family insurance: spouses and children insured free of charge (with income below €505/month)