Private health insurance in Germany: 2026 is the year to decide
If you've been thinking about switching to private health insurance, now is the time to act. The law passed on 10 July 2026 raises the annual income threshold (JAEG) required to qualify for private health insurance from 2027.
Personal, free and non-binding · Advice in English
What's changing in 2027
On 10 July 2026, the German parliament passed the law to stabilise the finances of public health insurance (GKV). This is what it sets out:
The salary limit rises by 9%
To take out PKV as an employee, you'll need to earn around 84.600 € a year (about 7.050 €/month). Today the threshold is 77.400 € (6.450 €/month).
Already insured? You keep your right
The extraordinary increase won't apply to anyone already insured with PKV before 01.01.2027.
Public insurance will cost more
The contribution ceiling rises to around 76.500 € a year — about 25 € more per month for higher earners. And the average supplementary rate has more than doubled since 2022.
… and cover less
Co-payments rise by 50% (between 7,50 € and 15 € per prescription) and support for dental prostheses falls by 10%. On top of that, from 2028 a 2,5% surcharge applies for a co-insured spouse or partner, with exceptions such as having children under 12.
Sources: the Act to Stabilise Contribution Rates in Statutory Health Insurance (GKV-Beitragssatzstabilisierungsgesetz), passed by the Bundestag and the Bundesrat on 10.07.2026, and the official FAQ of the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG). The exact threshold figures for 2027 will be set by regulation in autumn 2026. We'll keep this page up to date.
What does it mean for you?
You earn between 6.450 € and 7.050 € gross a month
The reform affects you directly: under the new limit, from 2027 you would no longer be able to opt for private insurance. If you've ever considered private health insurance, 2026 is the year to take a closer look and start saving on your health insurance costs.
You earn more than 7.050 € gross a month
You'll still be able to choose in 2027. Even so, every year in the GKV you'll pay a little more for benefits that are being cut. Comparing now tells you exactly how much — then the decision is yours.
Self-employed or freelance? The limit doesn't apply to you: you can choose PKV at any income level. More on what affects you below.
The dates that matter (and why it pays to start now)
Tell us your situation
We'll tell you whether switching is worth it for you, which options fit and what you'd pay.
Application and confirmation
Consultation and selection of an insurance plan, submission of the application to the private health insurance company, and acceptance by the insurer.
Cancel your GKV
The legal notice period is two months to the end of a month.
Your private insurance starts
The latest possible insurance start date to obtain private health insurance before the annual income threshold (JAEG) increases.
Tell us your situation and we'll tell you whether the switch is worth it for you
Fill in the form and we'll contact you within 24 working hours. We'll look at your case, answer all your questions and tell you clearly whether private insurance is a good fit for you — and if it isn't, we'll tell you that too.
- Personal advice, free and non-binding
- We analyse the market and only propose what fits you
- The whole process in English
Prefer to see prices for yourself first?
Our online comparison tool gives you a price guide in 2 minutes, no sign-up needed.
Why Bramex Plus
In your language
Advice in English from start to finish — we also assist in Spanish and German. What we guarantee is that we speak your language: no jargon, no small print, and full transparency.
The best options on the market
We analyse the market and select the offers that are genuinely worth it. Seen an offer on another comparison site? Bring it to us: we'll review it and tell you whether it's right for you.
With you before, during and after
Application, paperwork, guidance on cancelling your GKV, and any questions that come up before, during and after you sign. All at no cost: our service is free for you.
Frequently asked questions
Has the law been passed yet?
Yes. The Bundestag passed the law on 10 July 2026 and the Bundesrat approved it the same day. No parliamentary steps remain.
The exact threshold figures for 2027 will be set by regulation in autumn 2026, so the final amount may differ slightly from the estimate. We'll keep you updated on this site and on our LinkedIn.
What's clear is that major changes are on the way — and this is the moment to think about savings, better services and securing good care.
I earn between 6.450 € and 7.050 € a month. What happens if I do nothing?
From 01.01.2027 you'd fall below the new limit and could no longer choose private insurance: you'd stay in the GKV. To keep the option, you need to be insured with PKV before that date — and given the notice and application periods, it's best decided before October 2026.
I earn more than 7.050 € a month. Is there any rush for me?
You won't be shut out: you'll still be able to choose in 2027. But every year in public insurance you'll pay a little more for benefits that are being cut. Comparing now tells you exactly what you'd pay with PKV — and you decide with the numbers in front of you.
I'm self-employed or freelance. Does the limit affect me?
No: the self-employed can choose PKV at any income level, including from 2027. What does affect you, like everyone else, are the rising costs and cuts in public insurance — so comparing is worth it for you too.
I've seen an offer on another comparison site. Can you review it?
Of course. Send it over: we'll compare it with the options we work with and tell you clearly whether it's good for your profile or whether there's something better. No strings attached.
Is switching to PKV a permanent decision?
We understand you may have plenty of questions on your mind: Can I go back to public insurance if my salary drops? What happens down the line if I stay with it? What if I plan to move back home one day? What about my pension?
We know you'll have many questions. The good news is that we help you with the answers — so the decision becomes easier.
How much does your advice cost?
Nothing. We work as independent brokers, which means our advice is paid for by the insurers. The good news for you: because we're independent, we don't depend on any single insurer and can always look for the best options for you.
- We compare and select, so you don't have to.
- We talk to the insurer on your behalf.
- We answer any questions you have.
- We stay in touch with you after you've signed.
- The price of your policy doesn't change — it's the same as going direct. The difference: we save you the searching and the heavier paperwork, and make communication with your insurer smoother.
- In short, we're the intermediary between you and your insurer.
What do I need to request the FREE advice?
Just the form: name, email — and phone if you'd like things to move faster. If you have a preferred way or time to be contacted, let us know in the comments and we'll take it into account.
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If you've been thinking about it, this is the moment to take the step
The deadline to cancel public insurance is 30 September. A conversation in good time gives you all the answers — and commits you to nothing.
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