Part-time work as an emergency physician
Under certain conditions, veterinarians and physicians are exempt from social security contributions for income earned from part-time work in emergency medical services. The exemption from social security contributions applies to self-employed or employed veterinarians and physicians whose primary employment consists of at least 15 hours per week outside of emergency medical services.
If emergency medical work is classified as a secondary activity, the obligation to pay contributions to the Saxon Medical Pension Fund applies only to the primary activity.
Regulations for mini-jobs and midi-jobs
Individuals engaged in minor veterinary or medical work are generally required to be insured under the SÄV and the German Pension Insurance (DRV), with the option to opt out. The minimum SÄV contribution must be paid in all cases - even if monthly income is at the mini-job level. Members therefore have flexibility only with regard to the DRV. The following options are available:
1. No application for exemption filed with the DRV:
The employer automatically pays a contribution equal to 15% of the employee’s income to the DRV; the employee pays the employee’s share, currently 3.6% (as of 2025), thereby accruing pension entitlements with the DRV. The minimum contribution to the SÄV must also be paid.
2. Application to the employer for exemption on the grounds of de minimis:
If an employee is exempt from the insurance requirement due to the job being considered a “minijob,” only the employer’s contribution of 15% is paid to the German Pension Insurance (DRV); however, the minijobber’s wages are only taken into account on a pro-rata basis when calculating DRV pension entitlements. The minimum contribution to the Social Accident Insurance (SÄV) must also be paid.
3. Application for exemption filed with the DRV on behalf of the pension fund:
If a member of the Sächsische Ärzteversorgung (SÄV) opts out of the DRV insurance requirement in favor of the pension fund, the employer’s share is paid directly to the Sächsische Ärzteversorgung. The employee may then be required to pay the difference up to the minimum contribution. Here is the link to the DRV e-opt-out form
Multiple employment relationships
If you hold multiple medical or veterinary employment positions simultaneously or in addition to self-employment, you are generally required to pay contributions for each of these activities. However, the total mandatory contribution is capped at the maximum monthly contribution (standard contribution). Please feel free to contact our service team to find out how contributions are calculated in your specific case.