A significant wave of premium increases is set to impact private health insurance holders in Germany starting January 2026, sparking renewed political scrutiny and concerns about the sustainability of the dual healthcare system. According to industry sources, approximately 60% of individuals with private insurance can expect to see their contributions rise by an average of 13%, a figure described as “substantial” by analysts.
The Private Health Insurance Association attributes these escalating costs to a persistent and considerable increase in medical service expenditures. Allianz Private Krankenversicherung, a major player in the market, is planning an average increase of 11%, while Gothaer Krankenversicherung AG faces a projected rise of 12.7%, Barmenia Krankenversicherung AG 11.6% and Hanse-Merkur a steeper 13%.
This situation unfolds against a backdrop of anxieties within the statutory health insurance system (GKV), which covers the vast majority of the German population. While the federal government attempted to implement cost-saving measures to stabilize finances, this effort was temporarily blocked by the Federal Council, triggering warnings from Oliver Blatt, head of the statutory health insurers’ association. Blatt characterized the delay as “bad news for 75 million insured” hinting at potential contribution increases for GKV members at the year-end.
The impending rise in private insurance premiums intensifies the debate surrounding the long-term viability of Germany’s dual healthcare model. Critics argue that the escalating costs within the private insurance sector, fueled by increasingly comprehensive benefit packages, place a growing strain on the entire system and contribute to disparities in access to care. The current predicament raises serious questions about the government’s ability to effectively manage healthcare funding and mitigate the impact on both private and statutory insurance holders, potentially forcing difficult policy decisions in the coming months. The postponement of the cost-saving legislation underlines the inherent challenges in balancing competing interests and ensuring equitable healthcare provision for all Germans.
