Optimising hearing aid insurance: avoiding cost pitfalls and maximising protection
30.04.25
8
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Modern hearing aids are an investment in your quality of life, but what happens if they are lost or require costly 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 (GKV) covers fixed amounts for hearing aids every six years; insured persons must pay the additional costs for higher-quality models themselves.
Hearing aid insurance often covers damage caused by user error, moisture, loss or theft, but usually not wear and tear.
The cost of hearing aid insurance varies greatly (approx. €50–250/year) and should be weighed against the individual risk and any possible excesses.
Understanding GKV benefits for hearing aids
Statutory health insurance (GKV) in Germany contributes towards the cost of hearing aids if there is a medical prescription. As a rule, the health insurers cover a fixed amount of around 685 euros to 741 euros per hearing aid. For individually made ear moulds (otoplastics), there is an additional flat rate of approximately 33.50 euros. These amounts are intended for basic provision and cover the cost of what is known as a standard device covered by the health insurance fund. The GKV normally pays for new hearing aids every six years.
In addition to the purchase costs, a repair flat rate of approximately 125 euros is included for a period of six years. This flat rate covers maintenance, fitting adjustments and minor repairs. If you opt for a technically more advanced or more aesthetically pleasing model, you must bear the additional costs yourself. Many people underestimate that these additional costs can quickly amount to several hundred to well over one thousand euros. A supplementary health insurance policy may be able to help here in some circumstances. You should always clarify the exact benefits and subsidies directly with your health insurer before making a purchase decision.
Hearing aid insurance: What is covered?
A private hearing aid insurance often steps in where statutory health insurance benefits end or specific risks are not covered. Typically, hearing aid insurance covers the cost of repairs if damage is caused by user error or improper handling. Damage caused by moisture or damp is also 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 can also cover the cost of accessories such as tubing or earmoulds 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. In the first two years after purchase, the seller's statutory warranty applies to manufacturing defects. Many policies are designed as supplementary insurance and may also include benefits for visual aids, as is the case with some glasses insurance policies. The exact conditions vary considerably, so it is essential to take a detailed look at the policy documents.
Weighing up the costs and benefits of hearing aid insurance
Premiums for hearing aid insurance can vary considerably. For a hearing aid with a purchase price of 1,500 euros, the costs for a five-year term can range from just under 70 euros to as much as 550 euros. Annual premiums are often between 50 and 250 euros. These costs depend on the value of the hearing aid, the scope of cover provided by the insurance and the level of any excess. Many policies provide for an excess in the event of a claim, for example 30 euros for repairs or forty per cent of the value in the event of loss.
Whether hearing aid insurance is worthwhile depends on several factors. Particularly for expensive hearing aids, where the policyholder’s contribution after the statutory health insurance subsidy is high, cover can be sensible. An active lifestyle, which increases the risk of damage or loss, is also an argument in favour of insurance. However, the Bund der Versicherten points out that insurers often only reimburse the current market value and will only pay once other possible claims (e.g. against household contents or liability insurance) have been asserted. In some cases, building up savings reserves can be an alternative. A careful review of the quote and of the individual risk situation is therefore crucial.
Practical section: Choosing the right tariff
When choosing hearing aid insurance, you should consider various aspects in order to find the right cover. Pay close attention to the policy terms, especially exclusions and limits on benefits. An important point is whether the replacement value or the current value of the device is reimbursed in the event of a claim; replacement-value cover is generally more advantageous. Also clarify the amount of the excess for different claims such as repair or loss. Ideally, the policy term should cover the period until the next expected replacement provision from the GKV, i.e. around six years.
The following points will help you with your selection:
Check the scope of cover: Are loss, theft, user error and moisture damage covered?
Find out about the reimbursement amount: replacement value or current value? Are there annual depreciation deductions?
Clarify the excess: How high is it for repair and how high for loss?
Pay attention to the contract term and notice periods: Is annual cancellation possible?
Check whether the contract is directly with the insurance company or through the audiologist. A direct contract offers more security if you move or if the audiologist closes down.
Compare the premiums of different providers for a similar scope of benefits.
Our expert tip: Ask whether damage caused by sweat or by pets is also insured, as this can often cause problems. Comprehensive health and long-term care cover may include additional components.
In-depth expertise: legal aspects and tax issues
In the context of hearing aid insurance, legal frameworks and tax aspects are also relevant. The statutory warranty (liability for material defects) of the seller applies for two years from the date of purchase. During the first six months, it is presumed that a defect already existed at the time of purchase; after that, the burden of proof is reversed. However, this warranty does not cover damage caused by your own fault, accident, loss or theft – this is where hearing aid insurance comes in.
A frequently asked question concerns tax deductibility. A pure hearing aid insurance policy, as a property insurance policy, is generally not tax-deductible. An exception may apply if the hearing aids are demonstrably essential for carrying out your profession; in that case, the costs could be claimed as business expenses. The costs of purchasing the hearing aids themselves (the personal contribution after deducting the statutory health insurance benefit) can, however, be declared in the tax return as exceptional expenses, provided they exceed the reasonable personal burden and are medically necessary (a doctor's certificate required). For details on tax deductibility, you should consult a tax adviser. It is advisable to keep all receipts and medical prescriptions carefully.
Alternatives and supplements to hearing aid insurance
Not everyone will find a dedicated hearing aid insurance policy the best solution. An alternative, as proposed by the Bund der Versicherten, is to build up a financial reserve. For example, if you expect costs of €1,000 every six years for co-payments or repairs, you could set aside around €14 a month. This requires discipline, but offers flexibility. You should also check whether your existing household contents or private liability insurance may cover certain types of damage, although this is rarely the case and hearing aids are often explicitly excluded or only covered in the event of burglary theft.
Another option to consider is a private supplementary insurance policy that is broader in scope. Some outpatient supplementary insurance plans include benefits for visual aids, hearing aids and preventive check-ups. Such package deals can be attractive if you also see a need in other areas. However, make sure whether cover for hearing aids is still granted if you already have existing hearing loss, as some plans exclude this or require medical examinations. Always compare the total premium with the potential benefits for all covered areas. The decision for or against hearing aid insurance should always be based on an individual risk and cost-benefit analysis.
The decision to take out hearing aid insurance is very personal and depends on many factors. Statutory health insurance (GKV) covers a basic amount for hearing aids, which is often only enough for basic models and provides for a replacement every six years. For more expensive devices, which require a significant out-of-pocket contribution, or where there is an increased risk of damage or loss due to an active lifestyle, hearing aid insurance can make sense. The costs for this vary greatly, often between €50 and €250 per year.
Weigh the premiums against the potential costs of repair or replacement and take deductibles and exclusions into account. Read the small 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 generally good or bad, but must suit your individual situation. Take your time to compare and decide.
Request your individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive concrete suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of hearing aids.
GKV-Spitzenverband provides a PDF document with the fixed reimbursement amounts for hearing aids.
Statista provides data on the expected costs of hearing aids in Germany.
Statista provides statistics on the provision of care for people with hearing loss and hearing aids in Germany.
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) provides information on coverage for hearing aids for adults and children.
FAQ
Is hearing aid insurance worth it for me?
It depends on your individual needs. It may be worthwhile for expensive hearing aids with a high out-of-pocket contribution or an active lifestyle with a higher risk of loss. Compare costs, benefits and excesses.
How much does hearing aid insurance cost approximately?
Annual premiums often range between 50 and 250 euros, but can vary significantly depending on the value of the device and the scope of cover.
Does hearing aid insurance also cover repairs?
Yes, repairs due to, for example, user errors or moisture damage are often covered. The GKV provides a flat-rate allowance for this, but it can quickly be used up.
What is the difference between new-for-old and current value reimbursement?
New-for-old means that the cost of an equivalent new device is reimbursed. Replacement value takes depreciation due to the device’s age and use into account, so the reimbursement is lower.
Are my hearing aids covered under my household contents insurance?
Generally not, or only to a very limited extent (e.g. in the event of burglary from the home). Special hearing aid insurance policies offer more comprehensive cover.
What happens if I lose my hearing aid?
Without insurance, you usually have to pay for a new device yourself, as statutory health insurance generally does not provide cover again until six years have elapsed. A hearing aid insurance policy can help here, often with an excess.
