When you take the step into self-employment, it’s important to keep an eye on your health. In this article, I will explain everything you need to know about self-employed health insurance, from the situation as an unemployed person to choosing the right insurance option as a self-employed person.
Health insurance as an unemployed person
As an unemployed person, your health insurance contributions are covered by the employment office, so that’s one less thing to worry about. During the transitional period between unemployment and self-employment, there are options to protect you. The employment agency plays a role in supporting the self-employed during this phase.
Who insures you as a self-employed person?
As a self-employed person, you have various options when it comes to your health insurance. You can opt for statutory health insurance (GKV), private health insurance (PKV) or family insurance, depending on your situation and your needs.
Choosing your health insurance
The choice between statutory and private health insurance can be complex. Together with an experienced insurance broker, you can go through the pros and cons of both options so that you can make the best decision for you. Remember to consider your individual needs and financial means.
- Calculation of contributions in the GKV: In statutory health insurance (GKV), contributions are calculated based on income. This means that the higher your income as a self-employed person, the higher your contributions will be. The contribution rate is usually a certain percentage of your income.
- Progressive tariff: SHI contributions are calculated according to a progressive tariff. This means that the contribution rate rises as your income increases. However, there is an upper limit, the so-called top rate.
- Top rate: The top rate is the maximum contribution rate that you have to pay in the statutory health insurance scheme. It is currently around 15.5% of your income. This means that even if you earn a high income, you will not pay more than this rate for your health insurance
Health insurance for full-time self-employment
If you are taking the step towards full-time self-employment, adjusting your health insurance is very important. Here are some tips that can help you with this:
- Act in good time: Start preparing for your full-time self-employment and your new health insurance in good time. The re-registration process can take some time, so plan ahead.
- Seek advice: Consult an insurance advisor or contact your health insurance provider to discuss the best options for your new professional situation. They can help you make a smooth transition.
- Take costs into account: Bear in mind that health insurance contributions can be higher as a self-employed person than in regular employment. Take these additional costs into account in your financial planning.
Supplementary insurance and options
In addition to your main insurance, there are various ways to optimize your health cover. Here are some tips:
- Private daily sickness allowance insurance: This supplementary insurance pays you a daily sickness allowance if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. It can help to cushion your loss of income.
- Supplementary health insurance: Consider taking out supplementary health insurance to cover additional benefits such as dentures, alternative treatments or treatment by a chief physician. These can improve your medical care.
Tips for cost control and prevention
The cost of health insurance can be high, but there are ways to keep it under control and boost your health:
- Compare tariffs: Take the time to compare the different tariffs and offers from health insurance companies. A cheaper tariff can mean considerable savings without sacrificing quality.
- Take advantage of preventive measures: Invest in your health by taking advantage of preventive measures. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help to detect or prevent illnesses at an early stage.
- Health awareness: Be conscious about your health. Small lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help reduce long-term health costs.
These tips should help you keep control of your health insurance costs and promote your health while you pursue your self-employment.
If you would like further adjustments or additional information, please let me know.
Remember that choosing the right health insurance as a self-employed person is an important step. It’s not just about protecting yourself financially, but also about your health. Take your time to review the options and find the best insurance solution for you.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If you have any further questions about self-employed health insurance or need support with your decisions, I’m here to help. Your health and your success are important to me!
