Optimising hearing aid insurance: Avoid cost pitfalls and maximise protection
30 Apr 2025
3
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
Modern hearing aids are an investment in your quality of life, but what happens with loss or expensive repairs? Hearing aid insurance can provide financial security, but is it always the best solution for everyone?
The topic in brief and concise terms
The statutory health insurance covers fixed amounts for hearing aids every six years; insured individuals bear the additional costs for higher-quality models themselves.
Hearing aid insurance often covers damage from user errors, moisture, loss, or theft, but usually not wear and tear.
The costs for hearing aid insurance vary greatly (approx. 50-250 euros/year) and should be weighed against the individual risk and possible deductibles.
Understanding the benefits of statutory health insurance for hearing aids
The statutory health insurance (GKV) in Germany contributes to the cost of hearing aids when there is a medical prescription. Generally, the insurances cover a fixed amount of approximately €685 to €741 per hearing aid. Additionally, there is a flat rate of around €33.50 for custom-made ear molds (earpieces). These amounts are intended for basic care and cover the costs for a so-called cash device. The GKV usually pays for new hearing aids every six years.
In addition to the acquisition costs, there is a repair flat rate of approximately €125 for a period of six years included. This flat rate covers maintenance, adjustments, and minor repairs. If you choose a technically superior or more aesthetically pleasing model, you will have to bear the additional costs yourself. Many underestimate that these additional costs can quickly amount to several hundred to over a thousand euros. A supplementary health insurance might be applicable here under certain circumstances. You should always clarify the exact services and subsidies directly with your health insurance provider before making a purchase decision.
Hearing aid insurance: What is covered?
A private hearing aid insurance often fills the gaps where the benefits of statutory health insurance end or specific risks are not covered. Typically, the coverage of a hearing aid insurance includes cost reimbursement for damage caused by user errors or improper handling. Damage due to moisture or wetness is often covered, which is an important point for these small, sensitive devices. Another key area is protection against loss, theft, or robbery of your hearing aids.
The insurance may also cover costs for accessories such as tubes or ear molds if these are damaged or lost. It is important to know that normal wear and tear or manufacturing defects are usually not covered by hearing aid insurance. For manufacturing defects, the seller's statutory warranty applies within the first two years after purchase. Many policies are designed as supplementary insurance that can also include benefits for visual aids, as is the case with some glasses insurance. The exact terms vary greatly, so it is essential to take a detailed look at the contract documents.
Weighing the Costs and Benefits of Hearing Aid Insurance
Premiums for hearing aid insurance can vary significantly. For a hearing aid with a purchase price of €1,500, costs for a period of five years can range from just under €70 to up to €550. Annual premiums are often between €50 and €250. These costs depend on the value of the hearing aid, the scope of the insurance coverage, and the amount of any deductible. Many insurances require a deductible in the event of a claim, such as €30 for repairs or forty percent of the value in case of loss.
Whether hearing aid insurance is worthwhile depends on several factors. Especially for expensive hearing aids, where the personal contribution after the statutory health insurance subsidy is high, coverage can be sensible. An active lifestyle, which increases the risk of damage or loss, also speaks in favor of insurance. However, the Federation of Insured points out that insurances often only replace the current value and only provide coverage after other potential claims (e.g., against household or liability insurance) have been asserted. In some cases, saving reserves can be an alternative. A careful examination of the cost estimate and individual risk situation is therefore crucial.
Practical Part: Choosing the Right Tariff
When choosing a hearing aid insurance, you should consider various aspects to find the right protection. Pay close attention to the insurance conditions, especially exclusions and coverage limits. An important point is whether the new value or the current value of the device is reimbursed in the event of damage; a new value compensation is generally more advantageous. Also clarify the amount of the excess for various cases such as repair or loss. The term of the insurance should ideally cover the period until the next expected new supply by the statutory health insurance, which is approximately six years.
The following points will help you with the selection:
Check the scope of coverage: Are loss, theft, operating errors, and moisture damage covered?
Get information about the reimbursement amount: New value or current value? Are there annual depreciations?
Clarify the excess: How much is it for repairs and how much for loss?
Pay attention to the contract duration and cancellation periods: Is an annual cancellation possible?
Check if the contract is directly with the insurance company or through the acoustician. A direct contract provides more security in case the acoustician relocates or goes out of business.
Compare the premiums of different providers for a similar range of services.
Our expert tip: Ask if damages caused by sweat or pets are also covered, as this can often lead to problems. A comprehensive health and care insurance can contain additional components.
Expert Depth: Legal Aspects and Tax Issues
In the context of hearing aid insurance, legal frameworks and tax aspects are also relevant. The seller's statutory warranty (liability for defects) is valid for two years from the date of purchase. Within the first six months, it is assumed that a defect was already present at the time of purchase; afterwards, the burden of proof shifts. However, this warranty does not cover damages due to negligence, accident, loss, or theft - this is where hearing aid insurance comes in.
One frequently asked question concerns tax deductibility. A pure hearing aid insurance is generally not tax-deductible as a property insurance. An exception may exist if the hearing aids are demonstrably essential for professional work; in such cases, the costs could be claimed as business expenses. The costs for purchasing the hearing aids themselves (the personal contribution after deduction of the statutory health insurance benefit) can however be declared as extraordinary expenses in the tax return, provided they exceed the reasonable personal burden and are medically necessary (medical certificate required). For details on tax deductibility, you should consult a tax advisor. It is advisable to keep all documents and medical prescriptions carefully.
Alternatives and supplements to hearing aid insurance
A specialized insurance for hearing aids is not the optimal solution for everyone. An alternative, as suggested by the Association of Insured Persons, is to build a financial reserve. For instance, if you anticipate costs of 1,000 euros for co-payments or repairs every six years, you could set aside about 14 euros monthly. This requires discipline but offers flexibility. Also, check if your existing contents or personal liability insurance might cover certain damages, although this is rare, and hearing aids are often explicitly excluded or only covered in cases of burglary.
Another consideration is a private supplementary insurance that is more comprehensive. Some tariffs for outpatient supplementary insurance include services for visual aids, hearing aids, and preventative examinations. Such combo packages can be attractive if you see a need in other areas as well. However, be aware of whether coverage for hearing aids is still offered once hearing impairment already exists, as some tariffs exclude this or require health checks. Always compare the total contribution with the potential benefits for all covered areas. The decision for or against a hearing aid insurance should always be based on an individual risk and cost-benefit analysis.
Conclusion: An individual decision for optimal protection
Choosing a hearing aid insurance is a very personal decision and depends on many factors. The statutory health insurance covers a basic amount for hearing aids, which is often only sufficient for basic models and provides for a new supply every six years. For more expensive devices that require a significant personal contribution, or if there is an increased risk of damage or loss due to an active lifestyle, hearing aid insurance can be worthwhile. The costs for this vary greatly, often between €50 and €250 annually.
Weigh the premiums against the potential costs for repair or replacement and consider deductibles and exclusions. Read the fine print carefully before signing a contract. Alternatives, such as setting aside reserves or more comprehensive private supplementary insurance, can also be considered. A hearing aid insurance is not universally good or bad but must suit your individual situation. Take your time to compare and make your choice.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Get your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive specific optimization suggestions.
More useful links
Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of hearing aids.
GKV-Spitzenverband supplies a PDF document with the fixed prices for hearing aids.
Statista provides data on the expected costs of hearing aids in Germany.
Statista offers statistics on the provision of hearing-impaired people and hearing aids in Germany.
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) provides information about cost coverage for hearing aids for adults and children.
FAQ
Is a hearing aid insurance worth it for me?
That depends on your individual needs. For expensive hearing aids with a high personal contribution or an active lifestyle with a higher risk of loss, it may be sensible. Compare costs, benefits, and deductibles.
What is the approximate cost of hearing aid insurance?
Annual premiums often range between 50 and 250 euros, but can vary significantly depending on the device value and scope of services.
Does the hearing aid insurance also cover repairs?
Yes, repairs due to, for example, user errors or moisture damage are often covered. The statutory health insurance provides a flat rate for this, which can be quickly used up.
What is the difference between replacement value and current value compensation?
Replacement value means that the costs for an equivalent new device are reimbursed. Current value takes into account a reduction in value due to the age and use of the device, resulting in a lower reimbursement.
Are my hearing aids covered by the household insurance?
Generally not, or only very limited coverage (e.g. in cases of burglary from the home). Special hearing aid insurances offer more comprehensive protection.
What happens if I lose my hearing aid?
Without insurance, you usually have to cover the costs for a new device yourself, as the statutory health insurance typically does not provide support again until after six years. A hearing aid insurance can be useful here, often with a deductible.
