Health Insurance Changes for Expats in Germany in 2026: What You Need to Know

The JAEG Threshold Has Risen to €77,400

The Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze (JAEG) — also known as the compulsory insurance threshold — has increased to €77,400 per year (€6,450/month) in 2026.

This is the income level above which employed expats are allowed to opt out of public insurance and join private insurance (PKV). If your gross annual salary is below this threshold, you must stay in GKV unless you are self-employed, a civil servant, or fall into another exempt category.

What this means for you

• Employees earning between €73,800 and €77,400: You were previously eligible for PKV but may now fall below the new threshold. If you’re already in PKV, you can stay — the threshold only applies when first joining.
• Employees earning above €77,400: You now have the option to switch to PKV. Use our eligibility check to see if it makes sense for your situation.
• Freelancers and self-employed: The JAEG does not apply to you. You can choose between GKV and PKV regardless of income.

The GKV Contribution Ceiling (BBG) Is Now €69,750

The Beitragsbemessungsgrenze (BBG) has risen to €69,750 per year (€5,812.50/month). This is the maximum income on which GKV contributions are calculated.

If you earn more than this amount, you don’t pay additional GKV contributions on the excess. This effectively caps your maximum monthly GKV payment — but it also means the cap itself has gone up.

Maximum GKV contribution in 2026

With the standard rate of 14.6% plus an average supplementary rate of approximately 1.7%, and nursing care insurance at 3.4% (or 4.0% if childless and over 23), the maximum monthly employee contribution is roughly:

• With children: approximately €570/month (employee share)
• Without children (over 23): approximately €590/month (employee share)

Nursing Care Insurance Contributions Have Increased

The nursing care insurance (Pflegeversicherung) rate has continued its upward trend. The base rate is now 3.4%, with an additional 0.6% surcharge for childless adults aged 23 and over.

This increase applies to both GKV and PKV members. If you’re in private insurance, your Pflegepflichtversicherung premium will have been adjusted accordingly by your insurer.

GKV Supplementary Rates Are Rising

Many public health insurance funds (Krankenkassen) have increased their Zusatzbeitrag (supplementary contribution rate) for 2026. The average is now around 1.7%, though individual funds range from 0.9% to over 2.5%.

If your Krankenkasse raised its rate, you have a special right to switch to a cheaper fund. The process is straightforward and there are no coverage gaps.

What About PKV Premiums?

Private health insurance premiums are not set by the government — they depend on your age, health, and chosen tariff. However, many PKV providers have adjusted their tariffs for 2026 due to rising healthcare costs.

If your PKV premium has increased significantly, it may be worth reviewing your tariff options. You can often switch to a different tariff within the same insurer without a new health assessment.

If you’re in PKV, also make sure your policy includes Krankentagegeld (daily sickness allowance). Unlike GKV, private insurance does not automatically include income protection when you’re sick.

GKV vs PKV: Is 2026 a Good Year to Switch?

With GKV supplementary rates rising and the JAEG threshold increasing, the calculation between public and private insurance shifts slightly each year. Key factors to consider:

• Your age: PKV premiums are lower when you join younger. Waiting another year means higher premiums for life.
• Your family situation: GKV offers free co-insurance for dependents. In PKV, each family member needs their own policy.
• Your long-term plans: Planning to stay in Germany permanently? Returning home eventually? This affects which system makes more sense.

For a side-by-side breakdown, see our GKV vs PKV comparison.

Tax Deductions for Health Insurance in 2026

Health insurance premiums remain tax-deductible in Germany. For both GKV and PKV members, your basic health and nursing care contributions can be deducted from your taxable income. PKV members can also deduct Krankentagegeld premiums in many cases.

What Should You Do Now?

Whether the 2026 changes affect you depends on your specific situation — your income, employment type, family status, and current insurance. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Check your eligibility: Use our quick eligibility check to see which insurance types fit your situation.
2. Review your costs: Run the numbers through our cost calculator with the updated 2026 figures.
3. Talk to a broker: A licensed insurance broker can review your current policy and advise whether changes would benefit you — completely free and with no obligation.