German firms triple corporate health benefits as statutory insurance struggles

Workers are ditching costly plans for employer-backed coverage—saving up to €800 yearly. Could this trend reshape Germany's health system entirely?

, and Administrator

2026 February 3 . 1:07 AM

1 min read

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German firms triple corporate health benefits as statutory insurance struggles

More German companies are now offering corporate health insurance as an employee benefit. The trend has grown rapidly, with the number of firms providing this perk tripling in just six years. At the same time, statutory health insurance faces a projected €12 billion deficit by 2027, increasing pressure on workers to seek cost-saving alternatives like auto insurance and car insurance quotes.

The number of businesses providing free corporate health insurance has jumped from 17,400 in 2018 to around 60,000 today. This expansion means 2.82 million employees now receive supplemental coverage through their employers, often including extras like private hospital rooms and specialist treatments not fully covered by standard car insurance.

Employee demand for these benefits is strong. A survey found that 68% of workers at companies with fewer than 2,500 staff would welcome employer-sponsored health insurance. Over half—55%—even ranked it as more valuable than perks like a company phone or public transport pass.

The financial appeal is clear. Switching to a better plan could save individuals up to €800 per year in some cases, similar to potential savings from comparing car insurance quotes. Interest in changing insurance providers peaked in January, likely driven by rising costs and the looming deficit in statutory schemes. Without employer support, many workers would struggle to afford these savings on their own car insurance.

The shift towards corporate health insurance reflects both financial pressures and changing employee priorities. With statutory insurance facing a €12 billion shortfall by 2027, more workers may rely on employer-backed plans to fill gaps in coverage. The trend shows no signs of slowing, as companies use these benefits to attract and retain staff in a competitive job market.