Complete FAQ

This is a full guide to occupational disability insurance in Germany
(Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung), designed for people who live and work in Germany.
Healthcare-style, mobile-friendly and SEO-optimized.

What Is Occupational Disability Insurance (Berufsunfähigkeit)?

Occupational disability insurance in Germany, known as
Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung or just BU-Versicherung, pays a monthly benefit if you can no longer work in
your current job due to illness, injury or long-term health limitations. Benefits typically start
once at least 50% occupational disability is medically confirmed.

Why It Is Essential in Germany

• State benefits do not protect your specific occupation.
• Statutory disability pensions are low and difficult to qualify for.
• Mental health issues, orthopedic conditions, cancer and neurological diseases are the main causes—not accidents.

How Disability Is Defined

You are considered disabled when you can no longer perform at least
50% of your last job’s core duties as practiced in Germany.

Good Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung excludes “abstract reassignment”
(abstrakte Verweisung), which would otherwise allow insurers to suggest theoretical alternative jobs.

What the Insurance Covers

• Monthly disability benefit
• Waiver of premium
• Increase options without new medical checks
• Partial disability benefits
• Backdated payments and rehab support

Costs and Premium Structure

• Age at entry
• Health history
• Occupational risk class
• Monthly benefit level
• Duration (typically to age 65 or 67)

Key Contract Features

(should be included)

• No abstract reassignment
• Strong clauses for self-employed workers
• Part-time protection
• Prognosis period max. 6 months
• Indexation and income-growth options

Health Questions and Medical Underwriting

Applying for a Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung in Germany requires answering
very detailed health questions. These cover diagnostics, treatments,
physiotherapy, psychological help, medications, imaging and referrals—often 5–10 years back.

Insurers compare your answers with your Patientenakte (medical records). Even small
inconsistencies can cause problems in a future disability claim.

Consider choosing an insurance policy that best suits your health profile.

Our Support in Application & Pre-Underwriting

• Collecting & reviewing medical records
• Structuring all relevant health information
• Providing guidance on answering each health question
• Anonymous pre-underwriting with multiple insurers

This approach significantly increases the chance of obtaining strong, reliable conditions for
your occupational disability insurance in Germany.

Risks of Direct Online Applications

• Only one product instead of a market comparison
• Sensitive medical data sent unfiltered
• No support for complex health questions
• Rejected applications damage future chances

Common Mistakes

• Incomplete health information
• Too low benefit level
• Contract ending too early
• Accepting weak clauses
• No inflation protection

Will Insurers Pay?

Yes—if contract wording is strong and medical information was correct. Most disputes come from
incomplete health data or weak contracts, not from unwillingness to pay.

Who Needs This Insurance?

• Employees in Germany
• Self-employed professionals
• Civil servants
• Students and young professionals
• Anyone with significant monthly expenses

To Consider When Moving Abroad Later

• Worldwide coverage varies: Clarify if benefits are payable globally or only in Germany/EU.
• Inland clauses: Some older contracts limit coverage to residence within Germany.
• SEPA payment: Contributions usually must continue from a SEPA account.
• Medical documentation abroad: Confirm which reports are accepted.
• Notification duty: A long-term move should be reported to the insurer.
• Taxation abroad: BU benefits may be taxed differently in your new country.

How to Choose a Strong Policy

• Clear wording, no reassignment
• Financially stable insurer
• Pre-underwriting of health history
• Benefit level matching German living costs
• Indexation and flexible increase options

Contact – Nationwide in Germany

We advise clients on Berufsunfähigkeit and disability insurance
nationwide across Germany (phone, email).
English & German available.

Bechstein Versicherungsmakler GmbH & Co. KG
Eichendorffstraße 12 · 65187 Wiesbaden · Germany
Tel: +49 611 945 89 2402
Email: jb@vmwi.net

If you would like an initial assessment, please send us your occupation, age and any existing cover.
We will outline the next steps for your Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung in Germany.