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Germany: Insurance and payment

In Germany, leukaemia treatment costs are mainly paid by statutory (GKV) or private (PKV) health insurance.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a card under a shield.
Figure 1.Insurance card — Germany: Insurance and payment

01Short answer

Statutory insurance covers hospital treatment, medicines and transplantation; some services carry small co-payments (Zuzahlung), but these have an annual upper limit. During long illness, after the employer’s continued pay ends, the fund may pay sickness benefit (Krankengeld). With private insurance, costs are usually paid first and reimbursed later. The hospital’s social services (Sozialdienst) help with applications.

02Simple explanation

GKV/PKV: main payer.

Zuzahlung: annual limit applies.

Krankengeld: sickness benefit.

03Scientific explanation

Rules: statutory services are set by law and G-BA decisions.

Support: Deutsche Krebshilfe advises people in financial difficulty.

04What happens in the body?

Insurance card

Bring your fund card to every appointment.

The limit

Once you reach the co-payment limit, apply for exemption.

On a dark navy background, a scale and a line.
Figure 2.The limit — Germany: Insurance and payment

Social services

The Sozialdienst helps with applications and rehabilitation paperwork.

On a dark navy background, a calm desk.
Figure 3.Social services — Germany: Insurance and payment

05Keeping costs in hand

Four steps.

Fund — Ask.1FundAsk.
Receipts — Keep them.2ReceiptsKeep them.
Krankengeld — Find out.3KrankengeldFind out.
Social services — Get in touch.4Social servicesGet in touch.
ClarityCosts are known.
CalmNo surprises.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Insurance cardBring your fund card to every appointment.
The limitOnce you reach the co-payment limit, apply for exemption.
Social servicesThe Sozialdienst helps with applications and rehabilitation paperwork.

07Key terms

GKV
Statutory insurance.
PKV
Private insurance.
Belastungsgrenze
Co-payment limit.
Krankengeld
Sickness benefit.

08Key points

  • Talk to your fund.
  • Keep co-payment receipts.
  • Ask about Krankengeld.
  • Contact social services.
  • With private cover, send bills on time.

09Frequently asked questions

Is everything free?

Core treatment is covered; small co-payments may apply.

Travel costs?

For some treatments the fund may pay; ask in advance.

If my income drops?

Ask the Sozialdienst about Krankengeld and social support.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is everything free?

  2. Travel costs?

  3. If my income drops?

My questions

12Sources

  1. Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (G-BA). Official website (in German)
  2. Krebsinformationsdienst (DKFZ). Official website (in German)
  3. Deutsche Krebshilfe. Official website (in German)
  4. Nutrition.gov (USDA). Official website
  5. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Private drinking water wells
  6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ground water and drinking water
  7. U.S. Department of Labor. Family and Medical Leave Act
  8. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Official website
  9. 911.gov. Official 911 information
  10. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO). Global Cancer Observatory: Türkiye fact sheet
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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