Like every year, many health insurance companies have increased their contribution rates. Therefore it is possible to change to more advantageous conditions. But how convenient is it to do so?
First it is important to check, however, whether the services offered correspond to your needs, as a higher contribution rate often means more treatment coverage.
Most health insurers offer so-called bonus programs, which you need to register for. With various treatments – for example professional tooth cleaning, membership of a sports club or preventive medical check-ups – you can accumulate points which are then converted into cash or prizes.
Techniker Krankenkasse
Additional contribution rate
1.2 per cent (of gross salary)
Who is it aimed at?
Everyone. Registration is necessary. Children under 15 must be registered by their parents or legal guardian.
When is payment made?
If you have collected 1000 points or more, you can collect cash.
What is the maximum amount of money I can collect?
There is no official payment limit. For every 1,000 points collected, you get 30 Euro back. Alternatively, you can ask the insurance company to double the money and invest it as a health dividend. This is then invested in additional medical services, such as a professional dental cleaning. For every additional hundred points, you get three Euros back.
What earns the most points?
A sports badge from the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) or a sports badge from the German Rescue Society (DLRG) earns you 500 points per year. If you are a member of a sports club or fitness studio, you will also get 500 points.
In detail:
However, activities must be confirmed by stamp or signature. You can collect points for one year, after which you have three months to redeem them.
Barmer
Additional contribution rate:
1.5 per cent
Who is it aimed at?
Anyone. There is a special bonus program for children and young people – there are usually even more points to be earned.
When is payment made?
The money is paid back from 500 bonus points collected. That is 30 Euro.
What is the maximum amount of money I can get back?
The maximum payout amount is 100 Euros. To reach it, you need to collect 1500 points. If you want, you can also make a donation with the money you save.
What earns the most points?
Membership of a sports club or gym is worth 200 points.
DAK Gesundheit
Additional contribution rate:
1.5 per cent
Who does it apply to?
Anyone, including co-insured family members [Familienversicherte].
What is the maximum amount of money I can recover?
As of 01.01.2021, the minimum or maximum limits for payments have been abolished. If you redeem your bonus points for a contribution (e.g. a travel vaccination, glasses, etc.), DAK Health will add 20 per cent more.
What earns more points?
The general rule is: one point = one euro. Also here, membership of a sports club has an additional value of 50 points.
In detail:
The points collected are valid indefinitely, they do not expire.
AOK Plus (Sachsen und Thüringen)
Additional contribution rate:
1.2 per cent
Who is it aimed at?
All insured persons over 15. There is a special bonus program for children.
When is payment made?
One hundred points are worth one Euro. A payment is made from 500 points onwards.
What is the maximum amount of money I can recover?
You can track your athletic activity via a mobile application. Example: If you walk 10,000 steps a day, you get 100 points. But sports activities are limited to 180,000 points (180 Euro) per year.
What earns the most points?
Belonging to a sports club gives you 3000 points, while donating blood or plasma gives you 2000 points each.
IKK Classic
Additional contribution rate
1.3 per cent
Who is it aimed at?
Anyone, even people who live in Germany but work abroad, or vice versa.
What is the maximum amount of money I can get back?
Since the 1st of January, there is no longer a limit. Bonus payments can therefore be correspondingly high.
What earns the most points?
A healthy body mass index (according to WHO guidelines), a gym membership or a newly earned sports badge are worth €25. However, certificates for these can only be used once a year!
Attention: all health insurances are obliged to report bonus payments to the finance office!
