If you are unable to work due to an illness or injury, you will be considered unfit for work. In severe cases, this situation may be long-term or even permanent in nature.
The German health insurance system draws a distinction between different types of unfitness for work, depending on the severity and likely duration of a person’s condition.
If, for example, a person breaks both arms in an accident or contracts a serious disease but is expected to make a full recovery in time, they are considered Arbeitsunfähig – temporarily unfit for work. If this happens, you can claim sick pay from your health insurance provider.
However, if a person suffers a more serious injury or contracts a more severe disease, such that they cannot reasonably be expected to resume at least 50% of their usual work duties within 6 months, they are considered Berufsunfähig – unfit for work for an extended or indefinite period. In some cases, this term also covers people who could theoretically perform a different job but would suffer significant financial losses in doing so.
In both cases, a doctor’s report will likely be required to confirm an individual’s unfitness for work.
Even if you suffer a permanent occupational disability, you will still have to cover standard costs such as rent and utility bills – and, if you have private health insurance, you will still have to pay your premiums. Taking out appropriate occupational disability insurance (Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung) is therefore vital.
It can sometimes take a while to determine whether a person has a permanent occupational disability. The process involves assessments by doctors and your insurance provider. If you choose private health insurance, your health insurance provider will usually pay out sick pay until you begin to receive benefits from your occupational disability insurance.
To get your social security number you need to contact Deutsche Rentenversicherung. They also provide English support.
ottonova is fully regulated by the BaFin and therefore fulfilling the requirements (§ 257 7Abs. 2a Satz 1 SGB V and the § 61 Abs. 5 SGB XI) for you to be able to apply for a visa with your ottonova insurance, which also includes our Expat tariff of course.
The payment is different than in the public system. With private health insurance you pay the full tariff to us at the beginning of the month. If you are employed your employer will contribute their part to your health insurance through your salary.
You have so much to do when moving to Germany, don’t let your health insurance slow you down. Let ottonova make your life easier.
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Germany has a wide-ranging and highly developed social security system in a bid to protect its citizens. Here’s a few tips to navigating it.
Health insurance is not the only mandatory type of insurance in Germany – long-term care insurance is also compulsory for all.
Preventive care aims to reduce your risk of illness and to catch conditions early on. However, insurance coverage can vary widely between providers.
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