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Emergency

Private health insurance is getting more expensive: check the premium increase

Premiums in private health insurance (PKV) can rise, but only under certain conditions and with sufficient justification. If the increase is not properly justified, it can be invalid. In addition, you have the right to switch to cheaper tariffs with the same protection.

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Your chances of getting your money back

A premium adjustment in the PKV is only permitted with a certain change in the calculation bases and with a comprehensible justification (§ 203 VVG). If a sufficient justification of the increase is missing, it can be formally invalid.
You have a claim to switch to another tariff of your insurer with equivalent insurance protection (right of tariff change, § 204 VVG), often the premium can be lowered this way without losing aging provisions.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Demand the justification

    Request the concrete justification of the premium increase and check whether it is comprehensible.

  2. 2

    2. Have the validity checked

    With an insufficient justification the increase can be formally invalid; a check can lead to repayments.

  3. 3

    3. Consider a tariff change

    Use your right of tariff change: ask about cheaper tariffs with equivalent protection while crediting the aging provisions.

  4. 4

    4. Do not cancel hastily

    Canceling the PKV is delicate (aging provisions, return to the statutory fund is difficult). First check the internal tariff change.

How to spot the scam

  • The increase is announced without a comprehensible justification.
  • An expensive new contract is advised instead of an internal tariff change.
  • It is suggested to you that you simply have to 'accept' the increase.

Frequently asked questions

May the PKV raise the premium?

Yes, but only with a certain change in the calculation bases (such as benefit expenses or life expectancy) and with sufficient justification (§ 203 VVG). An increase that is not properly justified can be formally invalid.

Can I act against the increase?

You can request the justification and have the formal validity checked. If an increase was invalid, repayments may be an option. Above all, though, a look at cheaper tariffs is worthwhile.

How do I lower my PKV premium?

Through the right of tariff change (§ 204 VVG): you can switch to another tariff of your insurer with equivalent protection and take your aging provisions with you. That often lowers the premium without losing the protection. Do not cancel prematurely.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.