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reporting a change of employer for insurance
Changing Employer: Correctly Report Insurance and Avoid Pitfalls
A new job brings many changes – including for your insurances. Find out what reporting obligations you have and how to optimally adjust your coverage to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
The topic in brief and concise terms
When changing employers, you usually remain automatically insured under the statutory health insurance, but often have a special 14-day right of termination.
The transfer of occupational pensions (bAV) is often possible, but it must be applied for within one year.
Private disability insurance contracts generally do not need to be reported, while with private health insurance, the annual income threshold is decisive.
Quick Facts: Key Information on Insurance Coverage When Changing Jobs
Changing employers involves a series of administrative tasks, particularly in the area of insurance. The good news is that many reporting processes take place in the background between employers and social insurance providers. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of your own rights and obligations to ensure optimal coverage. Here are the key points at a glance:
Membership in the statutory health insurance (GKV) generally remains; the new employer registers you.
When changing employers, a new commitment period of twelve or eighteen months often begins for the GKV.
A special right to cancel the GKV usually exists within fourteen days after starting a new job.
Privately insured individuals must pay attention to income limits and inform their employer about their private health insurance (PKV).
Occupational pension schemes (bAV) can often be transferred or continued privately; there is a deadline of one year for the transfer application.
A private disability insurance (BU) generally does not need to be actively reported, unless it concerns special student tariffs.
If there is a gap between two jobs, the GKV often provides a subsequent entitlement to benefits for up to one month.
This overview serves as a first point of orientation. The details of the individual types of insurance and specific situations are crucial for a smooth transition.
Statutory Health Insurance (GKV): Cleverly Utilise Reporting and Switching Options
When changing employers, you do not need to inform your statutory health insurance fund yourself; your new employer takes care of this by registering you for social security. You simply inform your new employer which health insurance fund you are covered by. A membership certificate in paper form has not been required since 2021, as the notification is made electronically. It is important that you provide your new employer with the correct details of your health insurance fund, often this is done through a personnel questionnaire. Although your membership remains, a new commitment period of twelve months to your current fund often begins with the new job. However, there is an immediate right to choose: you can change your health insurance fund within fourteen days of starting the new job, even if the previous commitment period has not yet expired. If you miss this deadline, you will remain with your previous fund. A change is then only possible again regularly after the expiry of the new commitment period, usually with a notice period of two months to the end of the month. An exception is the special right of termination in the event of an increase in the additional contribution by your fund. In the case of a gap between two jobs, you are generally covered as a compulsory insured person by the subsequent entitlement to benefits for up to one month without having to pay contributions. However, this does not apply if you are voluntarily insured or receiving unemployment benefits. For optimal coverage, especially during longer breaks, voluntary health insurance may be an option. Knowing these regulations enables you to take financial advantage and maintain your insurance cover seamlessly.
Private Health Insurance (PKV): What You Need to Consider When Changing Employers
For privately insured individuals, different rules apply when changing employers compared to those with statutory insurance. Your private health insurance contract generally remains in place, as it is not directly linked to the employer. You must inform your new employer that you are privately insured and with which company. This information is required for the employer's contribution towards your premiums. The employer's contribution is fifty percent of your private health insurance premium, but not more than the maximum amount they would contribute for someone with statutory insurance (2025: 471.32 euros per month). A crucial factor for remaining in private health insurance is the annual income threshold (JAEG), which for 2025 is set at 73,800 euros gross per year. If your new salary falls below this threshold, you will generally become subject to mandatory statutory insurance. However, you can exempt yourself from this requirement within three months of becoming eligible for statutory insurance, to stay in private insurance. This decision should be well-considered as it is often binding. In the event of a gap between two jobs, there is no automatic continuation of benefits in private insurance like there is in statutory insurance. It is important to take action to avoid a gap in coverage. Options include a waiting period insurance or a dormant insurance, especially for longer breaks. A cancellation of private health insurance should only be done after careful consideration and ensuring new coverage is in place. Reviewing your contract terms in detail and proactive planning are essential here.
Disability Insurance (BU): Ensure Continuity of Protection
A private occupational disability insurance is an essential protection whose continuity should be ensured even when changing employers. In most cases, you do not need to notify your occupational disability insurance of a change in your professional activity. The protection once agreed for the occupation practiced at the time of the contract's conclusion or subsequently specifically practiced remains in place, even if your field of activity or risk changes. An exception often includes policies taken out during training or studies. In these cases, there may be a requirement to report the commencement of your first professional activity, sometimes within six months. Some insurers offer the opportunity to review and potentially reduce the premium when switching to a less risky profession, often associated with a new risk assessment. It is different with a company occupational disability insurance (bBU). This is often linked to the employer. Taking it with you when changing employers is not always guaranteed. Often, the contract has to be continued privately, with contributions then being paid from net income, and the occupational disability pension can be fully taxable in the event of a claim. Clarify with your new employer at an early stage whether a transfer of the bBU is possible or what alternatives exist. Careful examination of your contract conditions, especially when terminating the insurance due to an employer change, is advisable.
Additional Insurance: What to Do About Accident and Liability Insurance
In addition to the major insurance categories such as health insurance and pension schemes, there are other policies that require review when changing employers. Private liability insurance is generally not tied to the employer and continues unchanged. A notification of the job change is usually not required here, unless the career change leads to a significant alteration of the insured risk (e.g., taking on a part-time job with a higher liability risk). With accident insurance, a distinction must be made: Private accident insurance remains unaffected by the change of employer. A group accident insurance arranged through the employer or statutory accident insurance ends with the old employment relationship and begins with the new one. For the journey to the new workplace and the activities there, you are insured through the new employer. If there is a break of more than 31 days between two jobs, there could be a gap in statutory accident insurance unless supplementary insurance is arranged or a notification is made to the employment agency. [,,.] It is advisable to briefly review all existing contracts and adjust the insurance coverage if necessary, to avoid double insurance or coverage gaps. A template letter for insurance policyholder change can be helpful if needed, as well as general tips on writing letters to insurance companies.
Expert Depth: Legal Foundations and Current Judgements
The reporting obligations and regulations regarding insurance when changing employers are based on various legal foundations. For statutory health insurance, in particular, the Fifth Book of the Social Code (SGB V) is relevant. Section 19 SGB V, for example, regulates the subsequent entitlement to benefits. The right of choice of the health insurance fund and the binding periods are also anchored in SGB V. Reports to social security, which also affect health insurance funds, are made via the Data Collection and Transmission Regulation (DEÜV). [,-,.] For occupational pension schemes, the Company Pensions Act (BetrAVG) is decisive, particularly Section 4 BetrAVG on portability. Current court rulings can specify existing regulations or shed light on new aspects. For example, there are always decisions on the non-forfeitability of occupational pension claims or on the interpretation of disability insurance clauses. Our expert tip: Keep yourself informed about changes in legislation and relevant court rulings, for instance, through specialist publications or newsletters from consumer advice centres. In complex situations, such as transferring a direct promise in occupational pensions, an actuarial calculation by an actuary may be necessary to ensure the correct transfer value. A precise knowledge of the legal framework protects you from disadvantages.
Checklist and recommendations for your smooth transition
Changing employers requires attention to your insurance policies. A structured approach helps ensure nothing is overlooked. Here is a checklist with specific action recommendations:
Statutory Health Insurance: Inform your new employer about your current health insurance provider. Check your special right of termination (fourteen days notice after starting the job). Clarify coverage in case of a gap between jobs (subsequent entitlement for up to one month).
Private Health Insurance: Provide your new employer with your private health insurance (PHI) details for the subsidy. Check your salary against the annual income threshold (£73,800 in 2025). Cover any gaps between jobs if necessary with a suspension or dormant insurance.
Incapacity Insurance: Private incapacity insurance usually does not need to be reported. For occupational incapacity insurance, clarify takeover or continuation options.
Company Pension Scheme: Clarify transfer options (portability) with both your previous and new employer (application deadline one year). Consider options such as private continuation or suspension.
Other Insurances: Check private liability and accident insurance for currency; occupational ones end/start with the job.
Observe Deadlines: Note all relevant deadlines, especially for terminations or applications (e.g., fourteen days for statutory health insurance change, one year for company pension scheme transfer).
Gather Documents: Keep all relevant insurance documents ready.
Our expert tip: Talk to your new employer early about taking over contracts such as the company pension scheme. Proactive communication can avoid many issues and help you find the best solution for you. Careful planning secures your insurance coverage and avoids unnecessary costs or coverage gaps.
Your next step towards optimal insurance coverage
Changing employers is an opportunity to review and optimise your insurance situation. Many aspects need to be considered, from reporting obligations and notice periods to the transfer of pension agreements. An individual analysis of your situation is often essential to take full advantage and avoid potential pitfalls. With the information presented here, you already have a good overview. However, personal advice from experts can provide clarity and help you make the right decisions for your financial security. Take the opportunity to adjust your insurances to your new life situation. Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive specific suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
Techniker Krankenkasse provides detailed information about changing employers and the associated changes in health insurance.
The GDV (German Insurance Association) explains how occupational pension schemes can be continued after changing employers.
The Pronova BKK offers a comprehensive guide to social insurance for companies.
The AOK provides information on the options and process of switching health insurance providers.
The Consumer Centre offers guidance on switching statutory health insurance more quickly.
The German Pension Insurance explains the notification procedure according to DEÜV for employers and tax advisors.
A press release from the German Pension Insurance discusses exemption from pension insurance obligation for members of professional pension schemes.
The Employment Agency provides information and support on career changes and further training.
FAQ
What deadlines must I consider for my insurance when changing employers?
Important deadlines include the 14-day period for changing health insurance when starting a new job and the one-year deadline for applying to transfer occupational pension schemes. Obtain specific information regarding your contracts.
Will the health insurance inform my new employer?
No, you inform your new employer of your health insurance provider. The new employer will then register you with this health insurance. Communication between the new health insurer (if changing) and employer is then conducted electronically.
What if my salary with the new employer falls below the statutory insurance threshold for private health insurance (PHI)?
If your salary falls below the annual income threshold for 2025: €73,800, you will generally be required to rejoin statutory health insurance (GKV). However, you can opt-out of this obligation within three months to remain with your PHI.
Do I need to inform my private disability insurance about a job change?
Generally, no. The coverage of your private disability insurance (BU) usually remains intact regardless of a job change, unless there are specific clauses (e.g., for student or pupil tariffs).
What happens to my occupational pension scheme if the new employer does not continue it?
If the new employer does not adopt your occupational pension scheme (bAV), you can often continue the contract privately (contributions then from your net income) or pause it. The accumulated capital remains yours if it is vested.
Am I insured between two jobs?
Those with statutory health insurance often have continuing coverage for up to one month. Privately insured individuals need to actively arrange solutions such as a waiting period insurance or suspension insurance to avoid coverage gaps.
