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Renting Home Medical Devices in Germany Before Returning to Your Country: What You Need to Know
Renting home medical equipment (Medizinische Hilfsmittel zur Miete) is an essential option for patients who have undergone treatment in Germany and need recovery support before returning home.
This includes devices such as wheelchairs, medical beds, oxygen units, infusion pumps, and even portable ventilators.
Who is eligible to rent?
Medical devices can be rented by any non-resident, uninsured foreign patient (Nicht-Versicherter Ausländer), provided they have:
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a medical report recommending the device
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a clear return plan (departure date, destination country)
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valid identity documents and a temporary address in Germany
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in some cases: financial proof or a deposit
Most commonly rented devices
| Device | Use |
|---|---|
| Electric medical bed (Pflegebett) | Post-surgery recovery or paralysis cases |
| Wheelchair (Rollstuhl) | Mobility in and out of hospital |
| Portable oxygen device (Sauerstoffgerät) | Respiratory failure or chronic lung diseases |
| Medical walker (Rollator) | Mobility support after surgery or accidents |
| Suction device (Absauggerät) | Removing secretions for respiratory patients |
| Infusion or feeding pump (Infusionspumpe) | Artificial nutrition or medication infusion |
| Anti-decubitus air mattress | For bedridden patients |
How does the rental process work?
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Contact a certified supplier (Sanitätshaus): e.g., Rehashop, Medi-Markt, Samedo
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Provide a medical prescription or report (German or English)
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Set the rental duration
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Sign the rental contract (Mietvertrag)
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Pay a refundable deposit (Kaution)
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Delivery and installation available for extra fees
Costs
Typical price ranges:
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Wheelchair: €20–60/week
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Electric bed: €50–100/week
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Oxygen device: €100–200/week plus refills
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Infusion pump: up to €300/week
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Deposit: €100–500
After returning home
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Some companies allow buying the device after rental—part of the rent counts as a down payment.
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Medical transport services can ship the device internationally (air or land), depending on customs laws.
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Request a CE certificate or English manual for customs or airlines.
Do you need a German prescription?
Not always.
Some companies accept your home-country doctor’s report.
But a German prescription expands your options.
Important notes
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Inspect the device upon delivery
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Request a detailed receipt
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Keep all contracts and invoices for possible insurance reimbursement
Conclusion
Renting home medical equipment in Germany is a practical, flexible solution for international patients. Proper planning and choosing a trustworthy provider are essential.
Editorial Note:
Despite careful research, errors may occur. Consider the information preliminary and consult relevant authorities for confirmation.
