Kassel – The German healthcare system is becoming increasingly expensive. Many health insurance funds have increased their contributions. The good news: switching providers can lead to significant savings. According to a recent analysis, over two million individuals are insured with comparatively expensive funds.
The analysis, based on a gross annual salary of €33,600 (approximately €2,800 gross monthly), compared IKK Innovationskasse, IKK gesund plus, BKK Firmus, DAK-Gesundheit and AOK Hessen. The monthly costs vary significantly, ranging from €196.27 (IKK Innovationskasse) to €246.12 (AOK Hessen) – a difference of €600 annually.
Healthcare Contribution: Nearly €50 Difference Per Month
The monthly costs can add up quickly. The IKK Innovationskasse charges €196.27, while the AOK Hessen charges €246.12. However, the supplementary contribution rate (Zusatzbeitrag) also plays a crucial role. BKK Firmus has the lowest rate at 2.18%, while IKK Innovationskasse has the highest at 4.30%.
The cost of dental care also varies considerably. BKK Firmus offers the most comprehensive benefits, including €100 for dental cleaning plus unlimited free cleanings with DentNet partners, and coverage for standard dental procedures. Other funds offer significantly less: IKK gesund plus provides only €30, and the TK €40 annually.
Travel vaccinations are generally fully covered by most funds, but IKK Innovationskasse only reimburses 80%.
Regarding cancer screening, IKK Innovationskasse falls short, offering breast and skin cancer screening only regionally and bowel cancer screening only as a statutory minimum.
AOK offers up to €400 for health courses for those prioritizing preventative care, while BKK Firmus and IKK Innovationskasse offer €240 each.
Which Fund is Worth It?
Here’s a breakdown of the funds:
- AOK Hessen: Total cost €246.12, supplementary contribution 2.98%, Dental: Good (2), Cancer screening: Very good (1), Vaccinations: Very good (1), Extras: Very good (1)
- BKK Firmus: Total cost €234.92, supplementary contribution 2.18%, Dental: Very good (1), Cancer screening: Very good (1), Vaccinations: Very good (1), Extras: Satisfactory (3)
- Innovationskasse IKK: Total cost €196.27, supplementary contribution 4.30%, Dental: Good (2), Cancer screening: Limited, Vaccinations: Good (2), Extras: Good (2)
- IKK Gesund Plus: Total cost €226.86, supplementary contribution 3.39%, Dental: Satisfactory (3), Cancer screening: Very good (1), Vaccinations: Very good (1), Extras: Satisfactory (3)
- DAK-Gesundheit: Total cost €236.70, supplementary contribution 3.20%, Dental: Good (2), Cancer screening: Good (2), Vaccinations: Very good (1), Extras: Satisfactory (3)
Cheaper isn’t always better. While IKK Innovationskasse has the lowest monthly cost, it lags in dental care, vaccinations, and cancer screening. BKK Firmus emerges as the best value, offering top-notch dental benefits at a moderate cost. AOK Hessen is the most expensive but provides health course benefits.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health, the contract period is typically 12 months. However, funds like IKK Innovationskasse, IKK gesund plus, and DAK-Gesundheit bind their members for three years. If a fund increases its supplementary contribution, you can exercise your right to terminate the contract and switch providers. (Sources: check24.de, finanztip.de, dentnet.de)
As of January 2026, the annual gross income threshold for eligibility to choose private health insurance remains at €73,800, as reported in recent reports. This threshold is expected to increase in the coming years due to rising wages, potentially making private insurance less accessible for mid-level earners.
For those earning above this threshold, the decision between public and private insurance involves a complex evaluation of individual needs and financial circumstances. While private insurance can offer benefits like faster access to specialists and more comprehensive coverage, it also comes with higher premiums and potential for age-related increases. Switching to private insurance is not a decision to be taken lightly.
Individuals can potentially save up to €600 per year by switching to a cheaper statutory health insurance provider, as highlighted by GKV Supplementary Contribution Comparison 2026. This underscores the importance of regularly comparing plans and taking advantage of the available options.
