Long-Term Care Insurance 2026: SPV Stable - Private PPV Rising Sharply
From January 1, 2026: SPV contribution remains at 3.6% thanks to government loans. However, Private Compulsory Care Insurance (PPV) is rising by an average of +16%. All important changes at a glance.
Key Points at a Glance:
- SPV contribution rate remains at 3.6% (4.2% without children)
- Contribution assessment ceiling: 69,750 Euro/year (5,812.50 Euro/month)
- Maximum SPV contribution: 209.26 Euro/month (Childless: approx. 244 Euro)
- Private PPV: Average +16% increase
- Care benefits: No increase planned (after +4.5% in 2025)
Good news for 2026: The contribution rate for Social Long-Term Care Insurance (SPV) remains stable at 3.6%. The federal government is supporting the system with additional loans to avoid a further increase. The situation is different for Private Compulsory Care Insurance (PPV): Policyholders here must prepare for significant increases.
Social Long-Term Care Insurance (SPV) 2026: Contribution Rates
Contribution Rates Remain Stable
General Contribution Rate:
For members with at least 1 child
Without Children:
Surcharge for childless (0.6%)
Graduated by Number of Children (still valid):
- - 2 Children: 3.35% contribution (-0.25%)
- - 3 Children: 3.10% contribution (-0.50%)
- - 4 Children: 2.85% contribution (-0.75%)
- - 5+ Children: 2.60% contribution (-1.00%)
Applies during the child-raising phase until the child reaches 25 years of age
Why Does the Contribution Remain Stable?
The federal government has decided to support Social Long-Term Care Insurance with additional loans. This is intended to prevent a further contribution increase. Without this measure, an increase to up to 4.0% would have been necessary.
Note: This loan financing is a temporary solution. A comprehensive care reform is being discussed for the medium term.
Contribution Assessment Ceiling 2026
Annual:
69,750 Euro
Monthly:
5,812.50 Euro
Maximum SPV Contributions When Reaching the BBG:
| Situation | Contribution Rate | Max. Contribution/Month |
|---|---|---|
| With Children (1+) | 3.6% | 209.26 Euro |
| Without Children | 4.2% | approx. 244 Euro |
Example Calculation at Average Income:
With an average income of approx. 4,300 Euro/month, a childless person pays about 182 Euro/month(employee and employer contributions combined).
Private Compulsory Care Insurance (PPV): Sharp Increases
Unlike SPV, Private Compulsory Care Insurance contributions are rising significantly.Privately insured individuals and those entitled to government aid must prepare for considerable additional costs.
Regular Policyholders
Average Increase
Average Contribution:
122.64 Euro/Month
For employees and self-employed
Government Aid Recipients
Average Increase
Average Contribution:
56.50 Euro/Month
For civil servants with aid entitlement
Why Is PPV Rising So Sharply?
- 1.Demographic Change: More and more privately insured individuals are reaching the age requiring care
- 2.Rising Care Costs: Personnel and material costs in care continue to rise
- 3.Capital Funding: PPV must build reserves for future benefits
Special Regulation for Saxony
Different Contribution Split in Saxony
A special regulation applies in Saxony: Repentance Day (Buss- und Bettag) is a public holiday there, which does not exist in other federal states. As compensation for this additional day off, employees bear a higher share of the care insurance contribution.
Employer Share:
1.3%
(instead of 1.8% nationwide)
Employee Share:
2.3%
(instead of 1.8% nationwide)
Note: The total contribution rate also remains at 3.6% in Saxony - only the split between employer and employee is different.
Care Benefits 2026: No Increase Planned
Benefits Remain at 2025 Levels
After the 4.5% increase on January 1, 2025, no further benefit increases are planned for 2026. Both in-kind benefits and care allowance remain unchanged.
Care Allowance (Home Care):
- Care Level 2:332 Euro
- Care Level 3:573 Euro
- Care Level 4:765 Euro
- Care Level 5:947 Euro
In-Kind Care Benefits:
- Care Level 2:761 Euro
- Care Level 3:1,432 Euro
- Care Level 4:1,778 Euro
- Care Level 5:2,200 Euro
What This Means for Those Requiring Care:
The care gap - the amount that those requiring care must bear themselves - will continue to grow. While care costs rise due to inflation and wage increases, benefits remain constant. Private supplementary care insurance is therefore becoming increasingly important.
Comparison: SPV vs. PPV 2026
| Feature | Social Care Insurance (SPV) | Private PPV |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution Change 2026 | 0% (stable) | +16% (regular) |
| Contribution Rate/Average | 3.6% / 4.2% | 122.64 Euro/Month |
| Max. Contribution (BBG) | 209.26 Euro (with child) | Unlimited (age-dependent) |
| Employer Subsidy | 50% of contribution | Max. SPV maximum contribution |
| Benefit Increase 2026 | None | None |
Savings Tips: How to Reduce Your Care Costs
Verify Number of Children
Make sure your children are registered with your health insurance. The childless surcharge (0.6%) will then no longer apply. With multiple children, the contribution drops even further.
Take Out Supplementary Care Insurance Early
The younger and healthier you are, the cheaper the premiums. At 30, you often pay only 20-25 Euro; at 50, already 50-70 Euro per month.
Use Pflege-Bahr (State-Subsidized Care Insurance)
The state-subsidized Pflege-Bahr offers 5 Euro monthly subsidy and can be taken out without a health check - ideal for pre-existing conditions.
Review PPV Tariff (for Privately Insured)
Check alternative PPV tariffs with your insurer. Sometimes there are cheaper options with similar benefits.
Conclusion: Stability with Reservations
Social Long-Term Care Insurance shows stability in 2026 - but only thanks to government loan support. For those with statutory insurance, this means relief for now. Private Compulsory Care Insurance, however, must implement significant increases.
In the long term, the care gap remains the central problem: Without benefit increases and with continuously rising care costs, the out-of-pocket expenses for those requiring care will keep growing. Private supplementary care insurance therefore remains highly recommended.
SPV Policyholders:
- - Contribution remains at 3.6% / 4.2%
- - No additional costs in 2026
- - Benefits unchanged
- - Care gap persists
PPV Policyholders:
- - Average +16% increase
- - Government aid recipients: +6%
- - Review tariff options
- - Use employer subsidy
Close Your Care Gap!
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