Germany to reform health insurance benefits for partial pensioners

Starting January 1, 2027, the GKV Contribution Rate Stabilization Act, also known as the health insurance reform, will introduce changes for working retirees receiving a partial pension in Germany.

According to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund, the new law will result in the loss of sickness benefit (Krankengeld) eligibility for certain individuals. Currently, retirees can maintain full legal entitlement to sickness benefits even if they receive a partial pension of up to 99.99 percent. Under the new regulations, the entitlement to sickness benefits will be completely eliminated if the partial pension exceeds two-thirds (66.66 percent) of the full pension.

Retirees wishing to switch from a partial pension to a full pension can submit a written application or use the pension insurance online service. To ensure the change takes effect by January 1, 2027, applications must be received by the Deutsche Rentenversicherung no later than December 31, 2026.