Definition of the health insurance termination right
The health insurance termination right allows you to switch earlier when your statutory health insurer raises its additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag). You terminate by the end of the month from which the additional contribution is first charged or raised. The twelve-month binding period does not apply in that case.
Value (as of 20 October 2026)
| Figure | Value | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deadline | by the end of the month from which the increase applies | applicable law | Section 175(4) sentence 6 SGB V |
| Binding period without the special right | 12 months | applicable law | Section 175(4) sentences 1 and 2 SGB V |
| Standard notice period | at the end of the month after next | applicable law | Section 175(4) sentence 3 SGB V |
Example
Your health insurer raises the additional contribution from 1 January 2027. You can switch by 31 January 2027, effective at the end of the month, without waiting out the binding period. The new insurer notifies your old insurer of the switch, so you do not have to terminate the membership yourself.
Related terms
Additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag), change of health insurer, binding period (Bindungsfrist), follow-on insurance (Anschlussversicherung).
Further articles
- Switching health insurer as a student: deadlines, process and special termination right (in German)
- Additional contributions 2026 for all health insurers (in German)
Sources
Section 175 SGB V. As of 20 October 2026.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
Editorial team: Academycon
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