Enhanced social contributions for high-earning employees starting in 2026

In the first half of the year, the expenditure of Germany's approximately 90 health insurance funds increased by 7.95% to a total of 166.1 billion euros. This trend has raised concerns among employees, who are already feeling the pinch of increased contributions.

The total contribution to health insurance, shared equally by employees and employers, amounts to 14.6% of gross wages. This percentage is set to remain the same for the GKV contribution rates in 2026, with an additional kassen-specific surcharge.

The planned contribution rates for various insurance types in 2026 also include Pension Insurance at 9.3%, Health and Nursing Insurance with a threshold of €69,750 annually, and Pension and Unemployment Insurance with a threshold of €101,400 annually.

Dennis Radtke (CDU) has stated that the federal government has little room for maneuver in raising contribution limits due to wage development. He also mentioned the looming increase in additional contributions in the statutory health insurance (SHI), which could result in employees being hit twice.

Reiner Holznagel, President of the Federal Association of Taxpayers, has suggested cuts in social benefits instead of raising contribution limits as a potential solution.

Many employees are reportedly "fed up" because they are not seeing progress despite their hard work. At the beginning of the year, the average additional contributions for statutory health insurance rose to 2.9%.

Each health insurance fund sets the specific additional contribution based on its financial situation for its insured. An autumn working group determines an orientation value for the average additional contribution in the following year.

These developments have sparked a debate about the sustainability of the current health insurance system and the need for reforms to ensure affordability and fairness for all parties involved.