Welche bKV-Anbieter gibt es in Deutschland?

The leading providers of supplementary health insurance in Germany are Allianz, HanseMerkur, Nürnberger, Hallesche, Signal Iduna, Gothaer, VKB, Münchener Verein, ottonova, Württembergische, and LKH. Each has different coverage focuses—Allianz and HanseMerkur are the most comprehensive, while Hallesche and Nürnberger specialize in flexible budget plans that include alternative therapies.

Which supplementary health insurance providers are there in Germany?

The German supplementary health insurance market is consolidated around a few large insurers, each with its own focus in terms of coverage. Most employers choose from among about 10 to 12 major providers.

The market leaders

Allianz: The largest provider in the market, offering a wide range of plans from basic to premium. A strong brand with good service structures, but terms and conditions that are somewhat traditional.

HanseMerkur: Very strong in the SME segment with modern, budget-friendly plans (Company Fit). Good app, fast reimbursement, low minimum participant thresholds.

Nürnberger: A specialist in flexible budget plans with comprehensive health coverage. Popular among small and medium-sized businesses.

Specialists and niche providers

Hallesche: Strong focus on alternative practitioners and alternative medicine
Signal Iduna: Solid all-around plans, good administrative structures
Gothaer: Focus on premium products with hospital coverage options
VKB (Bavarian Insurance Chamber): Regional presence in Bavaria, strong regional roots
Münchener Verein: Niche plans with unique coverage options
ottonova: Purely digital provider, app-focused
Württembergische: A solid range of plans, with a strong tradition
LKH (State Hospital Assistance): Regional focus, often active in the public sector

How to choose

The choice depends less on the provider's name than on three factors:

Key factors in pricing: Those who have the most alternative medicine practitioners make different choices than those who focus on dental prosthetics
Minimum participation rate: SMEs with 5–10 employees need providers with low thresholds
Service quality: app usability, speed of reimbursement, hotline availability — key operational factors

A professional benefits plan analysis typically compares 3 to 5 proposals and filters them based on workforce profile, budget, and strategic goals.

Multiple providers at the same time?

Large companies with multiple pay grades sometimes choose different providers for different employee groups—for example, a premium plan from Provider A for executives and a standard plan from Provider B for the rest of the workforce. However, this significantly increases administrative overhead and is only worthwhile for companies with 200 or more employees.

Related terms

How much does supplemental health insurance cost per employee?

Supplementary health insurance plans typically cost between 10 and 50 euros per month per employee. Plans costing less than 50 euros are tax-free (non-cash benefit limit); higher-cost plans are subject to a flat-rate tax of 30 percent. Premium plans with additional coverage options cost between 60 and 100 euros per month.

See the full answer

Is supplemental health insurance worth it for small businesses?

Yes. Supplementary health insurance is available for companies with as few as three employees and offers a significant recruitment advantage, especially for small businesses. Its tax efficiency (2 to 3 times more effective than a salary increase), minimal administrative burden, and proven ability to retain employees also make it attractive for small and medium-sized enterprises.