What is a Krankenkasse?

A Krankenkasse is a German statutory health-insurance fund (e.g. TK, AOK, Barmer). Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Your Krankenkasse handles your membership, contributions and cover, and writes to you about all three.

Which Krankenkasse letters have a deadline?

Requests for documents or proof of income usually give a date to respond. A formal Bescheid — for example setting your contribution as a voluntary or self-employed member — contains a Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung with a Widerspruch period, usually one month. Routine information letters have no such deadline.

I got a contribution demand that seems too high — what can I do?

Contributions for voluntary or self-employed members are based on income. If the fund estimated your income or used outdated figures, you can send current proof and, against a formal Bescheid, file a Widerspruch within the stated deadline.

Do I have to answer a request for information?

Yes, and on time. Missing a deadline to prove income can lead the fund to estimate it at the maximum, raising your contribution. Respond by the stated date and keep a copy.

Guide

A letter from your Krankenkasse, explained

Your Krankenkasse is your German health-insurance fund. Most of its letters are routine — but a few set your contribution or ask for proof, and those come with a date. Here is how to tell them apart.

First things first

Routine info letters have no deadline. A request for documents gives a date to respond, and a formal Bescheid (e.g. setting your contribution) carries a Widerspruch period — usually one month.

Common Krankenkasse letters

Mitgliedsbescheinigung / Willkommen — membership confirmation or welcome letter. Informational; keep it, no deadline.
Beitragsbescheid / Beitragsfestsetzung — sets your monthly contribution (relevant for voluntary or self-employed members). Formal Bescheid with a Widerspruch period.
Anforderung von Unterlagen — a request for proof, often of income. Has a response date.
Erinnerung / Mahnung — a reminder about unpaid contributions. Don’t ignore; unpaid health-insurance contributions can accumulate.

Contributions and income

For voluntary or self-employed members, contributions are based on income. If the fund estimated your income or used outdated figures, the amount can be too high. Send current proof; against a formal Bescheid you can file a Widerspruch within the deadline.

Dates without guarantee. The binding source is the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung (for a Bescheid) or the response date stated in the letter. Missing a proof-of-income deadline can lead the fund to estimate income at the maximum.

This guide is general information and not legal or medical advice. For disputes about cover or contributions, contact your Krankenkasse directly or an advice centre.

Frequently asked

Which letters have a deadline?

Requests for documents (a response date) and formal Bescheide (a one-month Widerspruch period). Routine information letters do not.

My contribution looks too high — what now?

It may be based on estimated income. Send current proof and, against a formal Bescheid, file a Widerspruch within the stated period.

Can I ignore a request for proof of income?

No. Missing it can lead the fund to assume the maximum income and raise your contribution. Respond by the stated date.

Know which letter needs action

Photograph the letter — Mein Büro reads the German, tells you what it is, and flags any deadline with a countdown.

Scan a letter free

German deadlines (Frist): how they work Rundfunkbeitrag: the German broadcasting fee, explained

A letter from your Krankenkasse, explained

Common Krankenkasse letters

Contributions and income

Frequently asked

Know which letter needs action

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