This allowance replaces loss of salary due to an inability to work because of an accident, illness or maternity. Many employees already have sufficient coverage through their employer. Employees who do not have such collective insurance (e.g. self-employed persons or homemakers) may voluntarily take out insurance for daily sickness allowance for a premium:
Daily sickness allowance as regulated by health insurance laws (KVG)
The legal basis for daily sickness allowance are the
health insurance laws. If you wish to join, the health insurance company must first accept you into the daily sickness allowance; however, therefore you must answer questions on your health.
Reservations due to existing illnesses are no longer valid after 5 years. Collective insurance may be bought.
Other characteristics of daily sickness allowance insurance (according to KGV): Premiums are identical for men and women. Salary loss due to maternity is covered as long as insurance is implemented at least 270 days before birth.
Some health insurance providers, however, only offer an insufficient amount of the maximum daily allowance.
Daily sickness allowance as regulated by insurance laws (VVG)
Federal laws for insurance contracts regulate this kind of insurance. Providers have the right to deny applications (freedom of contract) and premiums may vary depending on age, sex, state of health and other criteria.
Insurance for salary loss due to maternity is often only available against an additional premium. Such products are usually not suitable for female homemakers since some providers ask for proof of loss of income.
