Before the expert commission expected to present cost‑saving proposals on Monday to stabilise the statutory health insurance system, public opinion shows a cautious attitude towards potential cuts.
According to a poll by the survey institute Insa for “Bild am Sonntag”, 39 % of respondents reject reductions in healthcare for insured people. At the same time, a minority finds certain measures tolerable: 31 % feel it would be acceptable to lose the right to a specialist appointment without a prior referral from a general practitioner.
Other possible savings receive even less support. Only 21 % are willing to accept cuts to the statutory health insurance benefits catalogue. Fourteen percent favour re‑introducing a practice fee, and 11 % would tolerate higher out‑of‑pocket payments for drugs and hospital stays.
Skepticism is greatest for rising premiums: just 8 % would accept increased contributions. Likewise, the notion of ending the free supplementary coverage for spouses is largely rejected-57 % oppose it whereas 28 % support it; 10 % are indifferent and 5 % gave no answer.
Insa surveyed 1 003 people between 26 and 27 March 2026 for “Bild am Sonntag”.