BKK firmus health insurance: lowest-cost pick (2026)
By: Simon Heinrich – Last updated: 07/2026
BKK firmus at a glance
With roots going back to 1841, BKK firmus is a nationwide statutory health insurer that grew out of several company health funds. Today, it serves over 900,000 customers with around 800 employees – one reason we see BKK firmus as a strong, practical choice for newcomers who want to keep costs low without making things complicated.
If you are still unsure how the German health insurance system works in general, check out our article Health insurance – stay covered when starting out in Germany first. It covers everything regarding contributions, benefits, and legal requirements in detail
On this page you’ll find:
- Best for: who benefits most from BKK firmus
- Why we recommend BKK firmus
- Costs in 2026: extra contribution rate
- Extra benefits worth knowing
- Bonus program: cash rewards for prevention and healthy habits
- Quick comparison: BKK firmus vs our other top picks
- When BKK firmus might not be the best fit
- How to join: Documents and steps
- Apply online: join BKK firmus in a few minutes
Best for: who benefits most from BKK firmus
BKK firmus is our lowest-cost pick if your top priority is a low contribution rate. At the same time, you can earn extra cash through bonus programs for prevention and healthy habits.
- Budget-focused newcomers who want to keep the monthly cost as low as possible.
- People who actually use bonus programs: if you do preventive check-ups and healthy activities anyway, you can turn that into cash payouts.
- Families in the baby phase: there are defined family bonuses around pregnancy and the first year of your child.
Why we recommend BKK firmus
BKK firmus is our lowest-cost pick if your top priority is a low contribution rate. At the same time, you can earn extra cash through bonus programs for prevention and healthy habits.
Costs in 2026: extra contribution rate
For 2026, BKK Firmus’s extra contribution rate is 2.18% (total rate 16.78% including the general 14.6%). The average add-on contribution rate in statutory insurance for 2026 is 2.90%, clearly below the average. Thus BKK firmus is our lowest-price pick.
Extra benefits worth knowing
- Prevention bonus (per activity): €5 for certain preventive activities (e.g., health check-up, cancer screening, dental check-ups, certain vaccinations).
- Healthy behavior bonus: €30 once per calendar year if you meet the requirements (e.g., sports club/fitness, prevention course, non-smoking, etc.).
- Submit via app: take a photo of your bonus booklet and upload it in the OnlineService app.
Bonus program: cash rewards for prevention and healthy habits
BKK firmus offers two bonus options: a prevention bonus (5 Euro per activity) and a healthy behavior bonus (30 Euro per calendar year if the requirements are met). You can submit your bonus booklet digitally via the app (photo upload).
- Prevention bonus: 5 Euro per activity, e.g., check-ups, screenings, dental check-ups, vaccinations.
- Healthy behavior bonus: 30 Euro per year (requires certain mandatory proof like sports/fitness or a prevention course, plus additional proofs to reach 3 activities total).
- Deadline: apply for the bonus for a given calendar year by March 31 of the following year.
Quick comparison: BKK firmus vs our other top picks
| BKK firmus | Lowest-cost pick (budget-first). |
| hkk | Best value pick (low cost + useful extras). |
| TK | All-rounder pick (strong digital processes; English support via Web, Hotline and App). |
| DAK | Family & service pick (support-focused; English hotline available). |
If your main goal is to save money and still use a bonus program, BKK firmus is often the best starting point.
When BKK firmus might not be the best fit
BKK firmus is excellent on price, but not the best choice for every situation.
- You need a lot of English support: a provider with clearly stated English support channels may be a better fit.
- You want maximum family extras: compare providers with a stronger family focus.
- You are looking for one specific extra: check the details (e.g., eligibility requirements, reimbursement amount, and what documentation is needed).
How to join: Documents and steps
In most cases, joining a statutory provider is straightforward and can be done online. Here’s a simple checklist to keep the process smooth:
- Step 1: Check your status (student, employee, self-employed, family). Your status determines whether statutory insurance is the right long-term solution.
- Step 2: Prepare basic details: personal data, address in Germany (if available), and your tax ID (if you already have it).
- Step 3: Have your ID ready: passport/ID and (if applicable) your residence permit or visa information.
- Step 4: Apply online and choose the start date that fits your situation (job start, university enrollment, or your planned coverage start).
- Step 5: For employees: send the membership confirmation to your employer so payroll can register you correctly.
Tip: If you are switching from another statutory provider, the new provider usually handles the cancellation for you.
Apply online: join BKK firmus in a few minutes
Ready to join? If BKK firmus fits your situation, you can usually apply online in a few minutes. You can find a detailed guide on how to sign up for or switch your health insurance provider in our article: Open or Switch German Statutory Health Insurance (GKV): Step-by-Step Guide
Tip: If you are switching from another statutory provider, the new provider typically handles the cancellation for you.
Not sure yet? See our four recommended providers.