German public health insurance providers (gesetzliche Krankenkassen) offer bonus programs to promote health-conscious behaviour among their members. These programs reward activities such as regular participation in preventive check-ups, vaccinations, and fitness programs with financial bonuses or other benefits. The specifics of these programs vary among providers.
General Overview of Bonus Programs:
Most statutory health insurers in Germany have established bonus programs that reward insured individuals for engaging in health-promoting activities.
Commonly rewarded activities include:
Participation in preventive medical examinations (e.g., general health check-ups, cancer screenings, regular dental check-ups)
Regular vaccinations
Membership in fitness studios or sports clubs
Participation in health courses (e.g., nutrition, stress management)
Maintaining a normal Body Mass Index (BMI)
Non-smoking status
The rewards can be financial bonuses, non-cash prizes, or additional health services. The exact structure and benefits of these programs differ among the various health insurance providers.
Specific Bonus Programs:
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK):
TK offers a bonus program where members can earn 10 euros for each health-promoting activity or 20 euros as a "TK-Gesundheitsdividende" (health dividend). Members can accumulate up to 200 euros per participation year, which can be doubled to 400 euros when opting for the health dividend. Activities include preventive examinations, vaccinations, and fitness activities. Documentation and point tracking are facilitated through the TK app.
DAK-Gesundheit:
DAK's bonus program rewards members for health-conscious behaviour with points that can be converted into cash bonuses without a limit, investments up to €500 for sports equipment, or subsidies for specific health services.
DAK offers a special bonus program for kids with a maximum payout of €1650 when they turn 18.
You can also receive up to €500 cash back or invest in benefits during pregnancy and for a newborn.
Activities such as participation in sports events, preventive examinations, and vaccinations are rewarded.
BARMER:
BARMER's bonus program allows members to collect points for various health-promoting activities, including digital health courses, fitness studio memberships, sports club participation, and preventive examinations. For each activity, members earn points, which can be converted into cash bonuses up to €150 per year. The program is managed via the BARMER app, where members can upload proof of activities.
AOK:
The AOK offers bonus and premium programs that reward members for health-conscious behaviour. Depending on the regional AOK branch, members can collect points for activities such as preventive examinations, vaccinations, and participation in health courses. These points can be exchanged for non-cash prizes or cash bonuses. The specific programs and rewards vary by region.
Please consult your public health insurance provider for detailed information on available bonus programs and the specific activities that are rewarded. You could really save some money there.