German health insurer TK to double additional contribution rates in 2025

German health insurance provider Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) has announced that its additional contribution rates (Zusatzbeiträge) will more than double in 2025.

TK to increase additional contribution rate to 2,45 percent

In 2025, people in Germany covered by the statutory health insurance provider TK will have to pay significantly more towards their additional contribution rate. Covering 11,8 million people, TK is Germany’s largest statutory health insurance provider.

The Zusatzbeitrag is an extra health insurance contribution which sometimes entitles patients to additional treatments, such as cancer screenings under 30, contraception or teeth cleaning, without them having to pay more upfront.

From January 1, 2025, the company’s Zusatzbeitrag rate will increase from 1,2 percent to 2,45 percent. Like Germany’s basic statutory health insurance payments, Zusatzbeitrag contributions are equally divided between employer and employee, while people who are self-employed must pay the entire fee.

Health Ministry recommends Zusatzbeitrag of 2,5 percent 

Each year, the German federal government adjusts the limits for the average additional contribution rates. In 2025, this will increase from 1,7 percent to 2,5 percent. However, this limit is just a recommendation; health insurance companies can choose to charge patients more or less than 2,5 percent.

Health insurance providers Barmer and DAK have also announced Zusatzbeitrag increases. From January 1, 2025, patients covered by Barmer will pay a Zusatzbeitrag of 3,29 percent and at DAK, 2,8 percent.

In Germany, insured people have the right to change health insurance providers if their Zusatzbeitrag increases. If you would like to change due to the imminent increases you have until January 31, 2025, to do so.

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