Switching Health Insurer as Employees in Germany

After 12 months of membership at the current fund (§ 175 SGB V — Bindungsfrist since 2021). Notice is 2 full calendar months; the new Krankenkasse (e.g., DAK-Gesundheit at 17.8% of gross) handles the paperwork automatically.

Yes. Under § 175 (4) SGB V a Zusatzbeitrag increase triggers the Sonderkündigungsrecht — you can switch immediately regardless of the 12-month Bindungsfrist. DAK-Gesundheit's Zusatzbeitrag is 2.5% in 2026.

No — all statutory core benefits (§ 11 SGB V) are identical across every GKV. Only Zusatzleistungen (bonuses, reimbursements, English service) differ. DAK-Gesundheit offers English-speaking hotlines and up to €200 bonus for prevention checks.

About 2 months. You file the Aufnahmeantrag with the new Krankenkasse (DAK-Gesundheit online in 5 minutes); the fund cancels the old membership under § 175 SGB V. The new eGK arrives within 1–2 weeks after the switch date.

Only if gross salary exceeds the JAEG of €77,400 (2026) for three consecutive years, or as Beamte/self-employed. Care Expatriate (from €58/month) works only as a private bridge, not as a permanent GKV substitute under § 5 AufenthG.

Yes. After 12 months of membership (or immediately if your insurer raises the supplementary premium), you can switch to any statutory health insurer. The DAK Gesundheit for employees (from approx. 17.8 % of gross salary) offers an easy online switch with immediate confirmation.

The standard notice period is two full calendar months. If you change employers, the lock-in period does not apply. During a short gap, Care Economy (from 30 € / 30 days) can bridge the transition.

Depending on your current and new supplementary premium, you can save up to 400 euros per year at a gross salary of 3,500 euros per month. Over 95 % of benefits are identical across all statutory insurers – only bonus programs and extras differ. Learn more in our guide on switching costs.