What Are Hilfsmittel?
Hilfsmittel are medical aids and appliances — physical devices that support treatment, compensate for a disability, or aid mobility. They are distinct from remedies (Heilmittel, such as physiotherapy) and from medication. For private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung, PKV) policyholders, Hilfsmittel are a covered benefit, but the detail — what qualifies and up to what limit — varies meaningfully between tariffs.
Examples: hearing aids, wheelchairs, orthopaedic supports and insoles, prostheses, compression stockings, inhalers, and increasingly modern technical aids. Some are everyday items; others are high-cost.
How Cover Is Structured
Most tariffs reimburse medically necessary, prescribed Hilfsmittel, but several mechanisms shape what you get back:
- Open vs closed catalogue — some tariffs cover any medically necessary aid (open list), others reimburse only items on a defined catalogue (closed list). Open lists are more generous, especially as new technologies appear.
- Per-item caps — high-cost aids such as hearing aids may have a euro limit per device or per period
- Prescription requirement — a doctor's prescription is normally needed
| Aid | Typical consideration |
|---|---|
| Hearing aids | Often capped per device/period — check the limit |
| Wheelchairs / mobility aids | Covered when medically necessary |
| Orthopaedic supports / insoles | Usually covered with prescription |
| Prostheses | Covered; high-value items may need approval |
Why the Open Catalogue Matters
The single most important tariff feature here is whether the Hilfsmittel list is open or closed. Medical technology evolves quickly, and a closed catalogue written years ago may not include newer aids — leaving you to pay. An open catalogue that covers any medically necessary aid future-proofs your cover. If Hilfsmittel matter to you, prioritise a tariff with an open list.
Approval and Claims
For higher-value aids, seek pre-approval from your insurer, supported by a prescription and, where relevant, a quote. As with all PKV, you typically pay and claim back, so keep the prescription and itemised invoice. For recurring items (such as replacement compression stockings), check how often your tariff reimburses them.
The Takeaway
Hilfsmittel cover is easy to overlook when choosing a tariff, but it becomes very important if you or a family member needs a hearing aid, mobility equipment or an orthopaedic device. Favour an open catalogue, note the per-item caps on expensive aids, and pre-approve big-ticket items — and this quiet corner of your policy will be there when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
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