How to change your statutory health insurance

Statutory health insurance is an essential part of our lives, as it ensures that we receive all-round care in the event of illness. Nevertheless, it can make sense to think about changing health insurance provider. We explain everything you need to know below.

Change statutory health insurance: What you should know

In Germany, you have a free choice of statutory health insurance providers because, unlike private health insurance providers, they are not allowed to reject you. The benefits of statutory health insurance are defined by law. For the most part, you receive the same medical benefits in every statutory health insurance fund, which only vary within the additional benefits. The biggest difference is therefore the contribution of costs. The notice period for statutory health insurance companies is only two months to the end of the month if you have been a member of your statutory health insurance company for at least twelve months. This means that if you cancel your old contract by the end of January, your insurance cover can start from April 1st.

Even if you have been a member for less than twelve months, you can make use of the special right of termination. This comes into effect if the health insurance company increases the premiums. You can then cancel by the end of the month in which the first increased amount is due. When switching health insurance companies, you must bear in mind that you cannot switch to a company that is not open in your federal state. Although most health insurance companies are open nationwide, there are also some that are only open in Berlin, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, for example. If you have claimed certain benefits from your health insurance company, you must note the following:

• Aids: If you have borrowed aids from your health insurance company, such as a wheelchair, you must return them. Find out from your new health insurance company whether you can get an equivalent replacement
• Medication: In most cases, you will receive an equivalent replacement for your medication from your new health insurance company
• Approved benefits: Services already approved by your old health insurance company, such as psychotherapy or physiotherapy, do not necessarily have to be covered by your new health insurance company. However, if you have already started such services, the new health insurance company will usually allow this. If the service has not yet been started, you must submit a new application

Reasons to change health insurance provider

Despite the identical benefits catalog, there are reasons to change health insurance provider. These include, among others:

• Contribution level: the contribution rates of statutory health insurance companies vary depending on the provider. Switching to a fund with lower membership fees can save you some money each month. However, you should be aware that you may have other disadvantages for the lower contribution, such as fewer additional benefits
• Additional benefits: Some health insurance companies offer additional benefits such as subsidies for treatment procedures with alternative medicine or preventive check-ups. For example, some insurance companies cover skin cancer screening even before the statutory age of 35
• Service: The type and scope of customer care also varies depending on the health insurance company. If you are dissatisfied with the service provided by your current health insurer, it is worth looking for another health insurer

When is it worth switching health insurers?

Switching to a new health insurance company is not always worthwhile. Most people change their statutory health insurance in order to pay a lower contribution rate. However, you should make sure that you don't lose out on additional benefits as a result of the lower price. This is particularly important if you already make use of such benefits. If your current health insurance company rejects an application for certain aids, it may be worth finding out from another health insurance company whether they would approve the application. If so, it is certainly worth switching, unless the premiums with the other insurer are significantly higher. A change of health insurance company offers you a particularly great advantage if self-payer benefits are covered. This could be a subsidy for professional teeth cleaning or a sports course, for example.

Steps for changing statutory health insurance

Changing statutory health insurance is simple and straightforward. You should follow the following steps:

• Individual needs: Think about what exactly you want your new health insurance provider to do better than your current health insurance provider. With this information, you can start looking for a new statutory health insurance provider
• Health insurance comparison: To find the best option for your personal situation, you should compare different health insurance providers
• Cancellation: Once you have decided on an insurance provider, you simply inform the new insurance company that you would like to become a member with them. Most health insurance companies now have online applications on their website. As of January 1, 2021, you no longer need to submit a written notice of termination; your new health insurance provider will do this for you
• Wait for confirmation: The new health insurance provider will check your documents and then send you confirmation of your membership to
• Update proof of insurance: Now inform your employer that you have changed health insurance provider. Your employer will then register you electronically with the new health insurance company and will also receive confirmation of your membership

Tips for comparing health insurance companies

To find the best health insurance company for you, you need to compare different providers. The best way to do this is via comparison portals. When comparing, you should pay particular attention to the contribution costs and the additional benefits offered. If you are planning or already have a family, you should check the family-oriented benefits. These include support during pregnancy. By comparing the different offers of health insurance companies, you can find the one that best suits your needs and financial means. With a careful comparison, you can get the best benefits at the best price.

Current developments and trends in the health insurance market

Previously, statutory health insurance companies had to inform their members in writing about a premium increase. This obligation was lifted in June 2023 to save on postage. You will now be informed via an announcement on the website or in the member magazine. This means that you need to be a little more vigilant so that you don't miss the associated notice period. So check regularly to see if there are any changes to premiums. Most insurance companies now have digital offerings. These include simplified communication via the website or a health app that reminds you of check-up appointments. Electronic patient files have also been offered by health insurance companies since 2021. This means you always have your vaccination card and treatment record with you.

Switch to a suitable health insurance company

Switching to statutory health insurance can be financially worthwhile in certain situations and give you access to better benefits. If you are considering switching, you should define your individual needs precisely. Then carefully compare the different health insurance companies to choose the best option for your life situation. Your health should always be your top priority, so a health insurance company that offers you fully comprehensive cover is essential.