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Should I choose public or private health insurance in Germany?
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What is the basic tariff in German private health insurance?
In short
What is the basic tariff? The basic tariff (Basistarif) is a plan every German private health insurance company must offer, with benefits similar to public health insurance. Nobody may be refused and there are no risk surcharges. In 2026 the premium is capped at EUR 1,017.18 a month and halved to EUR 508.59 if you are in financial need. It is a safety net, not a budget plan.
What it costs
Maximum premiums for 2026 set by law, derived from the contribution ceiling and contribution rate of public health insurance.
| Example | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Basic tariff, maximum premium | up to EUR 1,017.18 a month |
| Basic tariff if in financial need | up to EUR 508.59 a month |
| Long-term care insurance on top, maximum | up to EUR 209.26 a month, if in need in the basic tariff up to EUR 104.63 |
| Standard tariff for comparison, maximum | up to EUR 848.62 a month |
As of October 2026.
Your actual premium depends on age and deductible and may be below the maximum; we obtain the exact quote for you.
Worked example
Self-employed, age 61, income collapsed
She pays EUR 980 in her old plan and can no longer afford it. Her contract dates from 2010.
| Current premium | EUR 980 a month |
| Basic tariff, maximum premium | EUR 1,017.18 a month |
| Halved if in financial need | EUR 508.59 a month |
| Long-term care insurance in the basic tariff | up to EUR 104.63 a month |
Without financial need the switch saves hardly anything and may cost more. Only in need does the burden fall to about EUR 613, and the authorities can cover the rest. Before that, look for a cheaper plan with the same insurer.
Why the basic tariff exists
Since 2009 everyone living in Germany must have health insurance. So that people with existing conditions or without cover can still get private protection, every private health insurance company must offer the basic tariff. It may not refuse anyone or charge extra for existing conditions.
The basic tariff is meant for people who belong to the private system, for example formerly privately insured people without cover, self-employed people, or privately insured people who can no longer afford their premium. Expats who arrived with private cover and later lost it can also end up here.
| Point | Basic tariff | Normal private plan |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | roughly like public insurance | freely agreed, often more |
| Health check | no refusal, no surcharge | surcharge or refusal possible |
| Premium | at most EUR 1,017.18 a month | by age and plan, no fixed cap |
| Doctors' fees | lower fee rates | usual fee rates |
| Deductible | chosen from fixed levels | depends on the plan |
Who can switch to the basic tariff
If you took out your private policy in 2009 or later, you can switch to the basic tariff within the same company. With older contracts this is usually only possible from age 55, when drawing a pension, or if you are in financial need.
Check first whether you may use the standard tariff instead. It is mainly open to people with contracts from before 2009 and, at a maximum of EUR 848.62, is often cheaper.
The drawbacks
The basic tariff is expensive for what it offers. Many people end up at the maximum premium, and the benefits are no better than public insurance. If you hope to save money because your premium is high, you will often be disappointed.
Doctors receive lower fees for treating basic tariff patients. In practice you may wait longer for an appointment or need to explain how you are insured.
When the basic tariff is not the best choice
If your premium has simply gone up, switching to another plan with the same insurer often helps, with similar benefits at a lower price. Your old age reserves (Alterungsrückstellungen) are kept.
The basic tariff makes sense mainly if you are in financial need. The premium is then halved, and the social welfare office or job centre can cover the rest. If you owe premiums, you first end up in the emergency tariff (Notlagentarif), not the basic tariff.
Step by step
- Check whether switching plans with your insurer already lowers the premium.
- Find out whether your contract dates from before 2009 and the standard tariff is open to you.
- If money is tight, get your financial need certified by the authorities.
- Apply in writing to your insurer to switch to the basic tariff.
- Mention the basic tariff when booking doctors' appointments.
Checklist
- Basic tariff premium compared with your current premium
- Standard tariff checked as a cheaper option
- Certificate of financial need if the half premium should apply
- Deductible level chosen on purpose
- Return to your old plan clarified in case your situation improves
Common mistakes
- Treating the basic tariff as a budget plan
- Overlooking the standard tariff although the contract is from before 2009
- Cancelling the contract completely instead of switching plans
- Letting premium debts build up and ending up in the emergency tariff
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
What does the basic tariff cover?
Roughly what public health insurance pays: outpatient and hospital treatment, medicines and check-ups. Head physician treatment or a single room are not included.
Can a doctor refuse me in the basic tariff?
Doctors licensed to treat public patients must also treat basic tariff patients. Purely private practices are not obliged to.
Does my employer contribute in the basic tariff?
Yes, employees get the employer contribution here too, at most half the premium and no more than EUR 508.59 in 2026.
Can I go back to my old plan later?
That depends on the insurer and on a new health check. Clarify this in writing before switching.
Is the basic tariff the same as the emergency tariff?
No. The emergency tariff applies to people who owe premiums. It only covers acute treatment and pain and ends once the debt is paid.
Are children insured for free in the basic tariff?
No, unlike in public health insurance each child pays their own premium.
Sources
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Your broker: Norman Nammert, insurance broker licensed under section 34d(1) of the German Trade Regulation Act, trading as NAMMERT.
Broker register no. D-C08Q-TOSD4-37.
NAMMERT Assekuradeur GmbH is a separate company and does not arrange your contract.
Statutory disclosure (German) · Updated
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