Whether it’s the “active pension,” contribution ceilings, or occupational pension schemes: here are 10 updates in 2026 that policyholders should keep an eye on. The year 2026 brings several legislative changes. These affect not only the financial sector but also the insurance landscape. Here is an overview of ten major insurance changes and their practical consequences for policyholders.
#1: Contribution ceiling for statutory health insurance in 2026
One of the major changes in 2026 is the increase in the contribution ceiling, known as the BBG. This affects health and long-term care insurance as well as pension insurance. The contribution ceiling sets the maximum gross income used to calculate social security contributions. Any portion of the salary exceeding this limit is not subject to social security contributions.
Since January 2026, the annual ceiling for statutory health insurance is set at 69,750 euros, or 5,812.50 euros per month. Compared to the previous year, this represents an increase of more than 5%.
Quick info – What does this mean in practice? The increase in the ceiling leads to additional costs for certain employees whose income is near or above this limit:
- Health insurance: +€51.30
- Long-term care insurance (with children): +€10.80
- Long-term care insurance (without children): +€12.60
#2: Pension insurance contribution ceiling in 2026
The ceiling for pension and unemployment insurance is also increasing significantly. The monthly ceiling is rising from 8,050 euros to 8,450 euros. The annual ceiling now stands at 101,400 euros.
Quick info – The provisional average wage for 2026 is 51,944 euros (compared to 50,493 euros in 2025). This means that for the same salary, you earn fewer pension points. If you earn exactly the average wage, you now only receive a pro-rata of 0.9720 pension points instead of a full point.
#3: Active Pension (Aktivrente)
The “active pension” reform, introduced at the beginning of 2026, aims to encourage retirees to continue working voluntarily.
- Additional income: Up to €2,000 per month (€24,000 per year).
- Taxation: This amount is generally tax-free. Only income exceeding this limit is taxable.
- Contributions: Health and long-term care insurance contributions remain payable.
#4: Occupational Pension (bAV) in 2026
Thanks to the increase in the BBG, employees can contribute higher amounts to their occupational pension (via salary sacrifice) while benefiting from social security and tax advantages.
- Social security exemption: Up to 4% of the BBG, totaling €4,056 per year (€338 per month).
- Tax exemption: Up to 8% of the BBG, totaling €8,112 per year (€676 per month).
#5: Statutory Health Insurance (GKV) in 2026
The compulsory insurance threshold (JAEG) is also increasing. It is now set at €77,400 per year (or €6,450 per month). To be eligible to switch to private health insurance (PKV), your earnings must exceed this amount.
Quick info – Due to the increase in healthcare spending, many health insurance funds have raised their individual additional contribution. The average reference rate has risen to 2.9%.
#6: Basic Pension (Rürup)
For the self-employed and high earners, contributions to a basic pension can be deducted at 100% as special expenses. The deduction ceiling has been raised:
- For single persons: €30,826
- For married couples (joint filing): €61,652
#7: Riester pension reform
On December 17, 2025, a reform regarding the Riester pension (“Riester-Rente 2.0”) was adopted. No abolition is planned.
Quick info – Providers will be able to offer more flexible products without the obligation of guaranteed contributions. Implementation is scheduled for January 1, 2027.
#8: Early-start pension (Frühstart-Rente)
Children from age 6 will receive state support of €10 per month. The law is intended to apply retroactively to January 1, 2026, starting with children born in 2020.
Quick info – This measure allows children to benefit from the power of compound interest from a very early age, laying the groundwork for their future financial independence.
#9 : Insurance plates 2026 (Germany)
Starting March 1, insurance plates must be changed (from green to black), particularly for e-scooters and mopeds.
Quick info – Riding without a valid plate is equivalent to having no insurance coverage and constitutes a criminal offense, punishable by a fine or a prison sentence of up to one year.
#10: Regional and Type Classes for Car Insurance in 2026
Type classes reflect the claims statistics for a specific vehicle model. Regional classes depend on your place of residence.
Impacts :
- Type classes: 5.9 million pay more / 4.2 million pay less / 32 million unchanged.
- Regional classes: 5 million increase / 5.3 million decrease / 32.1 million unchanged.
Quick info – Check your annual premium notice. A change in class may justify a right of extraordinary termination.
