Voluntary Sick Pay: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how freelancers in Germany can secure income replacement if they fall ill for more than six weeks.
Voluntary Sick Pay is an optional benefit for self-employed individuals that provides financial support if you are unable to work due to illness.
Who it's for
This scheme is designed specifically for freelancers who are members of a public health insurance provider in Germany. If you work for yourself and are covered under the public health insurance system, you may be eligible to apply for this additional protection.
What you get
The primary benefit of this scheme is income replacement. If a medical condition prevents you from performing your professional duties, this benefit provides financial support to help cover your costs. It is important to note that this support is not immediate; the income replacement begins after you have been unable to work for the first six weeks of your illness.
What it costs you
Accessing this protection is not free. To ensure you are covered, you must pay an additional contribution rate. This amount is added to your existing health insurance costs, so you will need to factor this extra expense into your monthly business overheads and personal budget.
The catch to know
The most important thing to understand is that standard public health insurance does not include this income replacement by default. Many people assume they are covered for lost wages through their basic insurance, but for freelancers, this specific benefit must be proactively chosen and paid for separately.
How to apply
- Contact your public health insurance provider (Krankenkassen) to discuss your current coverage status.
- Ask your provider for the specific details regarding the additional contribution rate required for this benefit.
- Confirm the exact terms of the income replacement to ensure it meets your financial needs.
- Formally request to add this voluntary coverage to your existing health insurance plan.