Income protection, also called sick pay, is a daily cash benefit included in the Private health insurance (PKV) policies we offer. It pays out from day 43 of an illness, once your employer's salary continuation ends, and runs to the end of month 6. The benefit starts at €50 a day and can be increased on the quote page before you apply.
What is income protection under Private health insurance?
Income protection, also called sick pay, is a daily cash benefit under Private health insurance (PKV). It pays out when an illness leaves you unable to work for longer than 42 days, and it helps cover your living costs while you recover.
Is income protection included in my Private health insurance policy?
Income protection is included automatically in the Private health insurance (PKV) policies we offer. It starts at €50 a day, and you can adjust the daily amount while choosing your plan.
How does income protection work if I'm unable to work?
Sick pay under Private health insurance (PKV) begins only after your employer's salary continuation ends. The sequence is:
Days 1–42 — your employer continues paying your salary.
Day 43 through month 6 — your employer stops salary payments, and you receive sick pay from your Private health insurance (PKV) policy.
After month 6 — sick pay ends, and government or occupational disability benefits may apply instead.
How much income protection should I choose?
To estimate the daily amount that fits your situation, divide your monthly net salary by 30. The amount included in your Private health insurance (PKV) policy starts at €50 a day, and €130 a day is the standard amount that covers most people's living costs, so compare both against the figure you calculate before deciding whether to increase it.
How do I increase my income protection amount?
You can raise the daily income protection amount on the quote page, before you submit your Private health insurance (PKV) application. The amount you set there is the one that applies once your policy starts, so it's worth adjusting before you apply rather than after.
Can I remove income protection from my Private health insurance (PKV) plan?
Income protection can be removed, but not on the quote page. If you don't want the benefit, submit your application first and then get in touch right away, so the removal can be handled before your policy is issued. You can contact our support team for more assistance or additional resources.
Can I change my income protection after my policy has started?
Yes, income protection can be increased, reduced, added, or removed after your Private health insurance (PKV) policy is active, through a different route than the one used at sign-up. You submit the request on your policy page via the 'Manage policy' button rather than on the quote page.
If you're increasing the daily amount or adding the benefit, you may need to complete a medical questionnaire before the change can be approved, since a higher payout is subject to a health assessment. Reductions and removals don't involve a questionnaire.