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Electronic Sick Note (eAU) in Germany: How is it sent automatically?
Since 2023, Germany has officially introduced the electronic sick note system – known as eAU (elektronische Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung). The goal is to reduce bureaucracy and save time for employees, doctors and health insurance funds.
What is the eAU?
The eAU is the digital version of the traditional paper sick note that employees used to send themselves to their employer and health insurance fund.
Now the doctor transmits it electronically directly to the health insurance fund, which in turn informs the employer.
How does the transmission process work?
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Visit to the doctor
When you visit the doctor, they examine you, diagnose your condition and decide that you are unable to work (you are declared unfit for work). -
Entering the information into the system
The doctor enters all relevant data into the Telematics Infrastructure system of the German healthcare sector. -
Transmission to the health insurance fund
The certificate is sent digitally from the practice to your statutory health insurance fund (GKV). -
Employer retrieves the eAU
Your employer is required to retrieve the sick note electronically from the health insurance fund.
You no longer have to send anything yourself!
What do you have to do as a patient/employee?
| Action | Still required? |
|---|---|
| Inform your employer that you are sick | Yes, immediately (verbally or in writing) |
| Send a paper sick note to your employer | No, unless your employer explicitly requests it |
| Send the certificate to the health insurer | No, this is done automatically |
| Keep a paper copy for yourself | Yes, it is always recommended |
What about private companies or private health insurance (PKV)?
The eAU system applies only to people who are insured under the statutory health insurance scheme (GKV).
If you have private health insurance (PKV), you still have to send the sick note yourself – usually in paper form – to your private insurer and to your employer.
Advantages of the eAU
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Saves time and reduces paperwork
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Fewer transmission and typing errors
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Faster processing of sickness data
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Ensures data protection through encrypted electronic transfer
Conclusion
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who sends the certificate? | The doctor → to the health insurance fund |
| Is it sent to the employer? | No, the employer retrieves it electronically |
| Do you still have to notify your company? | Yes, always and as early as possible |
| Do you need a copy for yourself? | Yes, for your own records or if your company asks for it |
Our editorial team strives to provide accurate information through extensive research and by consulting multiple sources. However, errors may still occur or details may change over time. Please regard the information in these articles as an initial guide and always contact the competent authorities for binding and up-to-date information.
