Disability Insurance in Germany for Expats

What disability insurance in Germany is – and what it is not

When it comes to disability insurance, Germany has two very different kinds of protection. The state pension insurance pays a reduced earning capacity pension (Erwerbsminderungsrente) – but it only asks how many hours a day you can still work in any job. A private disability insurance asks whether you can still do your own job.

The state How many hours a day can you still work – in any job?

under 3 h3–6 h6 h+

• Under 3 hours: full pension
• 3 to 6 hours: half pension
• 6 hours or more in any job: nothing

vs

Disability insurance (BU) Can you still do your own job – at least half as much as before?

50%

• Your profession counts – not any job
• Expected for at least 6 months
• Pays the monthly amount you insured

Example: An engineer after a burnout can no longer handle her demanding job, but could still sort mail for 6 hours a day. The state pays nothing – her BU pays.

Why expats are especially exposed

Most internationals come to Germany to build a career. If health stops that career, the gap between your income and what the state pays is large – and in your first years in Germany it is often your whole income.

Your net income today€3,500

From the state in your first 5 years€0

usually no claim yet

From the state later – average new disability pension 2025€1,067

and only if you can hardly work in any job

With disability insurance (75% of net)€2,625

paid if you can no longer do your job

• No claim in the first five years: the state disability pension generally requires five years of contributions, three of them in the last five years. Accidents at work are the exception.
• Your profession is not protected: only people born before 1961 still have limited statutory cover for their own occupation.
• Systems at home are different: what you knew from your home country or your last employer does not automatically apply in Germany.
• Mental health counts: burnout and depression are among the most common reasons people can no longer work – not only accidents.

How much disability insurance do you need?

A simple rule of thumb: insure around 75% of your net income. That keeps your rent, food and savings going. Move the slider to see your number – and what the state would pay instead.

What does disability insurance cost?

Your premium is fixed when you sign – based on four things. Two of them you can only influence once: your age and your health at the start.

Health questions: check first, answer honestly

Before you get cover, the insurer asks about your health – usually for the last few years. This is where many applications go wrong.

• Doctor visits abroad count too – including treatment in your home country before you moved.
• Get your records first: your health insurance can tell you which diagnoses are on file. We go through the questions with you before anything is signed.
• Answer completely: incomplete answers can cost you your benefit years later – exactly when you need it.

Does disability insurance still work if I leave Germany?

For internationally mobile professionals this is the key question – and it depends on the policy. Example Allianz: the occupational disability insurance applies worldwide and without a time limit, including longer stays abroad. Your cover is not tied to living in Germany and can continue if your career takes you home or to another country.

Read more: Why moving home is not an income plan.

What makes a good disability insurance policy

• No abstract referral – the insurer cannot send you to another job you could theoretically still do.
• Pays from a 50% disability expected to last at least six months.
• Cover until 67 – or at least until your planned retirement.
• Increase without new health questions when you marry, have a child or your salary rises.
• Worldwide cover – important if you might leave Germany one day.

Your way to your disability insurance

1. Calculate your needAround 75% of your net income is a good guide.
2. Check your health firstWe go through the health questions with you – before anything is signed.
3. Your personal offerExplained in your language, with no obligation.
4. Covered – worldwideYour cover continues if you move home or abroad.

Ready to start? Get your personal proposal – or book a free call and we go through everything together, in your language.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between disability insurance and the state disability pension?

The state disability pension (Erwerbsminderungsrente) asks how many hours a day you can still work in any job and usually requires five years of contributions. Disability insurance (BU) asks whether you can still do your own profession and pays the monthly amount you insured from the start of your policy.

Do I need disability insurance as an expat in Germany?

If you live from your salary, yes – it is one of the most important policies. In your first five years in Germany you usually have no claim to a state disability pension at all. Exceptions are people with enough assets, rental income or employer benefits to cover the risk themselves.

How much disability insurance should I take?

Around 75% of your net income is a good guide. Insurers usually accept up to about that amount, and it keeps your fixed costs going. Use the calculator above to see your number.

Does my disability insurance still pay if I move back home?

It depends on the policy. Allianz occupational disability insurance applies worldwide and without a time limit, so your cover can continue if you leave Germany.

Is burnout or depression covered?

Yes. If a mental illness stops you from doing your job to at least 50% for an expected six months, a disability insurance pays like for any other illness. Mental illness is one of the most common reasons for a claim.

Can I get disability insurance with a pre-existing condition?

Often yes – sometimes with an exclusion or a surcharge. We check your health questions with you before you apply, so there are no surprises.