Choosing the right health insurance can not only save you money but also provide better benefits. With these 10 tips, you're guaranteed to find the health insurance that best suits your needs.
Tip 1: Compare Supplementary Contributions - but correctly
The supplementary contribution is the most important comparison criterion because it determines your monthly costs. But watch out:
- Compare the current supplementary contribution, not historical data
- Consider announced increases
- Look at the contribution stability of recent years
Sample Calculation
With a gross income of 4,000 euros: The difference between 0.70% and 2.50% supplementary contribution is 72 euros per month or 864 euros annually!
Tip 2: Check Additional Benefits
All health insurance funds offer the same statutory benefits. The difference lies in additional benefits:
- Prevention: Additional preventive examinations, vaccinations
- Dental health: Professional teeth cleaning, higher subsidies
- Alternative medicine: Osteopathy, homeopathy, naturopathy
- Family: Subsidies for children's glasses, early detection exams
- Sports/Fitness: Subsidies for fitness courses, health trips
Tip 3: Use Bonus Programs
Many health insurance funds reward health-conscious behavior with rewards:
| Activity | Typical Reward |
|---|---|
| Preventive examination | 10-30 euros |
| Sports club membership | 20-50 euros |
| Non-smoker status | 10-25 euros |
| Health courses | 50-150 euros |
The best bonus programs offer over 200 euros per year - this can partially offset the supplementary contribution!
Tip 4: Check Regional Availability
Not every health insurance fund is available in every federal state. Check:
- Is the fund open nationwide or only regionally?
- For regional funds: Is it open for your federal state?
- Are there offices near you?
Tip 5: Consider Service Quality
Good service can be crucial when problems arise:
- Accessibility: Hotline hours, online service, app
- Offices: For personal consultation
- Processing time: How quickly are applications processed?
- Customer satisfaction: Reviews and test reports
Tip 6: Understand Optional Tariffs
Some funds offer special optional tariffs:
Caution with Optional Tariffs
Optional tariffs such as deductible tariffs or premium tariffs can have longer binding periods (up to 3 years). Check carefully whether this is worthwhile for you!
Tip 7: Think About the Future
Consider your life planning:
- Family planning: What benefits for pregnant women and children?
- Career change: Is the fund also suitable as a self-employed person?
- Moving plans: Is the fund also available at the new location?
Tip 8: Don't Just Look at the Price
The cheapest fund is not always the best choice:
- Very cheap funds often increase more sharply
- Fewer additional benefits can become more expensive (e.g., self-paid osteopathy)
- Poor service costs time and nerves
Tip 9: Use Comparison Calculators
A good comparison calculator helps you:
- Quickly find all available funds
- Calculate your personal savings
- Compare additional benefits
Tip 10: Don't Postpone the Switch
Many people stay with their expensive fund out of convenience. Yet switching is simple:
- The new fund takes over the cancellation
- There are no coverage gaps
- All benefits are immediately adopted
- Ongoing treatments are continued
Conclusion
Comparing health insurance is worthwhile! With the right approach, you'll find a fund that is affordable AND offers good benefits. Use our free comparison calculator and start saving today!
Compare Health Insurance Now
Calculate your savings potential and switch in just 3 minutes - free and digital!