The general contribution rate to SHI is 14.6 percent (as of 2025) of gross income, shared equally by employers and employees. Additionally, health insurers levy an individual additional contribution, borne solely by employees. In 2025, this stood at an average of 2.5 percent, resulting in a total contribution rate of 17.1 percent. The additional fee may vary by insurer, making regular comparisons worthwhile.

The SHI provides basic medical care, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and preventive examinations. While core services are legally defined, insurers have flexibility with additional services. Some offer extended prevention programs, professional teeth cleaning, or contributions to alternative healing methods. It's essential to review these service catalogs when comparing health insurers.

Switching statutory health insurers can be beneficial due to lower additional fees or better extra services. Since January 2021, there's a shortened cancellation period of just one month to the end of the month, alongside a minimum binding period of twelve months. However, if contribution rates rise, you have a special right to cancel.

Enrolling with a new insurer is straightforward: post-switch, the new provider takes over the cancellation of your previous insurance. I recommend comparing the services and fees of different providers thoroughly before making a change.

The service gaps of statutory health insurers can limit healthcare coverage. In particular, areas such as dental care, hospital stays, and outpatient services can benefit from private supplementary insurance.

• Dental Supplementary Insurance: Covers costs for high-quality dentures, implants, or regular professional teeth cleaning that SHI only partially or doesn't cover at all.
• Hospital Supplementary Insurance: Offers benefits like chief physician treatment, accommodation in single or double rooms, and freedom of choice over clinics.
• International Health Insurance: Covers medical treatments abroad, as SHI often offers limited protection there.
• Outpatient Supplementary Insurance: Covers costs for visual aids like glasses and contact lenses, subsidies for alternative healing methods (e.g., osteopathy), and extended preventive screenings beyond the statutory standard. Private insurance allows you to enhance your medical care significantly beyond SHI standards.

Employees can switch to private health insurance (PHI) when their income surpasses the compulsory insurance threshold, set at 73,800 euros gross annually in 2025. Switching allows you to determine your level of health coverage through open tariff choices. Professional guidance helps in comprehending the pros and cons of both health systems, enabling you to opt for the right coverage.

SHI offers solid basic coverage, which can be individually optimized by selecting the right insurer and supplementary private insurance. Though switching to PHI can offer advantages under particular conditions, it requires careful consideration.

I suggest regularly reviewing your insurance needs and making adjustments when necessary to ensure optimal medical coverage.