PKV Switch Window Narrows: September 30 Deadline for 2027 Eligibility
Employees earning €77,400–€84,000 annually have until September 30, 2026 to terminate their statutory health insurance membership and switch to private insurance, or risk losing eligibility when the income threshold rises in 2027.
Germany's income thresholds for health insurance are reshaping who can access private coverage. Under the newly passed GKV-BStabG, the compulsory insurance threshold (JAEG)—the salary ceiling above which employees can opt for private insurance—is set to rise from €77,400 (2026) to over €84,000 (2027).
For employees in the €77,400–€84,000 earnings band, this creates a critical deadline: September 30, 2026. After this date, any employee at risk of falling below the 2027 threshold must have already terminated their statutory insurance to secure their eligibility for private coverage.
Why the September 30 Deadline Matters
GKV membership terminations take effect at the end of the second following calendar month. An application submitted by September 30 means membership ends November 30, with private insurance starting December 1—positioning the applicant as "already in PKV" by the decisive date of December 31, 2026. Those who wait until October will still be registered in statutory insurance on the reference date and may lose the right to switch.
This rule applies only to employees who are already voluntary members of a Krankenkasse (having previously qualified for PKV). Those with compulsory insurance cannot terminate early; their coverage automatically ends December 31 if earnings exceed both the 2026 and 2027 thresholds.
For foreign residents: If your salary hovers near €77,400–€80,000 and you have GKV coverage, review your income projections now. High earners from abroad—especially those on skilled-worker visas or permanent contracts—should consult a health insurance broker (Versicherungsmakler) to confirm whether you qualify for the PKV switch and whether September 30 affects you. Missing this deadline could lock you into compulsory GKV for another year, costing thousands in higher contributions.
Sources
Independent app, not a government. General information, not advice. The official source:
