March 4, 2026 • By Calvin Boschetto
The Health Dividend — How Private Policyholders Can Receive Premium Refunds
Premium refunds in private health insurance
Many private health insurance tariffs offer contribution refunds when no claims are submitted during a calendar year.
This mechanism is called:
Beitragsrückerstattung (BRE)
Typical refund levels
Depending on tariff and insurer, refunds can equal:
- One to two monthly premiums
- Sometimes more
Some insurers also provide additional fixed refunds.
Preventive care does not reduce refunds
Preventive services often remain bonus-neutral, for example:
- Vaccinations
- Preventive check-ups
- Dental cleanings
This allows policyholders to maintain preventive care without losing eligibility for refunds.
A strategic approach
Many policyholders choose to pay smaller medical bills privately.
Example:
- Doctor invoice: €120
- Potential annual refund: €900+
In such cases, submitting the claim would reduce the refund.
Important limitation
Refund rules depend entirely on:
- Tariff conditions
- Insurer policies
- Annual board decisions
They cannot be guaranteed for future years.
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