Nine out of ten KKH policyholders visit a doctor annually - Younger Germans skip doctors, turning to self-diagnosis and online research
A new report from health insurer KKH reveals shifting trends in how Germans access medical care. While nearly nine in ten policyholders visited an outpatient practice last year, many—especially younger adults—are turning to self-diagnosis or avoiding doctors altogether. Experts warn that these changes, combined with an ageing population and rising costs, could strain the healthcare system further.
In 2024, KKH data showed that 89% of its policyholders had at least one doctor's visit. Yet nearly one in ten skipped medical care entirely, with men aged 20 to 49 being the most likely to avoid appointments—over 20% of them went without a single visit. Younger adults, aged 16 to 34, were also more inclined to self-diagnose, with one in five admitting to doing so at some point. Meanwhile, 39% of this age group researched symptoms online to avoid seeing a doctor, and nearly a third successfully treated themselves based on internet findings.
The average KKH policyholder visited a dr nine times in 2024, but older patients saw this number rise to 14 visits annually. Around 37% were classified as 'frequent visitors,' attending at least eleven appointments per year. Despite these figures, the overall number of doctor visits in Germany has declined in recent decades, even as the number of physicians per capita has grown. This has led to less time available per patient.
Wolfgang Matz, a KKH board member, highlighted several challenges facing the system. He pointed to 'double demography'—fewer doctors and contributors alongside a growing elderly population—as a major concern over the next decade. Advances in medicine, such as personalised treatments, are also driving up costs, while billed cases dropped by 2% despite stable activity levels. To address these issues, Matz proposed greater flexibility for insurers to analyse policyholder data and engage proactively with patients. He also called for a primary care system where general practitioners act as the first point of contact, coordinating further treatment when needed.
The KKH findings suggest a healthcare landscape in transition, with younger patients increasingly relying on self-diagnosis and online research. Meanwhile, an ageing population and cost pressures are reshaping how care is delivered. The proposed reforms, including data-driven patient engagement and a stronger primary care model, aim to adapt the system to these evolving demands.
