Beihilfe Continues Into Retirement
A civil servant’s Beihilfe entitlement does not stop at retirement. Retired civil servants (Ruhestandsbeamte) continue to receive Beihilfe toward their medical costs, and the state share is often higher in retirement than during active service. That means the private supplementary cover a retired civil servant needs is for a smaller remaining share.
How the Cover Adjusts
- Higher Beihilfe share: the state contribution percentage frequently rises at retirement, reducing the part you insure privately.
- Adjusting the top-up: your private supplementary tariff should be adjusted so it matches the new Beihilfe percentage rather than over-insuring.
- Dependants: the Beihilfe rates for a spouse and any dependants also affect the private cover needed.
- Value in retirement: because you insure only the gap, retired civil servants often have very manageable private premiums.
Adjust the top-up at retirement: when your Beihilfe share rises, your private tariff should reduce to match. Reviewing this at retirement avoids paying for cover the higher Beihilfe now provides.
Planning the Transition
Review your supplementary cover as retirement approaches, so the private tariff aligns with your new Beihilfe percentage from the start of your pension. Getting this adjustment right means you insure exactly the remaining share, no more. Because the Beihilfe framework makes the private premium proportionate to a smaller gap, retired civil servants are among the best-placed people in the whole system for affordable, high-quality cover, provided the top-up is set correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare PKV Tariffs for Your Situation
Our independent advisors help expats and professionals find the right private health insurance — personalised to your age, health, and budget.
Get My Free Quote