In Germany's statutory health insurance system (GKV), Wahltarife (optional tariffs) allow you to modify your health coverage providing financial benefits or additional services.
General types of optional tariffs:
General Practitioner-Centered Care (Hausarztmodell):
Policyholders commit to consulting their general practitioner (GP) first for health concerns. The GP acts as a coordinator for further treatments. This model can improve care coordination and may include financial incentives.Deductible Tariffs:
Policyholders agree to cover a set portion of medical costs themselves in exchange for a premium refund or reduced contributions. These tariffs are ideal for healthy individuals who rarely use medical services.Premium refund tariffs:
Policyholders receive a partial refund of their contributions if they avoid using healthcare services within a specified period. Preventive checkups typically do not affect eligibility for the refund.Sickness benefit tariffs for self-employed people:
Since self-employed customers in the GKV do not automatically receive sickness benefits, they can opt for specific tariffs to secure financial support in case of long-term illness.
Optional tariffs with specific providers:
TK PrämieFlex
Exclude certain services to receive a refund of up to €90 per year
TK Tarif300Plus
If you don't use your health insurance, you get a refund of €300 per year
TK Sickness Benefit Tariffs
Income protection for self-employed individuals during illness
TK Traveller Tariff
Coverage for travel abroad
Cashback system in three plans, depending on income
If you don't use your health insurance, you get a refund of up to €450 per year
Sickness Benefit Tariff:
Income protection for self-employed individuals during illness.
Guarantee Tariff 90:
Receive €90 annually for committing to DAK for a certain time period.
DAK Fit & Cash:
Cashback system in different plans, depending on income
If you don't use your health insurance, you get a refund of up to €600 per year
Fit & Travel:
Worldwide insurance protection for travellers.
Sickness Benefit Tariff:
Income protection for self-employed individuals during illness.
AOK:
Options include deductibles, premium refunds, and special care models. The offers differ between the regional AOK branches.
Sickness Benefit Tariff:
Income protection for self-employed individuals during illness
The source of the information given is the websites of the respective providers (as at 2024)
Important Considerations:
Binding periods:
When signing up for an optional tariff, you are typically bound to the tariff for a certain period, usually one year. For some tariffs, such as sickness benefit tariffs for self-employed individuals, the commitment period can extend to three years.Individual evaluation:
It is essential to carefully review the terms and potential risks of any optional tariff and consider whether it suits your needs.
For detailed information and personalised advice, you should contact your health insurer directly or consult the relevant websites.