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Long-Term Care Insurance in Germany
(Pflegeversicherung)
Long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung) is one of the key pillars of the German social security system. Its purpose is to cover part of the costs of caring for people who are no longer able to look after themselves due to illness or permanent disability. Here are the basics you should know:
What is Pflegeversicherung?
Pflegeversicherung is a mandatory insurance scheme that covers part of the costs of:
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Home care (ambulante Pflege)
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Care in nursing homes or residential care facilities (stationäre Pflege)
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Support for family members and informal caregivers
The system was introduced in 1995 as the fifth branch of the German social insurance system (after health, pension, unemployment and accident insurance).
Who is considered “in need of care”?
A person is regarded as being in need of care if they:
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require regular help with eating, drinking, personal hygiene, mobility or communication,
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are expected to need this support for at least six months,
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and are assessed within the official system of care grades (Pflegegrade 1–5).
The higher the care grade, the more severe the need – and the higher the level of benefits.
How do you receive benefits?
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Submit an application to your health insurance fund (Krankenkasse / Pflegekasse).
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An expert from MDK (for those with statutory insurance, GKV) or MEDICPROOF (for those with private insurance, PKV) will assess your situation.
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A care grade (Pflegegrad) is determined.
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Benefits start according to the care grade and your preferences (cash benefits, services in kind, or contributions towards residential care).
What types of benefits exist?
| Type of benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Geldleistung (cash benefit / Pflegegeld) | Monthly payment to the main caregiver(s) – usually family members – who organise care themselves |
| Sachleistung (care services in kind) | Regular visits by professional nursing services providing home care |
| Verhinderungspflege (respite care) | Temporary coverage when the main caregiver is unavailable (holiday, illness, etc.) |
| Kurzzeitpflege (short-term care) | Temporary residential care in external facilities, e.g. after surgery or a health crisis |
| Pflegeheim allowance (Pflegeheim-Zuschuss) | Partial contribution to the costs of a nursing home |
| Pflegehilfsmittel (care aids) | Provision or subsidies for medical aids (shower chair, electric bed, grab rails, etc.) |
Example of monthly amounts (2025)
| Care grade | Cash benefit (Pflegegeld) | Care services (Pflegesachleistung) |
|---|---|---|
| Pflegegrad 1 | – | – |
| Pflegegrad 2 | 332 € | 761 € |
| Pflegegrad 3 | 573 € | 1,432 € |
| Pflegegrad 4 | 765 € | 1,778 € |
| Pflegegrad 5 | 947 € | 2,200 € |
These figures are approximate and are updated on an annual basis.
Who finances the long-term care insurance?
All persons covered by statutory or private care insurance contribute:
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3.05% of their income (without children)
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2.3% of their income (with children – reduced contribution for parents)
The contributions are deducted directly from salary or pension payments.
Important notes
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Pflegeversicherung does not cover all costs; it usually only covers a portion.
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Any remaining gap must be paid from your own funds or – if you are unable to do so – by applying for social assistance (Sozialhilfe, e.g. “Hilfe zur Pflege”).
Is there additional long-term care insurance?
Yes. Many people take out a private supplementary long-term care insurance:
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Pflegezusatzversicherung
This helps cover additional expenses that are not paid by the basic statutory care insurance, either partially or in full.
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of various sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may be incomplete or not yet fully verified. Please regard the information in this article as an initial point of reference and always consult the competent authorities, care funds and advisory services for binding and up-to-date information.
