A note on “AI”: the tools below are mostly rate calculators and comparison portals, not AI advisors. I flag where they claim more.
Subtopic: GKV or PKV, what no comparison tool can decide
Self-employed people can choose public (GKV) or private (PKV) cover regardless of income, because they aren’t subject to compulsory GKV membership. The sources I checked agree on the trade-offs:
- GKV: contributions follow your income, with a floor and a ceiling. You pay the whole contribution yourself, with no employer share.
- PKV: benefits depend on the tariff you pick, and contributions tend to rise with age, though statutory age provisions soften this.
- Returning to GKV: from age 55, a return is in practice almost impossible. Below 55, sources describe narrow routes, such as taking a job below the compulsory-insurance limit, claiming unemployment benefit (ALG I), or family insurance through a spouse.
A tool can show today’s price. It can’t show what you’ll face at 55 or 65, so treat that as a question for an independent advisor.
The 2026 GKV numbers
| Figure | 2026 value |
|---|---|
| Contribution ceiling (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze) | €5,812.50 a month (€69,750 a year) |
| Minimum assessed income for self-employed | €1,318.33 a month |
| General rate (with sick pay) | 14.6% plus your fund's Zusatzbeitrag |
| Reduced rate (without sick pay) | 14.0% plus Zusatzbeitrag |
| Average Zusatzbeitrag | 2.9% (one source reports a range of roughly 2.2% to 4.4%) |
| Long-term care insurance | About 3.6% (4.2% if childless) |
Stiftung Warentest says the minimum monthly contribution for health and long-term care is about €286 with sick pay. Other sources give roughly €270–278, depending on the sick-pay assumption. The maximum for a childless person with sick pay is about €1,017 for health plus €244 for long-term care, per test.de. Because contributions depend on income, one source mentions possible back-payment after your tax assessment. Ask your fund how it handles that.
The tools
CHECK24 (GKV comparison)
CHECK24 compares more than 70 public funds and some optional tariffs, and its own page claims savings of up to €851 a year. Treat that figure as marketing, because it depends on your starting point. Since statutory benefits are the same across funds, the Zusatzbeitrag and extras drive most differences.
Good for: A quick check of fund prices and extras.
Verivox (GKV and PKV)
Verivox offers a public-fund calculator that includes self-employed contribution rates. It also advertises a PKV comparison of over 3,000 offers, based on an example for an employee, so check how it treats self-employed applicants.
Good for: Comparing public and private options in one place.
Standalone GKV-vs-PKV calculators
Independent-looking calculators let you enter your income and compare estimated GKV and PKV contributions. Some are run by insurance intermediaries, so check who runs the page and how it’s funded. One example is the calculator at selbststaendig-pkv.de, where I couldn’t confirm who operates it. A calculator shows a snapshot of today’s prices, not future increases.
Good for: A rough break-even check before you talk to an advisor.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Compares | Cost to use | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHECK24 | GKV funds and tariffs | Free | Savings claims are marketing |
| Verivox | GKV and PKV | Free | PKV example is for an employee |
| Standalone calculators | GKV vs PKV estimates | Free | Check who runs them |
Contribution rates and tools change often, so confirm the figures with your fund or a provider.
Which one should you choose?
- Staying in GKV and shopping for a fund: start with a GKV comparison and check each fund’s Zusatzbeitrag.
- Considering PKV: use a calculator for a first estimate, then talk to an independent advisor about long-term costs.
- Close to 55: treat the one-way door seriously.
- Low income: note the minimum assessed income. It sets a floor even if your profit is lower.
- Tracking costs: premiums count as Sonderausgaben, not Betriebsausgaben, as covered in our deductible expenses guide.
FAQ
Can I choose PKV as a self-employed person at any income?
Yes, according to the sources I checked, because self-employed people have no compulsory GKV membership.
Can I return to GKV later?
Only in narrow cases, and from 55 it’s practically closed. Check the details with an advisor.
Do all public funds offer the same benefits?
The statutory catalog is the same, so differences mostly come from the Zusatzbeitrag and extras.
Does a comparison tool replace an advisor?
No. It shows prices, not long-term risk.
Sources: Stiftung Warentest: GKV contributions for self-employed, Versicherungspflichtgrenze 2026 (Hallesche), Allianz: Versicherungspflichtgrenze 2026, CHECK24 GKV comparison, Verivox GKV comparison, selbststaendig.de GKV vs PKV guide, Mindestbemessungsgrundlage 2026
Last updated: October 2026. This post is for informational purposes only and isn’t insurance, tax, or financial advice. Health insurance is a long-term decision, so consult an independent insurance advisor before you choose.
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