Versicherungsträger

Versicherungsträger is a general term for entities that carry out insurance activities or administer statutory social insurance programs. In German usage it covers private insurance companies as well as public or semi-public bodies that manage benefits for insured persons. The essential role of a Versicherungsträger is to bear and distribute risk: collecting contributions or premiums, underwriting, issuing and managing policies, and paying benefits, including claims handling, rehabilitation, and prevention services. They also manage solvency, investments, governance, and customer service.

Types: Private Versicherungsträger are market-based insurers offering life, health, property, and casualty insurance and other lines. They operate under the German Insurance Supervisory Act (VAG) and the Insurance Contract Act (VVG). Public or social Versicherungsträger administer statutory schemes financed by contributions from employees and employers (and, in some cases, by the state). Examples include statutory health insurers (Krankenkassen), pension insurance carriers (Rentenversicherungsträger), unemployment insurance carriers, and accident insurance carriers (Berufsgenossenschaften). These bodies operate under social security law (Sozialgesetzbuch, SGB) and are connected to welfare policy goals.

Regulation: Private Versicherungsträger are supervised by BaFin and must meet solvency and risk-management standards. Public/social insurers are governed by social security statutes; their operations are overseen by their respective authorities within the social security system. At the European level, oversight involves EIOPA and national authorities.

In summary, Versicherungsträger encompass the entities that manage risk transfer and social protection, linking private markets with public welfare mechanisms.