Private health insurance premium increases in 2026 – What policyholders need to know now
By Rachel · 5 min read
Automatically translated from German. · Read original
Private health insurance (PKV) is sending a clear message to its policyholders for 2026: around 60 per cent can expect their premiums to rise by an average of around 13 per cent, as confirmed by the PKV Association.
Key points at a glance
- Average premium increase in 2026: around 13 per cent for around 60 per cent of PKV policyholders.
- Particularly sharp increases at Versicherungskammer Bayern (30–40 per cent) due to two years without an adjustment.
- Signal Iduna remains well below the industry average at just 2.18 per cent.
- The increase is legally tied to a deviation of at least 10 per cent between actual costs and the original tariff.
- Policyholders have options enshrined in law: switching to a different tariff within the same insurer, opting for a higher excess, or switching to another insurer.
Why are private health insurance premiums rising so sharply in 2026?
The Private Health Insurance Association attributes the premium increases to several compounding factors. Firstly, the costs of medical treatment have risen in almost all areas: hospital services by over 10 per cent, outpatient treatment by around 8 per cent and medicines by almost 10 per cent in 2024. Secondly, medical advances and an ageing insured population are driving up expenditure further. Thirdly, low interest rates on pension provisions mean that insurers’ investment returns are lower than anticipated. This combination means that actual costs exceed the original calculations by more than 10 per cent – the legal threshold for a premium adjustment.
Which policies are affected by the 2026 private health insurance premium increases?
The premium increases affect policyholders to varying degrees. According to ftd.de, around 40 per cent of privately insured individuals are exempt from increases, whilst others face adjustments that are, in some cases, significantly higher. Older ‘closed’ tariffs, which have not been adjusted for more than ten years and do not accept new, younger members, are particularly affected. For those eligible for state subsidies, the average increase is around 11.4 per cent, whilst for all other policyholders it is around 15.3 per cent. PKVservice points out that in extreme cases, increases of up to 60 per cent may even occur.
What can insured persons do about the 2026 private health insurance premium increases?
Insured persons have statutory rights to respond to the premium increases.
1. Switching to a different tariff within the same insurer under Section 204 of the Insurance Contract Act (VVG)
Switching to a cheaper tariff with the same insurer is often the best solution. Age-related reserves are retained, no new medical assessment is required and the level of cover remains the same. Many policyholders are unaware that they have this right – insurers are even obliged to inform them of this in the event of a premium increase.
2. Adjusting the excess
A higher excess can significantly reduce the monthly premium, but it also means that policyholders pay more out of their own pocket when visiting the doctor. Those who rarely visit the doctor can still save money this way. Important: Reducing the excess at a later date requires another medical assessment.
3. Switching to another insurer
This is only advisable in exceptional cases, as part of the age-related reserves will be lost and a new medical assessment will be required. Nevertheless, switching may be financially attractive in the event of very large increases (e.g. over 30 per cent).
4. Switching to the basic or standard tariff
As a last resort, once all other options have been exhausted. These tariffs offer only the minimum benefits required by law.
You can find detailed step-by-step instructions on switching tariffs within the same insurer in the ‘Home Office Allowance’ article, which uses similar decision trees.
Long-term perspective: private health insurance vs. statutory health insurance
Although private health insurance (PKV) premiums are set to rise by an average of 13 per cent in 2026, the average private health insurance premium, at around 617 euros per month, remains below the level of statutory health insurance (GKV). Those insured under statutory health insurance (GKV) with an average income are expected to pay just under 770 euros, and those with incomes above the contribution assessment ceiling as much as around 1,030 euros. Both systems are subject to similar cost trends – according to the German Institute for Retirement Provision, premium income per insured person in private health insurance rose by an average of 3.4 per cent per year between 2006 and 2026, whilst in statutory health insurance it rose by 3.9 per cent. The difference lies in the way the systems operate: private health insurance (PKV) adjusts premiums only in response to proven cost increases, whilst statutory health insurance (GKV) increases premiums as a percentage of income.
Table: Premium increases in 2026 by major insurers
| Insurer | Average increase in 2026 | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Signal Iduna | 2.18% | Well below the industry average; premium rates to remain stable until the end of 2027 |
| VVB Group (UKV, BBKK, VKB) | 30–40 % | Due to two years without an adjustment; significant increases in ‘Gesundheit Vario’ tariffs |
| Continentale | 0% | Premium stability promised; new SELECT tariffs with a refund option |
| Single-person tariffs (closed portfolios) | up to 60% | Old tariffs with no new members; cost burden on remaining policyholders |
Frequently asked questions
How much will my private health insurance premium increase in 2026?
The exact increase is stated in your individual adjustment letter from the insurer. As a rule of thumb, you can expect an average increase of around 13 per cent for most tariffs, although in extreme cases the increases may be significantly higher.
Do I have to switch plans if premiums rise?
No. You have several options: an internal plan change under Section 204 of the Insurance Contract Act (VVG), increasing your excess, or switching to another insurer. There is no mandatory requirement to switch.
Will I lose my old-age provisions if I switch plans within the same insurer?
No. When switching within the same insurer, your old-age reserves are transferred in full, so you retain the premium relief you have accumulated for your retirement.
Does the premium increase also apply to pensioners?
Yes. Pensioners with private health insurance are affected by the same premium increases. However, they may receive a higher subsidy from the German Pension Insurance scheme if their private health insurance costs rise – the subsidy may not exceed half of the actual expenses.
Is there a cap on the premium increases in 2026?
By law, a premium adjustment is only permitted if the actual costs deviate by at least 10 per cent from the original tariff. Some tariffs have lower thresholds that have been contractually agreed.
All information is provided without guarantee. Prices as per the brochure; regional variations may apply.
Sources: CCM Insurance Brokers · ftd.de · German Institute for Pension Provision · PKVservice. As at 24 October 2026.
