A Benefit That Needs Reading Carefully
Rehabilitation (Reha) and health-cure treatment (Kur) are areas where private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung, PKV) cover varies more than people expect. In the statutory system, much rehabilitation is organised and funded through the pension insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung) rather than the health fund. In PKV, whether and how rehab and Kur are covered depends squarely on your tariff wording — so it pays to know what yours says.
Key distinction: follow-up rehabilitation after surgery or serious illness (Anschlussheilbehandlung) is more commonly covered than a preventive or general health cure (Kur), which many tariffs limit or exclude.
Types of Rehabilitation and Cure
| Type | Purpose | Typical PKV position |
|---|---|---|
| Anschlussheilbehandlung (AHB) | Rehab directly after hospital treatment | More often covered |
| Medical rehabilitation | Restoring function after illness/injury | Covered if tariff includes it |
| Preventive Kur | General health cure / spa treatment | Often limited or excluded |
Why It Differs From GKV
Because statutory rehabilitation is largely handled by the pension insurer, PKV tariffs were historically built around acute medical treatment rather than long rehab stays. As a result, some older or basic PKV tariffs cover rehabilitation only modestly, or pay a fixed daily amount rather than full costs. Comprehensive modern tariffs increasingly include better rehab benefits, but you should never assume — check the specific clause.
How Approval Works
Rehabilitation almost always requires prior approval from your insurer, supported by medical justification. For follow-up rehab after surgery, your hospital and doctor typically initiate the request. For other rehabilitation or a Kur, you submit a medical recommendation and the insurer assesses necessity against your tariff. Getting approval in writing before treatment begins is essential, as retrospective claims for unapproved rehab are frequently declined.
What to Check in Your Tariff
- Is rehabilitation covered at all, and to what extent (full cost vs daily allowance)?
- Is follow-up rehab (AHB) included after hospital treatment?
- Are preventive Kur treatments covered, and with what limits?
- What approval steps apply, and what medical evidence is needed?
Plan Ahead Where You Can
For most people, the rehabilitation that matters is the kind that follows a serious operation or illness, and a good comprehensive tariff should cover it well. If rehab and Kur benefits are important to you — for example because of a chronic condition — make them a priority when choosing or reviewing your tariff, and always seek written pre-approval before starting treatment. Knowing your cover in advance turns a stressful recovery into a supported one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare PKV Tariffs for Your Situation
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