Short-term care: fully provided for on a temporary basis
When care at home does not work temporarily, for example right after a hospital stay or in a crisis, short-term care steps in: a time-limited full inpatient provision that the care insurance co-finances.
Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:
Apply for short-term care →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
- 1
1. Clarify the need
Is home care temporarily not possible (for example after a clinic stay)?
- 2
2. Find a facility
Look for a free short-term care place (care support points/clinic social services help).
- 3
3. Application/billing
Apply for the short-term care at the care insurer, or have the care costs billed.
- 4
4. Combine the budget
Ask about the combination with respite care and the current annual amount.
Frequently asked questions
What is short-term care?
A temporary full inpatient care in a facility (§ 42 SGB XI), for example after a hospital stay, in a crisis situation or as a stopgap when home care is temporarily not possible. Entitlement exists from care level 2; the care insurance covers the care-related costs up to an annual amount.
How long and how much does the care insurance pay?
Short-term care is limited to a certain number of weeks per year, and there is an annual maximum amount which, since the care reform, is combined with respite care into a joint budget. Lodging and board you generally bear yourself. The exact duration and amount you ask about at your care insurer.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
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.