Rising contributions? Health insurance holders can switch
The contribution rates for people with statutory health insurance vary from health insurance fund to health insurance fund. If you compare a little, you can save several hundred euros a year. This is shown by a "Finanztest" analysis.
In December, health insurance companies regularly decide whether they need to keep their contribution rates stable or adjust them for the coming year. If your health insurance company informs you of an increase - and it has to in this case - it may be worth considering a change. The magazine "Finanztest" provides information on this in its current issue (1/2024).
According to the magazine, the lowest contribution rate for statutory health insurance is currently 15.58% of gross income (HKK) and the highest is 16.59% (BKK exclusive).
Although the employer and employee each share half of the costs for health insurance, the savings for employees between the most expensive and the cheapest tariff can amount to around 142 euros per year on an income of 2000 euros per month. The higher the income, the greater the savings potential. If you earn 3000 euros per month, you can already save around 214 euros per year.
Contribution rate not the only criterion
Good to know: If your health insurance company increases the contribution rate, you can make use of your special right of termination. Otherwise, you must have been a member of your health insurance company for twelve months before you can switch.
According to the testers, the application to the receiving health insurance company is sufficient to leave the previous one. A separate notice of termination is not necessary. The new health insurance fund will contact the old one and inform you of the start of your membership. Once everything has been completed, the employer should be informed of the change.
However, "Finanztest" recommends that you do not proceed too hastily when changing health insurance provider and, above all, that you do not just focus on the financial benefits. Those with statutory health insurance should also check to what extent the extra benefits, service and accessibility of the insurance companies differ. These are also important factors when choosing a health insurance provider.
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- As an employee, you might want to consider the financial implications of switching statutory health insurance funds if your current provider increases their contribution rates.
- Consumers should not solely focus on the financial test results when choosing a new health insurance company, but also consider the extra benefits, service, and accessibility offered by the statutory health insurance companies.
- Employers should be informed of any changes in their employees' statutory health insurance providers, following the application process to the receiving health insurance company.
- Health insurance advisors can provide valuable insights and guidance to employees and employers when making decisions about switching statutory health insurance funds and managing financial contributions.
Source: www.ntv.de
