If you're self-employed or a freelancer with Private health insurance (PKV) in Germany, 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 benefit is typically the only payment available during Mutterschutz, and it starts from day 43. Your Private health insurance (PKV) policy continues without interruption and the premium stays the same. After the birth, you can apply for Kindergeld and Elterngeld, which are available to parents regardless of employment status or insurance type.
What is Mutterschutz, and does it apply if you're self-employed or a freelancer?
Mutterschutz (maternity protection) is the legal maternity period in Germany. It runs from 6 weeks before the expected due date until 8 weeks after the birth, or 12 weeks after the birth in the case of a premature birth or multiple births. Unlike employees, self-employed people and freelancers are not legally required to stop working during Mutterschutz, so you can continue working if you choose to.
What are you entitled to during Mutterschutz if your Private health insurance (PKV) policy doesn't include sick pay?
If you're self-employed or a freelancer and your Private health insurance (PKV) policy has no sick pay component, you're generally not entitled to government maternity payments or an employer top-up during Mutterschutz. Review your individual client contracts in advance, because maternity provisions are not always included in them. After the birth, you may still be eligible for state benefits depending on your tax status in Germany.
What are you entitled to during Mutterschutz if your Private health insurance (PKV) policy includes sick pay?
If your Private health insurance (PKV) policy includes sick pay (Krankentagegeld), that sick pay is typically the only benefit available to you during Mutterschutz. The daily payout is based on your insured daily amount, and it can be reduced depending on the income you continue to receive during the benefit period:
If you stop working entirely, a higher income loss generally means a higher daily payout, up to your insured daily amount.
If you keep earning income while on Mutterschutz, your daily payout is reduced to reflect your actual income loss.
If you receive Elterngeld, the Elterngeld counts as income during the benefit period, so your daily payout may also be reduced.
Is there a waiting period before sick pay is paid during Mutterschutz?
Yes. Sick pay payments begin on day 43 of the Mutterschutz period, which usually falls around the time of the birth. Your sick pay coverage also needs to have been active for at least 8 months before the birth for maternity-related sick pay to apply.
What happens to your Private health insurance (PKV) policy during Mutterschutz, and can you reduce your costs?
Your Private health insurance (PKV) policy continues without interruption throughout Mutterschutz and afterward, and your monthly premium stays the same. You're responsible for paying the full premium yourself during this period. If you're taking time off from work, you may be able to pause your sick pay contributions for a small monthly fee, and applying an annual deductible can also lower your monthly premium.
Which benefits can you apply for after the birth?
From the date of 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. These benefits are available to parents regardless of employment status or insurance type. Apply as soon as possible, because Kindergeld is paid retroactively for up to 6 months and Elterngeld for up to 3 months, so a late application can mean lost payments. Your local Elterngeldstelle confirms eligibility and exact payment amounts.
How do you request a maternity benefits confirmation letter for your Elterngeld application?
A maternity benefits confirmation letter is required when you apply for Elterngeld. To request the letter:
Sign in to your Feather account.
Open your Private health insurance (PKV) policy.
Go to the policy management options for that policy.
Select the option to request a maternity benefits confirmation letter.