As an employee, you will normally continue to receive your wages or salary for six weeks if you fall ill.

If you are still unable to work after this period, you may be entitled to sickness benefit. This also applies if you are treated as an inpatient in a hospital or in a prevention or rehabilitation centre.

Amount

• 70 per cent of your gross income subject to social insurance contributions, but no more than 90 per cent of your net income
  Please note: You must still pay contributions to pension, unemployment and long-term care insurance from your sickness benefit.

In order to be covered for longer periods of absence, you can take out additional private daily sickness allowance insurance.

Duration

• depends on the contractual agreements with your private insurance company
  Most insurance companies offer several forms of insurance with different rates and benefits. Contact the insurance company of your choice and ask for advice.

Tip: Some health insurance companies arrange the conclusion of a private supplementary insurance contract between their policyholders and a private insurance company.