KVdR is compulsory statutory health-insurance membership for a person who claims a German statutory pension and satisfies the nine-tenths prior-insurance test over the second half of working life. Mandatory, voluntary and qualifying family GKV periods count; three credited years per eligible child can help. Deutsche Rentenversicherung describes the test.
Which incomes attract contributions
It is wrong that KVdR charges health-insurance contributions only on the statutory pension. The Federal Health Ministry lists statutory pension, occupational pension/other Versorgungsbezüge and relevant self-employment income as assessable for compulsory insured retirees. Voluntary GKV members can additionally owe contributions on rents and investment income. Contribution rates, funds' Zusatzbeitrag, occupational-pension allowances and long-term-care rules differ, so a universal €380-versus-€900 monthly price is not defensible.
Sabine's 2026 income mix
Sabine receives €2,500 monthly statutory pension and €1,000 monthly rent, with no occupational pension or employment. The extra rent base for KVdR health contributions is normally €0. In voluntary GKV, the €1,000 rent may be counted, subject to the €5,812.50/month 2026 contribution ceiling and assessment rules. At just the statutory 14.6% health base rate, that represents up to €146/month extra from the rent in a simplified calculation; Zusatzbeitrag and Pflegeversicherung are separate. Do not mistake this difference for Sabine's full monthly premium.
Why the status check matters early
If Sabine's second-half career lasted 23.5 years, a 90% test requires 21.15 credited GKV years. Private-insurance time in that window may prevent qualification, although credited child years can help. Before deciding on a PKV/GKV change, request a formal pre-insurance check from the statutory fund. A contribution formula should be based on her actual income categories and fund rather than a copied flat-price chart.
