Summary
If you're self-employed or a freelancer with private health insurance, your Mutterschutz entitlements depend on whether your policy includes sick pay. Without sick pay, you're generally not entitled to any maternity payments. With sick pay, that is typically the only benefit available to you during this period. After the birth, you can apply for Kindergeld and Elterngeld, which are generally available to all parents regardless of employment status or insurance type.
What is Mutterschutz?
Mutterschutz (maternity protection) runs from 6 weeks before your expected due date to 8 weeks after the birth, or 12 weeks for premature or multiple births. Unlike employees, you're not legally required to stop working during this period, so you have the flexibility to continue working if you choose to.
What are you entitled to during Mutterschutz if your policy doesn't include sick pay?
As a self-employed person or freelancer, you're generally not entitled to government maternity payments or an employer top-up. It's worth reviewing your individual client contracts in advance, as maternity provisions are not always included. After the birth, you may be eligible for state benefits depending on your tax status in Germany.
What are you entitled to during Mutterschutz if your policy includes sick pay?
Sick pay is typically the only benefit available to you during this period. Your daily payout is based on your insured daily amount but may be reduced depending on income you continue to receive during the benefit period:
Not working: A higher income loss generally means a higher daily payout, up to your insured amount.
Still earning income: Your daily benefit is reduced to reflect your actual loss.
Receiving Elterngeld: Elterngeld counts as income during the benefit period, so your daily benefit may also be reduced.
Does sick pay have a waiting period?
Yes. Sick pay payments begin from day 43 of the Mutterschutz period, which typically falls around the time of birth. Your sick pay policy also needs to have been active for at least 8 months before the birth for maternity-related benefits to apply.
What happens to your private health insurance during this period?
Your private health insurance continues without interruption throughout Mutterschutz and beyond. You are responsible for paying the full premium yourself during this period.
If you are taking time off from work, you may be able to pause your sick pay contributions for a small monthly fee. Applying an annual deductible can also help lower your monthly costs.
What happens to your benefits after the birth?
From birth, you may be eligible for state benefits such as Kindergeld (monthly child benefit) and Elterngeld (state parental allowance), depending on your tax status in Germany. Apply as soon as possible, as Kindergeld is retroactive for up to 6 months and Elterngeld for up to 3 months. Late applications may result in lost payments. For eligibility and exact amounts, contact your local Elterngeldstelle directly.
Have questions about how to apply for maternity benefits? Our support team is here to help.