Shock for pensioners: health insurance increases - 180 euros less!

Shock for pensioners: health insurance increases - 180 euros less!

From June 1, 2025, Austrian pensioners must expect an increase in health insurance contributions. These rise from 5.1 to 6.0 percent. According to OE24 this leads to average net loss of around 180 euros per year. The reform hit numerous pensioners hard because they not only compensate for the increased contributions, but also feel the effects of a previous pension adjustment, which at least provides for an increase of 4.6 percent from January 1, 2025.

The background of this measure is the government's budget deficit, which requires drastic austerity measures. Finance Minister Marterbauer emphasizes the importance of consolidation and calls on all political parties to take responsibility. Expert analyzes clearly show that pensioners in particular have to contribute to the budget reform, which is evident, among other things, by increasing health insurance contributions.

Details on the pension situation

The current situation of the pensioners is also illustrated by the data of the pension insurance institution (PVA) for 2024. Men receive a gross pension of EUR 2,321.40 on average, while women receive an average of EUR 1,594.24. After deducting the new health insurance contributions, this means that men receive EUR 2,029.32 per month and women 1,558.98 euros per month. The savings are very noticeable: Men have to expect a monthly minus of 13.04 euros and women with a minus of EUR 12.01, which reduces the total amounts to 182.56 euros or 168.14 euros per year.

The National Council has also passed the Budget renovation measures 2025 Part II, which is dedicated to ambitious austerity measures. The aim is to lift 760 million euros for the federal budget, while relieving 20 million euros. Among other things, measures include the increase in banking and a temporary end to educational leave. The Greens call for a faster reduction in the recipe duty cover, while the FPÖ criticizes the tax and fee increases.

compensation measures in the government program

Although the measures include various cuts, there is also a plan for relief. The maximum social security refund for retirees will be increased from 637 euros to 710 euros. Furthermore, the prescription fee is to be frozen in 2026 and gradually reduced by 2030. The free COVID-19 vaccination will also be continued by the end of March 2027.

In the course of the reforms, a new sub -pension model is introduced that enables part -time work and partial board. In addition, nurses should be able to switch to the heavy worker pension more easily. Nevertheless, there are no legislative proposals on the part of the Federal Government regarding these new measures, which is viewed critically by several parties, including the SPÖ.