What has actually been happening in statutory health insurance for over 30 years?
As an expat, you often have statutory health insurance right from the start in Germany. Compared to healthcare systems worldwide, the statutory healthcare system in Germany is still one of the best. So membership of the statutory health insurance system feels good at first.
Still… Because demographic change will shake up all social systems in Germany.
However, this trend has been taking place for over 30 years. Constant increases in contributions and cuts in benefits determine the entire course of statutory health insurance.
Here is an excerpt of the development
2024:
Average contribution: 843,53 euros
Effective contribution rate: 16,3%
Contribution rate for compulsory long-term care insurance (with 1 child): 3,4%
2023:
Average additional contribution: 807,98 euros
Contribution rate for compulsory long-term care insurance (with 1 child): 3,4%
2022:
Average additional contribution: 769,16 euros
Effective contribution rate: 15,9%
Contribution rate for compulsory long-term care insurance (with 1 child): 3,4%
2020:
Average additional contribution: 735,94 euros
Effective contribution rate: 15,9%
2019:
SHI Insured Persons Relief Act (GKV-VEG)
Return to equal funding (employers and employees pay equal shares)
Reduction in minimum assessment for voluntarily insured persons to 1,038 euros
Average additional contribution: 703,31 euros
2018:
Average additional contribution: 690,30 euros
Effective contribution rate: 15,6%
2015:
SHI Financial Structure and Quality Improvement Act (GKV-FQWG)
Reduction of the general contribution rate from 15,5% to 14,6%
Introduction of the individual supplementary contribution of 0,9%
2011:
Increase in the contribution rate to 15,5%
Introduction of the individual, flat-rate additional contribution by the health insurance funds
2007:
SHI Competition Reinforcement Act (WSG)
Introduction of health fund
Compulsory insurance for uninsured persons
Uniform federal contribution rate and additional contribution possible
2004:
Health Modernization Act (GMG)
Introduction of 10 euro practice fee
Co-payments for medicines, bandages, and medical aids
Co-payment in hospital
Cancellation of death benefits, glasses,s and travel costs
1999:
Solidarity Strengthening Act
Re-introduction of dentures for children and young people
Reduction in co-payments for medicines
1997:
Contribution Relief and Reorganization Act (NOG)
Cancellation of dental prostheses for children and young people (born after 1978)
Abolition of subsidy for spectacle frames
Reduction in sickness benefit
Reduction in subsidy for dentures
1995:
Introduction of compulsory long-term care insurance SGB XII with a contribution rate of 1,0%, rising to 1,7% by 2008
These events mark important changes in the German healthcare system over the years, including contribution increases, legislative changes, and reforms.