Germany introduces healthcare reforms and new dental services

Germany is implementing significant changes to its healthcare system to address deficits in statutory health insurance. A new healthcare austerity package aims to relieve the finances of statutory health insurance funds by billions of euros by 2030. Key measures include increasing co-payments for medications from the current 5–10 euros to 7.50–15 euros. Additionally, starting in 2028, certain insured spouses or life partners who are not exempt—such as those who are not parents of young children, caregivers, or retirees—will face a 2.5 percentage point contribution surcharge, marking a restriction on the previously contribution-free family insurance model.

In a separate development, the Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists (KZVB) has launched a free second opinion service via video consultation. This service allows insured individuals in Bavaria to have their treatment and cost plans reviewed by specialized dentists acting as experts. The initiative aims to help patients better evaluate treatment plans, particularly as fixed subsidies for dental prosthetics from statutory health insurance providers are expected to decrease starting in 2027. The video service is intended to strengthen patient trust, with the KZVB noting that over 90 percent of patients continue treatment with their original dentist following such consultations.