Anyone who is ill and cannot work loses income. For employees, the employer steps in with continued pay for up to six weeks. After that the statutory health fund pays sick pay (Krankengeld), which is only 70 percent of gross pay and is also capped. Self-employed people and freelancers often get no continued pay at all. Daily sickness allowance insurance (Krankentagegeldversicherung) closes this income gap.
Daily sickness allowance insurance pays a daily amount from the agreed waiting day (Karenztag) when you are unable to work, regardless of the type of illness and regardless of state benefits. When taking out the policy, the policyholder decides on which day payment begins and how high the daily amount should be. That way the actual loss of income can be insured precisely.
For the self-employed, daily sickness allowance insurance is especially vital: they have no employer who keeps paying salary in case of illness, and statutory sick pay requires voluntary membership of the statutory health insurance (GKV). Without suitable cover, a longer illness can quickly become a financial threat.
Daily sickness allowance insurance is also of interest to well-paid employees whose gross income is above the income threshold for contributions (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze): GKV sick pay is capped, and the difference from actual net income can be considerable.
Together with you we calculate your actual income gap in case of illness and recommend the right tariff.
Daily sickness allowance: benefits
Protects monthly income during longer incapacity for work.
Daily rates: 5 to several hundred euros, max. 100% of net income, selectable in 5-euro steps. No maximum benefit period, unlimited in time. Tax-free payout (also on Sundays and public holidays), no progression clause (Progressionsvorbehalt). Valid across Europe.
Tariffs by group:
- Employees (GKV): From week 7, up to 25 euros/day
- Employees (private health insurance, PKV): From week 7, up to 300 euros/day, also during maternity protection
- Self-employed: From week 2, up to 300 euros/day, waiting periods selectable (7-42 days)
- Doctors/dentists: From week 2, up to 600 euros/day
Indexation options: Increase every 3 years, adjustment without a health check on a salary increase or job change.
Waiting periods: 3 months general, 8 months special (psychotherapy, dental, maternity protection). Waived after an accident or when taking out full Allianz insurance at the same time.
