For how long am I insured against incapacity for work?
April 1, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Ingo Gallenberg
Dear Insurance Law Attorney,
I am reaching out to you because I am unsure about my insurance situation and urgently need your help. My name is Hans Born and I work as an employee in a company. Lately, I have been experiencing more and more health problems that are causing me to be unable to work. Therefore, I have been wondering how long I am actually insured against incapacity for work and if my current insurance is sufficient to avoid financial losses.
Currently, I am in a fixed-term employment which expires in a year. Since my health problems are unpredictable and could potentially last longer, I am worried about my financial security. I am wondering if my insurance is adequate in case of long-term incapacity for work and for how long these benefits will be provided.
I would like to know if there are possibilities to expand my insurance coverage or if it is advisable to take out an additional insurance to be prepared for all eventualities. Furthermore, I am interested to know if there are specific criteria that need to be met in order to continue receiving insurance benefits in case of incapacity for work.
Thank you in advance for your help and I look forward to your feedback and expertise on this matter.
Sincerely,
Hans Born
Dear Mr. Born,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your insurance situation in relation to incapacity for work. It is understandable that you are concerned about your financial security, especially considering your health issues and your temporary employment.
First and foremost, I would like to point out that most employees in Germany are automatically insured with statutory health insurance (GKV) through their employer. This insurance usually covers the risk of incapacity for work and pays sickness benefits if you are unable to work due to health issues. Sickness benefits are paid for a maximum period of 78 weeks within three years.
In the event that you continue to be incapacitated for work after the sickness benefit period ends and your employment terminates, you have the option to secure yourself with private disability insurance (BU). This insurance pays a monthly pension if you become permanently disabled due to health issues. It is important to inquire about and take out disability insurance early, as pre-existing conditions may lead to certain risks being excluded or premiums being increased.
Furthermore, you have the option to take out private daily sickness benefit insurance, which pays a daily sickness benefit in the event of incapacity for work to compensate for income losses. Again, it is important to review the respective contract terms and seek advice to find the appropriate coverage.
To continue receiving insurance benefits in case of incapacity for work, you will usually need to provide medical certificates confirming your incapacity for work. Additionally, you may be required to regularly submit medical examinations and expert opinions to prove your incapacity for work.
I recommend that you contact an insurance specialist or advisor to assess and potentially adjust your individual insurance situation. I am also available for a personal consultation in my online office hours.
I hope this information has been helpful to you and I am available to answer any further questions you may have.
Best regards,
Ingo Gallenberg
Insurance Law Attorney
