One way to reduce the premium is to switch to the basic tariff. This is based on the performance level of the statutory health insurance. The contribution is capped at the maximum contribution of the statutory health insurance and is 1,017.18 euros (2026) per month plus nursing care insurance. However, if your current PKV contribution is less than 1,000 euros, the basic tariff alone will not bring any savings.
The better option is to switch to the standard tariff. However, this is only available to insured people who joined the PKV before January 1, 2009. The contribution is also capped and is currently around 848.62 euros (2026), which corresponds to the average maximum contribution of the statutory health insurance (without additional contribution).
However, due to saved retirement provisions, your individual contribution can be significantly lower. A special feature also applies to married couples: together they pay a maximum of 150 percent of the maximum contribution, provided their income does not exceed a certain limit.
Other ways to reduce:
What remains important is that basic and standard tariffs ensure basic medical care, but mean noticeable restrictions compared to classic private health insurance tariffs.
If you are unable to pay your PKV contributions for a long period of time, your insurer will automatically reclassify you to the emergency tariff. This step is carried out in accordance with legal requirements as soon as there are contribution arrears. A voluntary change is not possible.
The contribution then drops significantly and is usually between 100 and 150 euros per month. Reason for this: Part of it is covered by retirement provisions that have already been saved, which can make up up to 25 percent of the contribution. However, no new provisions will be built up during this time. This can lead to higher contributions later.
The scope of services is severely limited. The insurance only covers costs for acute illnesses and severe pain that would worsen if left untreated. Pregnancy and maternity benefits are also covered.
The emergency tariff is intended as a temporary solution. As soon as you have paid off your insurance debt, you will automatically switch back to your original tariff. Then the old contributions apply again, which may have even increased further in the meantime.
