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German health insurance threshold 2026 — statutory cover or free to go private?

You are exempt once your regular annual pay EXCEEDS the threshold. If you are already compulsorily insured, the exemption starts only when the calendar year ends — and only if your pay also exceeds the following year's threshold. A new job paid above the threshold is exempt from day one.

2026 rules — verified on September 23, 2026Free, no account

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Sources and assumptions

Calculation assumptions

  • The input is the regular annual pay from the employment, excluding supplements paid because of family status; backdated pay rises (SGB V s. 6(4), third sentence) are not allocated.
  • Next year's threshold is an input: it is only set by the following year's social security figures regulation, which had not been published when this check was built.
  • Only the earnings threshold is checked. Other grounds for exemption (civil servants, working students …), the over-55 rule (s. 6(3a)) and exemption on application (s. 8) are not covered.

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This result is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute personalised tax advice. Check your situation with the tax authorities or a professional.