Part-time work as an emergency doctor
Under certain conditions, veterinarians and doctors are exempt from social security contributions on income earned from part-time work in the emergency medical services. The exemption from social security contributions applies to self-employed or salaried veterinarians and doctors whose main occupation involves at least 15 hours per week outside the emergency medical services. If the work as an emergency doctor is classified as a secondary occupation, the obligation to pay contributions to the Sächsischen Ärzteversorgung applies only to the main occupation.
Those in minor veterinary or medical roles are generally required to be insured with 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 the monthly income is at the level of a mini-job. Members therefore only have flexibility regarding the DRV. The following options are available:
1. No application for exemption from the DRV:
The employer automatically pays a contribution amounting to 15% of the employee’s income to the DRV; the employee pays their own contribution, 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 marginal employment:
If an employee applies to their employer for exemption from compulsory insurance on the grounds of marginal employment, only the employer’s contribution of 15% is paid to the German Pension Insurance (DRV); however, the mini-jobber’s remuneration is only taken into account on a pro rata basis when calculating DRV pension entitlements. The minimum contribution to the German Health Insurance (SÄV) must also be paid.
3. Application for exemption from the DRV in favour of the pension scheme:
If the SÄV member opts out of the DRV insurance obligation in favour of the pension scheme, the employer’s contribution is paid directly to the Saxon Medical Pension Scheme. The employee may then be required to pay the difference up to the minimum contribution. Click here for the link to the the DRV e-opt-out form
Multiple employment relationships
If you hold several medical or veterinary employment positions simultaneously or alongside self-employment, you are generally required to pay contributions for each of these roles. However, the total compulsory 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.