What is an internal tariff switch in German private health insurance?
In short
An internal tariff switch (interner Tarifwechsel) is a move to another tariff of your own German private health insurance company. What you have built up in rights and ageing reserves moves with you in full. For comparable cover there is no new health check. The right is set out in section 204 of the Insurance Contract Act, and the switch often cuts the premium by 10 to 30 percent.
Values from German law, the industry association and published analyses, as of October 2026.
Example
Typical range
Saving from an internal tariff switch
often 10 to 30 percent of the premium
Maximum premium in the standard tariff 2026
848.62 euros a month
Maximum premium in the standard tariff 2025
804.82 euros a month
Ageing reserves credited on an internal switch
100 percent
The saving is a published range; yours depends on tariff family, age and deductible.
Legal values are documented.
Ask for a written comparison of old and new benefits.
Worked example
Age 54, employed, old tariff since 2006
Assumed figures for a switch within the same insurer.
Current premium, deductible 300 euros
820 euros a month
New tariff, comparable benefits, deductible 1,200 euros
640 euros a month
Saving per year
2,160 euros
Extra deductible per year
900 euros
Net advantage if the deductible is fully used
1,260 euros
About 22 percent less premium without a health check. Your employer pays half of the premium but not the deductible, so your own advantage is smaller; work it out first.
What German law guarantees you
You can require your insurer to accept your application to move to another tariff with comparable cover. Your rights from the existing contract and your ageing reserves are credited.
This right cannot be waived. A clause excluding the internal switch is not valid. Only fixed-term policies are excluded.
When a health check applies
If the new tariff offers more or broader benefits, the insurer may ask for an exclusion, a reasonable risk loading and a waiting period for those extra benefits. You can avoid the loading and waiting period by agreeing an exclusion for the extra benefit.
For the same or lower benefits there is no new health check. Illnesses you developed since you signed up play no role.
New tariff
Result
same benefits, cheaper calculation
switch without health check
higher deductible (Selbstbehalt)
switch without health check, lower premium
fewer benefits, e.g. twin room instead of single room
switch without health check
more benefits, e.g. higher dental refunds
loading, waiting period or exclusion for the extra
unisex back to bisex
ruled out by law
Why staying with your insurer usually beats moving
If you move to another insurer, only part of your ageing reserves is transferred, and only for policies from 2009 onwards. You also face a new health check. If you are older or have health issues, you almost always lose.
With an internal switch the whole reserve stays with you. After a premium increase it is usually the first step, before thinking about cancelling.
What to check before switching
A cheaper tariff is cheaper because it covers something differently. Compare point by point: deductible, dental refunds, single or twin room, alternative practitioners, aids and appliances, psychotherapy and whether you must see a GP first.
All tariffs introduced since 21 December 2012 are unisex. If you move from an old bisex tariff to a unisex one, you lose access to the standard tariff (Standardtarif), the capped way out in old age. Check this before you sign.
Step by step
Ask your insurer in writing for all tariffs with comparable cover for your age, including closed tariff families.
Compare old and new benefits point by point.
Check whether the new tariff is unisex and what that means for the standard tariff.
Weigh deductible against saving, for employees including the employer share.
Decide on extra benefits: loading, waiting period or exclusion.
Apply in writing and check the new policy document.
Checklist
List of all tariffs available for your age
Written comparison of benefits
Effect on access to the standard tariff checked
Deductible and employer contribution calculated
No extra benefits without a clear health check outcome
New policy showing credited ageing reserves
Common mistakes
Cancelling after a premium increase instead of switching internally
Comparing only premiums, not benefits
Moving from bisex to unisex without knowing the effect on the standard tariff
Applying for extra benefits and accepting a loading on the whole package
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
Can my insurer refuse the switch?
Not for comparable cover.
The right under section 204 VVG cannot be excluded by contract.
Do I need a new health check?
Only for benefits beyond your old tariff.
You can agree an exclusion for those instead.
Can I go back to my old tariff later?
In principle yes, again under section 204.
If the new tariff has fewer benefits,
going back counts as extra benefits and may bring a loading or exclusion.
Unisex back to bisex is not possible.
How much does an internal switch save?
Published analyses often mention 10 to 30 percent.
Your figure depends on tariff, age and deductible.
I may leave Germany. Does this matter?
The switch only applies to your German policy.
If you plan to leave, ask about a continuation policy (Anwartschaft) instead of cancelling.
