The Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) recently reported that it registered a record number of suspected medical errors last year. According to the financial insurer, 7,540 members reported potential treatment errors in 2025, marking a 14 percent increase compared to the preceding year.
During TK’s internal review process, approximately one in every three reported cases was substantiated enough for specialized medical-legal experts to initiate proceedings. Furthermore, the TK acknowledges the existence of a massive number of undetected cases, or a “blind spot”.
In light of these figures, TK Chairman Jens Baas is urging for the establishment of an open error culture within the healthcare system. Baas stated that measures must be taken to improve the detection of hidden errors, noting that mistakes are too often suppressed or downplayed instead of being utilized as opportunities for improvement.
The most frequent categories of reported suspected errors in 2025 were surgical procedures, accounting for 29 percent of all claims. This was followed by dentistry and orthodontics at 17 percent, and obstetrics and gynecology at 11 percent. Together, these three specialties constitute more than half of all reported cases.
Baas also championed the need for a unified central reporting registry. He explained that currently, medical chambers, the Medical Service, and the health funds each maintain separate registers, which prevents a complete overview of the overall situation. Additionally, he called for making reporting mandatory for all healthcare facilities.
Jonas Petersen, a specialized expert in medical errors at TK, highlighted another structural weakness: even when billing data provides clear indications of potential treatment errors, current regulations prohibit TK from notifying the affected members. Nevertheless, Petersen encourages insured persons not to hesitate in reporting a suspicion to their health fund, as the prospects of success and the risk of a lawsuit can be assessed much more accurately depending on how the procedure unfolds.
