Private health insurance with premium increases

Unisex rates: Private health insurance is becoming more expensive for most insured persons

15.11.2012

As of 2013, so-called unisex tariffs in Germany are mandatory. With this new regulation, especially the tariffs of private health insurance for men will experience significant price increases. In contrast, the PKV tariffs for women hardly cheaper. Experts assume that even here slight price increases are possible. At the turn of the year, the tariffs of the old customers will once again experience inflation rates, which in all likelihood will be in the majority „be moderate“.

Private health insurance is becoming much more costly for many policyholders. According to the CEO of the industry giant Signal Iduna, Reinhold Schulte, who is also the association chairman of private health insurers (PKV), „In particular, contributions to men will increase“. That lies, so Schulte opposite the „Rheinische Post“, especially the new ones „Unisex rates“, „to which the European Court of Justice has committed us.“ In the future, the men have to „pay the longer lifetime of women“.

Until the amendment of the law, tariffs were calculated differently in the PKV genders. On the one hand women usually go to the doctor more often and on the other hand they live on average in Germany for five years longer. For this reason, women had to pay higher tariff amounts compared to men. On the other hand, it was brought before the European Court of Justice. The EU court has found it proven that there is a difference in treatment. For this reason, the judges required an issue of gender-neutral policies. These will start on the 21st of December. From this deadline, insurers can only sell unisex tariffs. Existing customers can keep their existing policies.

Up to 30 percent higher private health insurance contributions for men
Industry experts estimate that the difference in contributions is about 30 percent. Richard Klumpp, insurance expert from Hamburg, estimates that „Men of this size have to expect a premium in the new tariffs“. Partially „could be even higher bonuses on the men“, so Klumpp.

But those who think that the tariffs of women are now much cheaper, wrong. In practice, policyholders will hardly save any costs. Since 2013, most providers will reduce the interest rate for the retirement provision from the current 3.5 percent to 2.75 percent, the expert reports. „The difference must then pay the insured on it“. In addition, many insurers will expand their range of services. „So-called lock offers should belong to the past, the cheap tariffs harmed the industry in the reputation very much“. Therefore, for example, psychotherapy is often included as an insurance benefit by default, as Schulte explained. Because the former Eineperigertarife with very low contributions turned out to be some time later as a real cost driver for insured with price increases of up to 60 percent.

Tariff increases should be moderate for existing customers
But there is also good news. Anyone who is already a member of a private health insurance need not worry too much. Although at the turn of the year again tariff increases are expected, but these should, according to the insurers „moderate“. According to Schulte, this has resulted in a survey of companies. In the past year, the insurance providers had their tariffs partly increased drastically. That caused little understanding and great displeasure. Many insurers now want to keep their tariffs stable at the beginning of the year. „Nevertheless, there will be tariffs that will be adapted, "says Schulte.

What to do in case of collective bargaining?
What should insureds do, however, if they are nevertheless affected by increases in tariffs. Often the price increases hit older people, who have little money anyway. A system change in the statutory health insurance is not possible, prohibits the legislature and would also be unfair to the coffers. However, sufferers within the insurance company may choose a cheaper rate that, while providing less health benefits, will incur less on-going costs. Often insurers want to prevent a tariff change. However, they are required by law to agree to a change to another tariff. The advantage is that the accumulated retirement provision can then be taken away. However, if you want to change the provider altogether, you can not take your old age provisions with you and almost start all over again. A spokesperson for consumer centers stressed: „An additional health examination in case of a tariff change within the insurance companies is permitted“. But if the provider is changed, this can get a check.

Another option is to increase the deductible. Although insured persons then have to pay a higher proportion of the medical treatment at the doctor himself, they can reduce the ongoing contributions. „This should only be considered by young insured persons“, advises a spokesman for consumer advice centers. Older people are often more susceptible to illness and may have to pay more for their health than before. Citizens should also not be impressed by the deadline. „Insurance companies love deadlines to put potential customers under pressure“. Anyone who intends to complete a private health insurance should continue to take the time to compare exactly. And best of all at a counseling center that does not receive any commission for the sale of an insurance policy. (Sb)

Also read:
Unisex rates: Many insurance companies are attracting
PKV Unisex fares hardly cheaper
Gender may not determine PKV contributions
Switch to statutory health insurance for private persons easier
Complaints about increase in PKV contributions
Health insurance: What changes 2016351a2cc0b08c03> Image: Barbara Eckholdt