PKV Customer Switching Battle: Who's Winning and Losing the Competition for Clients?
Explore the intense battle for existing customers in Germany's private health insurance (PKV) market. Discover which insurers are successfully luring clients from competitors and which are losing the most, based on the transfer of aging provisions. This in-depth analysis reveals the strategies, costs, and market dynamics behind customer switching, essential for understanding PKV competition and making informed insurance choices.…
German Banks vs. BaFin: The Legal Battle Over Incorrect Interest on Savings Accounts
German savings banks (Sparkassen) and cooperative banks are jointly fighting a BaFin order to repay customers for incorrectly calculated interest on long-term savings contracts. Learn about the BGH court rulings, consumer rights, and how this major financial dispute could affect your savings.…
InsurTech wefox Hires Ex-Zurich Executive Christian Botsch to Lead External Sales
German InsurTech leader wefox appoints industry veteran Christian Botsch as Head of External Sales. With over 30 years of experience, including at Zurich, Botsch will drive broker partnerships as wefox expands into life and health insurance. Explore the strategic move and its implications for the digital insurance landscape.…
PKV Financial Health Check: One-Third of German Private Health Insurers Rated 'Weak' or 'Very Weak'
A new financial rating analysis reveals that one-third of German private health insurance (PKV) companies received 'weak' or 'very weak' scores. This article breaks down the methodology, key findings, and what it means for consumers comparing health insurance providers and financial stability.…
PKV Insurer Ratings 2021: Ascore Analysis Shows Strong Financial Health for Most Companies
New 2021 ratings from analysis firm Ascore reveal robust financial health for the German private health insurance (PKV) sector. Discover which insurers received top 'outstanding' scores, how ratings compare, and why financial stability is crucial when choosing your health insurance provider.…
Würzburger Versicherung Expands Board, Appoints Birgit Baenitz as New Member
German insurer Würzburger Versicherung strengthens its leadership team by appointing Birgit Baenitz to its board. She will oversee finance, investments, actuarial, and claims accounting. Explore the strategic implications of this internal promotion for the regional insurance market.…
P&R Insolvency: 6,000 Investors Receive Payment Demands as Statute of Limitations Looms
Approximately 6,000 former investors in the insolvent P&R container leasing group are receiving payment demands. Learn why the insolvency administrator is taking this action to prevent the statute of limitations from expiring, and what it means for your rights and potential liabilities as an investor.…
Financial Advisor Interview: Why Investment Advice is Not a Side Hustle
In an exclusive interview, financial advisor Carsten Walendy explains why investment management requires full commitment, not a side business. Discover his strategies for building client portfolios, the shift to fee-based models, and his views on ETFs vs. actively managed funds for retirement planning.…
PKV New Business Analysis: Only One Distribution Channel is Gaining Market Share
Exclusive analysis reveals which distribution channel is successfully expanding its share of new private health insurance (PKV) business in Germany. Understand the shifting dynamics between exclusive agents, brokers, and direct sales in the competitive insurance market.…
Personal Bankruptcies Surge in Germany: A 50% Jump and What It Means
Personal insolvencies in Germany soared by nearly 50% in the first half of 2021, reaching a record high. Learn about the causes, including the new 3-year debt discharge law and the economic impact of COVID-19 lockdowns, and understand the implications for financial planning and debt relief.…
Infinus Scandal Appeal: BGH Hearing for Convicted Executives Begins
The Infinus investment fraud scandal reaches Germany's Federal Court of Justice (BGH) as six convicted former employees appeal their sentences. Learn about the €541 million Ponzi scheme, the original verdicts, and the legal arguments in this critical revision trial for investor protection.…
Private Health Insurance (PKV) Product Rating 2023: How to Find the Best Full Coverage Plan
Discover the latest independent rating of German Private Health Insurance (PKV) full coverage plans. Learn which insurers offer 'excellent' and 'very good' tariffs for employees, civil servants, and doctors. Our analysis helps you compare PKV plans effectively, understand the rating methodology, and make an informed choice for comprehensive health coverage. Essential reading before you choose a private health insurance policy.…
German Federal Court Hears Landmark Case on Remote Medical Diagnoses and Telemedicine
The German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) is reconsidering the legality of remote medical diagnoses. This pivotal case, involving insurer Ottonova, could redefine telemedicine regulations and impact digital health services offered by private health insurance providers.…
Concordia Appoints Julia Palte as New Sales Board Member, Strengthens Exclusive Distribution
German insurer Concordia announces leadership transition as sales board member Lothar See retires. Julia Palte, a former strategy consultant, is set to join the board, while Steffen Schuster is promoted to lead the exclusive agent network. Explore the strategic implications for Concordia's multi-channel distribution.…
BGH Rules Interest Adjustment Clauses in German Savings Contracts Invalid
Germany's Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has declared interest adjustment clauses in long-term 'Prämiensparen' savings contracts invalid. This landmark ruling impacts thousands of savers. Learn what the court said, how consumer advocates and banks are reacting, and what steps you can take to claim potential underpaid interest.…
2022 Premium Increase: Private Long-Term Care Insurance Adds Temporary COVID-19 Surcharge
Private health insurance (PKV) holders in Germany will see a temporary monthly surcharge on their long-term care insurance in 2022. Learn about the COVID-19 related costs, how much more you'll pay, and what it means for different policyholder groups.…
The Most Fair Liability Insurance Providers: Protect Yourself from Financial Disaster
Discover the fairest personal liability insurance providers based on customer ratings. Learn why this essential coverage protects your assets and compare top-rated insurers for service, fairness, and value. Get expert tips on choosing the right policy.…
Ottonova Recruits Mailo Founder: A Strategic Move for Digital Health Insurance Expansion
Digital health insurer Ottonova has secured the expertise of Armin Molla, former co-founder and CEO of the commercial insurer mailo. This key hire signals Ottonova's aggressive growth plans in digital insurance, including a forthcoming expansion into life insurance products. Discover how this move compares to trends in the US private health insurance and Medicare/Medicaid markets.…
Gerhard Schröder's Investment Strategy: Why the Former Chancellor Owns Only 2 Stocks
Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder reveals in an interview that he owns just two stocks, bought involuntarily. Discover his 'old school' approach to finance, his views on the pension system, Riester pensions, and why he avoids the stock market despite its potential.…
PKV Acquisition Costs 2020: The Winners and Why Low Rates Aren't Always What They Seem
Explore the 2020 German Private Health Insurance (PKV) acquisition cost ratios. Discover which insurers had the best (lowest) rates and understand the crucial context: why a low ratio might signal business challenges, not just customer-friendly practices. Essential reading for comparing insurance efficiency.…