Why Barmer is the right choice
Discover what is most important when you arrive in Germany
As a new employee, Barmer provides valuable information about the German health insurance system and offers guidance to help you navigate your new role.
Frequently asked questions for self-employed persons
The amount of health insurance contributions for self-employed persons depends on the contribution rate, the amount of income generated and whether there’s an entitlement to sick pay. The health insurance contribution rates for self-employed persons insured with Barmer are currently:
- 14.6% (statutory contribution rate*) + 3.29% (additional contribution rate) = 17.89%
- 14.0% (reduced contribution rate**) + 3.29% (additional contribution rate) = 17.29%
* Sick pay as of the 7 th week of incapacity to work
** Without entitlement to sick pay from the 7 th week of incapacity to work.
In 2025, health insurance contributions for self-employed members are calculated from a minimum income of 1248.33 euro and a maximum income of 5512.50 euro per month. Any income you earn above this maximum income amount is no longer subject to contributions.
In Germany, self-employed persons who are insured with public health insurance are also required to contribute to long-term care insurance.
With an income tax assessment. To calculate your contributions, we need your most recent income tax assessment from the tax office. If you have just started your self-employment and do not yet have an income tax assessment, you can estimate your income. You also need to fill out an income declaration form, which you’ll receive from us at regular intervals. As soon as you receive a new income tax assessment, please submit it to us. This is the only way to ensure that your contributions correspond to your actual circumstances.
No. It is important to us that your contributions are calculated correctly. When we receive your income tax assessment, your contributions will be retroactively adjusted to the income you actually generated in that year. This may result in a refund or an additional payment.
Yes. A temporary recalculation of contributions due to reduced income is possible if your income has been reduced by a minimum of 25%. For the temporary recalculation, you are required to submit Barmer a “pre-tax assessment” (Einkommensteuer-Vorauszahlungsbescheid) issued by the relevant local tax authority (Finanzamt). It is also possible for a tax advisor to issue, in most cases, a so-called “business accounting report” (betriebswirtschaftliche Auswertung or BWA). The business accounting report could be used as a basis for the temporary recalculation of future contributions while you wait for the pre-tax assessment to be issued.
Yes. Self-employed members can receive sick pay by selecting an optional tariff. There are different tariff options depending on how soon you wish to receive sick pay after beginning your incapacity to work. Speak to our service advisors for more details about sick pay tariffs for self-employed members, artists and publicists.
Yes. It’s very important to inform Barmer when you decide to leave Germany permanently so we can cancel your health insurance. You need to contact us early, so we can advise you on exactly what documentation you need to organize in order for us to legally cancel your insurance.
