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Emergency

Ill and a child at home? Entitlement to home help

You have to go to the hospital or are out of action due to illness, and no one can look after the household and child? Then the health insurer can finance home help for you. Many people do not know this benefit exists.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

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Your chances of getting your money back

The health insurer pays for home help if you cannot continue to run the household due to illness, a clinic stay or rehab, a child (as a rule under 12 years or with a disability) lives in the household, and no one else can take over the care (§ 38 SGB V).
Even without a child, an entitlement can exist under certain conditions (for example, after a serious illness). Some funds provide more here than the statutory minimum.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the entitlement

    Is there an illness, clinic stay or rehab, a child in the household and no other care option? Then an entitlement exists.

  2. 2

    2. Medical certificate

    Have the need for home help certified by a doctor.

  3. 3

    3. File the application

    Apply for home help with your health insurer, ideally before the help begins.

  4. 4

    4. Object if refused

    If it is refused, you can file an objection within one month (§ 84 SGG).

Frequently asked questions

When does the health insurer pay for home help?

When you cannot continue to run the household due to illness or a hospital or rehab stay, a child (usually under 12 years or with a disability) lives in the household, and no one else can take over the care (§ 38 SGB V). Have the need certified by a doctor.

Can a relative also provide the home help?

Yes, this is often possible. If a relative steps in, for example, their loss of earnings and travel costs can be reimbursed to a certain extent. Clarify the exact conditions with your health insurer.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.