Free Tool · 2026
GKV vs. PKV Calculator 2026
Compare your statutory and private health-insurance costs side by side — based on the official 2026 contribution rates.
Rates verified: 1 January 2026
Your Details
Employment status
GKV: extra family members are FREE. PKV: each person pays a separate premium.
PKV premiums are individually underwritten — enter a quote or estimate. We cannot compute this figure honestly.
At this income level you are not yet eligible for PKV (annual income below the €77,400 JAEG threshold). GKV is mandatory.
Monthly Cost Comparison
GKV (Statutory)
PKV (Private)
- · Family members with no or low income are covered FREE in GKV (Familienversicherung).
- · PKV charges a separate premium for every insured person — enter the total household size above.
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Premiums vary widely by age and health — compare personalised offers via Tarifcheck.
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How the 2026 figures work
GKV: income-based contribution
Statutory insurance charges a percentage of your gross income up to the Beitragsbemessungsgrenze (BBG, contribution ceiling). For 2026 the combined rate is 17.5 % (14.6 % general rate + 2.9 % average Zusatzbeitrag) for health, plus 3.6 % for long-term care — 4.2 % if you are childless and over 23. Employees split the bill roughly 50/50 with their employer; the childless surcharge is employee-only. Self-employed pay the full rate.
PKV: individually underwritten
Private insurance premiums are calculated per person based on age at entry, health status, and chosen benefit level. There is no income ceiling, and each family member pays a separate premium. Employees receive a statutory employer subsidy capped at what the employer would pay in GKV (≈ €613/mo in 2026). Premiums typically rise with age; switching back to GKV is difficult after 55.
Sources (2026 figures)
- GKV-Spitzenverband — Rechengrößen der Sozialversicherung 2026
- Bundesregierung — Beitragsbemessungsgrenzen 2026
- Bundesgesundheitsministerium (BMG) — Beiträge der GKV
- § 226 SGB V (Beitragsbemessungsgrundlage), § 6 SGB V (Versicherungspflichtgrenze)
Frequently asked questions
When can I switch from GKV to PKV?▾
You must earn more than the JAEG (Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze) for two consecutive calendar years — €77,400 in 2026. Self-employed and civil servants (Beamte) can join PKV immediately.
Are my family members covered in GKV?▾
Yes. Spouses and children with no or low income are covered free of charge under Familienversicherung. PKV has no equivalent — each person must be insured separately.
What is the Zusatzbeitrag?▾
Health funds (Krankenkassen) charge an individual Zusatzbeitrag on top of the 14.6 % general rate. The national average for 2026 is 2.9 %, but your fund may charge more or less. This calculator uses the average.
Can I get an exact PKV premium from this tool?▾
No — and that's intentional. PKV premiums are individually underwritten based on your age, health history, and chosen benefit level. Any formula claiming to compute a firm PKV number would be misleading. Enter a figure from a real quote, or click the Tarifcheck link to get personalised offers.