Renting Home Medical Equipment Before Returning to Your Home Country

Renting Home Medical Equipment in Germany Before Returning to Your Country: What You Need to Know

Renting home medical equipment (“Medizinische Hilfsmittel zur Miete”) is a vital option for patients who have undergone treatment in Germany and need a recovery period or therapeutic support before travelling back to their home country. This includes devices such as wheelchairs, medical beds, oxygen concentrators, infusion pumps and even portable ventilators.

Who is eligible to rent?

Medical equipment can generally be rented for non-resident patients (Nicht-Versicherter Ausländer), provided that the following conditions are met:

• A medical report recommending the use of the device

• A clear return plan (date of departure and destination country)

• Valid identity documents and a temporary address in Germany

• In some cases: a financial guarantee or security deposit

Most commonly rented devices

How does the rental process work?

• Contact an approved provider (Sanitätshaus):
  Such as companies like “Rehashop”, “Medi-Markt”, “Samedo” or a local medical supply store.

• Provide a medical prescription (Rezept or ärztliche Verordnung):
  Ideally in German or English, so the provider understands the indication clearly.

• Define the rental period:
  From a single day up to several weeks, depending on medical needs.

• Sign a rental contract (Mietvertrag):
  This contract specifies terms and conditions, prices, liability and return rules.

• Pay a security deposit (Kaution):
  This is refunded once the device is returned in proper condition.

• Delivery and setup service:
  Many providers offer delivery to your flat or hotel, installation and instruction – usually for an additional fee.

What does it cost?

Prices vary depending on the type of device, the provider and the rental duration. Typical examples:

• Wheelchair: approx. €20–€60 per week

• Electric medical bed: approx. €50–€100 per week

• Oxygen device: approx. €100–€200 per week, plus costs for refills / cylinders

• Infusion pump: up to €300 per week

In most cases, a refundable deposit of €100–€500 is also required, which is returned after the equipment has been handed back undamaged.

What happens after you return to your country?

• Some companies offer a purchase option after the rental period, if you wish to take the device with you. In such cases, part of the rental fees may be credited towards the purchase price.

• Specialized medical transport companies can organise air or land transport of the device to your country, provided customs and import regulations are respected.

• You should request a CE certificate or an English-language declaration of conformity / usage to show to customs authorities or airlines if needed.

Do you need a German medical prescription?

Not always. Some providers accept a medical report from your treating physician in your home country, especially if you are paying privately (cash or card).

However, to increase credibility and broaden your options, it is advisable – where possible – to obtain a prescription from a German doctor during your stay.

Important notes

• Check the condition of the equipment carefully upon delivery and ask for an immediate functional test and demonstration.

• Request a detailed receipt listing the device, rental period, deposit amount and all costs.

• Keep all contracts and invoices, as you may later claim reimbursement from your health insurance or another payer.

Conclusion

Renting home medical equipment in Germany is a practical and flexible solution for international patients in the post-treatment phase. The key factors are:

• Early planning,

• understanding the contract details,

• and choosing a reliable provider who can communicate with you in your language or at least in English.

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The editorial team of this website makes every effort to provide accurate information based on extensive research and consultation of multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may be incomplete or not fully verified. Please consider the information in this article as an initial reference and always consult competent authorities, medical institutions and official bodies for binding and up-to-date guidance.