Budget 2026: What are the changes to pensions, salaries, and insurance contributions?

2026 State Public Insurance Budget: Pension growth and new insurance rules

Parliament is beginning discussions on the draft budgets for the State Public Insurance (Doo) and the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) for 2026. A key focus of the proposals is the social protection of the elderly and reforms in the insurance system.

The average pension is expected to reach 543.46 euros, with a real growth of 4.5 percent against a projected inflation rate of 4.3 percent.

Key changes in the pension system:

• Updating: From July 1, 2026, all pensions granted by the end of 2025 will be increased by 7.8% according to the "Swiss rule".
• Removal of supplements: The COVID supplement is being discontinued for new pensioners.
• Insurance thresholds: From August 1, 2026, the minimum insurance income for the self-employed becomes 620.20 euros, and the maximum for all persons is raised to 2,300 euros.

NHIF and healthcare reforms

The 2026 NHIF budget provides for an expenditure increase of 8.5% (412.3 million euros). An important novelty is the separation of drug budgets into two groups: one for original medications and one for generic medications.

Furthermore, new rules are being introduced for civil servant contributions, which will gradually shift to a 60:40 ratio between employer and employee, similar to other workers in the country.