What is the additional contribution of the statutory health insurance?
The income-based supplementary contribution is a key instrument for financing statutory health insurance (GKV). Since its introduction on 1 January 2015 (§ 242 SGB V), it has enabled health insurance companies to flexibly close financial gaps. In 2025, the average supplementary contribution will be 2.5 percent, a significant increase compared to previous years.
The general contribution rate and the supplementary contribution in 2025
The general contribution rate to the GKV remains unchanged at 14.6 percent. However, the average supplementary contribution rises to 2.5 percent, a historic high. The actual amount varies depending on the health insurance company, so it is worth comparing the supplementary contributions. The supplementary contribution is income-based and not capped, meaning higher incomes are more heavily burdened.
Who pays the supplementary contribution?
Since 2019, the supplementary contribution has been financed on a parity basis. This means that employees and employers, as well as pensioners and the pension insurance, share the costs equally. This regulation particularly relieves employees with medium and low incomes, who had to bear the full supplementary contribution themselves before 2019.
Information obligations of health insurance companies
Each health insurance company is legally obliged to record the collection of a supplementary contribution in its statutes. Policyholders can view these at the branches or on the company's website. In addition, health insurance companies must inform their members in writing at least one month before the introduction or increase. This notification also includes information on the special right of termination, which allows members to switch companies in the event of a contribution increase.
Why is the supplementary contribution so high?
The significant increase in the supplementary contribution to 2.5 percent reflects rising costs in the healthcare sector. Higher expenditure on medical care, nursing, and innovative treatment methods is increasingly burdening health insurance companies. The supplementary contribution makes it possible to cover these costs without raising the general contribution rate.
Conclusion: The income-based supplementary contribution will remain an important element of GKV financing in 2025. The increase to 2.5 percent highlights the growing challenges in the healthcare sector. Policyholders should regularly check the supplementary contributions of their health insurance company to use the special right of termination if necessary and benefit from cheaper alternatives.
