Since 29 October 2026, healthy people only get the annual COVID booster at the insurer's expense from age 75 – previously the threshold was 60. The Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) decided this on 3 September, adopting the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO); the new rule has applied since its publication in the Federal Gazette.
Still covered by your insurer (annually, ideally in autumn): everyone aged 75 and over · people from 6 months of age with a pre-existing condition that raises the risk of severe illness · residents of care homes · relatives and close contacts of people who are unlikely to build sufficient protection after vaccination · pregnant people with increased risk from the second trimester · care home staff with direct contact and medical staff at increased risk. Your doctor decides whether a pre-existing condition counts.
What this means for you: If you are under 75, healthy and not in any of these groups, you will usually pay for the vaccination yourself. However, insurers may cover additional vaccinations under their statutes – so ask your insurer beforehand. Extras like this are one of the differences between insurers; compare contributions and benefits.
Source: G-BA, decision of 03.09.2026, in force since 29.10.2026 (BAnz AT 28.10.2026 B6) · KBV: who is entitled · § 20i SGB V (statutory extra benefit)