self-employed
Whether you're just starting out or have been established for years, self-employed people need a health insurance provider that thinks ahead. ZF BKK offers you clear benefits, predictable premiums, and digital solutions that make everyday life easier—from application to reimbursement.
Your advantages with ZF BKK
- Health courses/trips: We cover 100% of the costs up to €200 per year for two health courses or one certified health trip.
- Travel vaccinations: We contribute up to €250 per year toward recommended vaccinations for travel abroad.
- Homeopathy: 100% coverage of costs for treatment by qualified panel doctors and for consultations at pharmacies.
- Osteopathy: We cover 100% of the costs up to €240 per year.
- Optional premium payment: Receive up to €350 per year back if you do not claim any benefits other than preventive medical checkups.
- Health bonus: You receive a €10 bonus for every preventive measure or healthy activity – with no limit.
Contribution rate – what you need to know
If you are self-employed, you have come to the right place—regardless of whether you are just starting out or already have experience in the business. Your health and long-term care insurance contributions are based on your contributory income. Statutory minimum and maximum limits apply to the calculation.
We have compiled a clear overview of what you need to bear in mind as a self-employed person or freelancer and the current figures that apply:
Good to know
Your total income is taken into account when calculating your contributions—in other words, all income that you use to cover your living expenses. In addition to income from self-employment, this also includes income from renting, capital gains, or other sources. The calculation is based on your current income tax assessment.
Your health insurance contribution will then be based on your total income. You can choose between two contribution rates:
- 14.00% (reduced) – without entitlement to sick pay
- 14.60% (standard) – with entitlement to sick pay from the 43rd calendar day of incapacity for work
You can change your tariff selection at any time, and the change will take effect from the month following your application. Please note: The sick pay entitlement only applies to new cases of incapacity for work, not to existing ones.
In addition to the selected contribution rate, there is an additional contribution of 3.40%specific to each health insurance fund. The contribution to nursing care insurance is currently 3.60%. For childless persons aged 23 and over , a statutory surcharge of 0.60% applies .
Contributions are calculated on the basis of a minimum monthly income of €1,318.33 and a maximum contribution assessment ceiling of €5,812.50. If no proof of income is available, the maximum amount is used as a basis .
The most recent income tax assessment is always used for the calculation. Since January 1, 2018, a preliminary contribution calculation has been made first. As soon as the income tax assessment for the year in question is available, the actual income is used for the final calculation. This can lead to an additional payment or a refund – similar to a utility bill.
Important note in the event of a drop in profits:
If your profits fall by more than 25%, your contribution may be temporarily reduced. To do this, we need:
- an informal written application and
- a current income tax prepayment notice showing the drop in profits.
The reduced contribution will apply from the following month – subject to change – and will be finalized with the tax assessment notice for the year in question.
When you start working full-time as a self-employed person, your compulsory insurance coverage ends. If you would like to continue to be insured with us, voluntary membership is possible.
To do so, we require:
- an application for voluntary insurance
- Proof of your self-employment, e.g., your business registration
The contribution amount is initially based on your estimated total income. To calculate this, we need suitable evidence, such as a business analysis (BWA). You will then receive a provisional contribution notice.
As soon as your income tax assessment for the year in which you started your business is available, a final settlement will be made on the basis of your actual income.
If you take up self-employment as a secondary occupation, we will check on an individual basis whether you are still subject to compulsory insurance. Please contact us at an early stage so that we can clarify your situation together.
Important: Regardless of tax law, your activity is considered full-time self-employment as soon as you employ a permanent employee. A single mini-jobber does not count in this case.
Current contributions are due on the 15th of the following month – for example, the contribution for January is payable on February 15. Please take this into account when making transfers and setting up standing orders.
It's easier with the SEPA direct debit mandate: we will then debit your contributions punctually and reliably directly from your account. You can find the SEPA direct debit mandate under Forms from A-Z.
