Krankentagegeld Münchener Verein: Secure your income reliably in case of illness
5 Apr 2025
5
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
A prolonged illness can quickly become a financial burden if your income disappears. The daily sickness allowance from the Munich Association provides crucial protection in this situation. Find out how you can protect yourself.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The daily sickness allowance provided by the Münchener Verein closes the income gap that arises after the six-week continued payment of wages due to the lower statutory sick pay.
For employees, the commencement of benefits typically starts from the 43rd day, while self-employed individuals can opt for an earlier start (e.g., from the 22nd day); daily rates of up to 20 euros may be available to employees without health questions. [1,3]
Key contract details include waiting periods (generally three months, waived in case of an accident), the non-application of the alcohol clause, and the insurer's right to terminate the contract within the first three years under certain conditions. [1,2,3]
Financial security in case of illness: Understanding the necessity
Income loss due to illness hits many unexpectedly and hard. Employees receive six weeks of continued pay, after which the statutory health insurance pays sick pay, often resulting in a gap of twenty percent or more compared to their net income. For the self-employed, incapacity to work often means an immediate income loss of one hundred percent. A private daily sickness allowance insurance, like Krankentagegeld Münchener Verein, is therefore an important financial support for many professionals. It covers up to one hundred percent of the net income. This coverage helps to cover ongoing costs such as rent or loans even in the case of long-term illness. Münchener Verein has been offering insurance solutions for over one hundred years. [4] The right daily sickness allowance insurance is sensible to avoid financial bottlenecks.
This income gap can quickly amount to several hundred euros per month. Without private provision, ongoing expenses must be paid from savings, if available. The daily sickness benefit from Münchener Verein steps in here and compensates for the loss of earnings. This allows you to focus entirely on your recovery, without financial worries. Knowing the differences between sickness benefit and daily sickness allowance is crucial in this context.
Range of services offered by the Munich Association: Take advantage of specific benefits
The Münchener Verein offers flexible coverage with its daily sickness allowance, for example in the rate 380. For employees, benefits commence from the 43rd day of inability to work, matching the statutory continuation of pay for 42 days. [1] Self-employed individuals and freelancers can opt for an earlier start of benefits, such as from the 22nd day. [1] An advantage is that Münchener Verein does not apply the alcohol clause, so inability to work due to alcohol is generally covered. [1] Employees can secure up to twenty euros per day even without health questions. [1,3] With a health check, employees can secure up to 198 euros and self-employed individuals up to 175 euros per day. [1] The contributions include ageing provisions, leading to more stable contributions in later years. [1] The daily sickness allowance insurance of Münchener Verein thus offers tailored options.
The Münchener Verein also provides benefits for partial inability to work as part of reintegration for employees at one hundred percent of the insured daily allowance, provided there was previously a minimum twelve-week total inability to work. [1,3] The benefits are tax-free and freely disposable. Worldwide cover is also provided. However, there are waiting periods for certain cases: the general waiting period is three months, for pregnancy and psychotherapy eight months; for accidents, there is no waiting period. [1,2] It is important to clarify the question How long is daily sickness allowance paid? individually.
Practical Example: How the Sickness Daily Allowance Covers Your Income Gap
To make the benefits tangible, let's consider an office worker with a monthly net income of €2,875. The gross income is assumed to be €3,880. In the event of illness, the net sick pay from statutory health insurance would be approximately €2,275, leaving a monthly shortfall of €600. With sick pay insurance from Münchener Verein covering twenty euros per day (€600 monthly), this gap would be completely closed. The total income in the event of illness would remain €2,875. This example calculation illustrates the direct benefits of private insurance coverage.
For self-employed individuals, the situation is often even more critical since they do not receive sickness pay. Each day of incapacity for work leads directly to a loss of earnings. Münchener Verein allows self-employed individuals to insure up to €175 per day, starting from the 22nd day of incapacity for work. [1,3] This secures their existence, covering ongoing business costs and private expenses. Sick pay insurance for the self-employed is therefore often essential.
Here are typical situations where sick pay applies:
Extended illness: In the case of severe flu with weeks of recovery, it secures your income after sickness pay ends.
Accident with rehabilitation: After an accident requiring months of rehab, it bridges the loss of earnings.
Chronic illness: For recurring flare-ups, for example due to rheumatism, it offsets income losses.
Pregnancy and childbirth: Benefits are also paid during maternity leave periods and on the day of childbirth, accounting for substitute benefits. [2]
These examples show how diverse the need for insurance coverage can be.
Contract terms in detail: What you need to pay attention to
The General Insurance Terms and Conditions (AVB/KT 2013) of the Münchener Verein govern the specific terms. [2] The insurance event is the medically necessary treatment with a physician-certified incapacity for work. [2] Incapacity for work means that the professional activity cannot be carried out in any way temporarily. [2] The daily sickness allowance, together with other sickness benefits, must not exceed the average net income of the last twelve months. [2] An important clause concerns the right to terminate: The Münchener Verein can terminate the daily sickness benefit in the first three insurance years, provided there is no legal entitlement to an employer's subsidy and no full health insurance cover is held with the Münchener Verein. [1,2] A thorough examination of the AVB before conclusion is essential.
Waiting periods are an important aspect: three months generally, eight months for psychotherapy and pregnancy (waived in case of accident). [2] When switching from the statutory health insurance or another private health insurance, previously accrued insurance periods can be credited under certain conditions. [2] The insurance cover ends, among other things, when an old-age pension is received, at the latest on reaching the age of 67. [2,1] This is a point that must be considered in life planning, as cases where private health insurance does not pay show. An insurance without waiting period is rare, but the Münchener Verein offers a waiver in case of an accident.
The following points are also relevant in the terms:
Reporting obligations: The start and continuation of incapacity for work must be proven in good time with medical certificates. [2]
Net income verification: A not merely temporary reduction in net income must be reported to the insurer immediately. [2]
Overseas cover: Insurance cover exists in Germany; for temporary stays abroad in Europe, benefits are provided for inpatient treatment. [2]
Adjustment options: Employees can apply for an adjustment of the daily sickness allowance in case of income increases. [2]
These details demonstrate the complexity and importance of a thorough contract review.
Expert knowledge: Legal framework and recent rulings
The daily sickness allowance is a private insurance and differs from statutory sick pay according to § 44 SGB V. [2,3] The statutory sick pay amounts to around seventy percent of gross income, but no more than ninety percent of net income, and is limited to 78 weeks within three years for the same illness. [3,2] Private daily sickness allowance insurances usually provide benefits indefinitely until the restoration of the ability to work or the onset of occupational disability. [3] A ruling by the OLG Dresden (case number: 4 U 2394/22) on July 30, 2024, confirmed that a daily sickness allowance insurance can end upon retirement, even if one continues to work, provided the conditions of the policy allow it. [1] The precise contract terms are crucial here.
Our expert tip: Pay attention to the insurer’s waiver of the ordinary right to terminate within the first three years. The Münchener Verein reserves this right under certain circumstances. [1] Another important topic is the adjustment of insurance conditions according to § 164 VVG. [1,2] The Federal Court of Justice has ruled on this several times, for example on replacing ineffective clauses by the insurer. [1,2] An adjustment of the daily sickness allowance may become necessary under certain circumstances. It is advisable to seek legal advice in case of uncertainties, especially when it comes to the combination of daily sickness allowance and occupational disability.
Design optimal protection: Your path to the right daily sickness allowance
Choosing the right sickness daily allowance requires careful analysis of your individual situation. For employees, the start of benefits from the 43rd day is usually suitable. [1] Self-employed individuals should consider an earlier start, with Münchener Verein offering the 22nd day here. [1] The amount of the daily rate should cover the gap between net income and statutory sick pay (for GKV-insured) or the entire loss of earnings (for self-employed and PKV-insured). [2] Münchener Verein offers daily rates up to 198 euros for employees and 175 euros for self-employed (subject to health assessment). [1] A needs assessment, as offered by Münchener Verein, is an important first step.
Also consider waiting periods and exclusions. [1,2] Münchener Verein waives the general waiting period of three months in case of accidents. For tariffs without health questions (up to twenty euros daily rate for employees), there are restrictions regarding pre-existing conditions in the last twelve months or prolonged inability to work in the past three years. [1] Honest answers to health questions are crucial for higher daily rates. We at nextsure are happy to support you in choosing the right coverage. The sickness daily allowance insurance in general offers many facets to consider.
Checklist for selecting your sickness daily allowance:
Determine the correct amount of the daily rate (close the net income gap).
Select an appropriate start of benefits (43rd day for employees, earlier for self-employed).
Check waiting periods and exclusions in the tariff.
Understand the conditions for termination and contract amendment.
Consider possibilities for contribution stability in old age (ageing reserves). [1]
Check if benefits for reintegration are included. [1,3]
Examine alcohol clause regulations (Münchener Verein does not apply it). [1]
Clarify arrangements regarding occupational disability and retirement entry. [1,1]
Comprehensive advice helps to optimally tailor these points to your needs.
Your next step towards financial security
Securing your income in the event of illness is an important part of your financial planning. The daily sickness allowance from the Münchener Verein offers flexible and powerful options for various professional groups. With careful planning and the right tariff choice, you can effectively protect yourself and your family from the financial consequences of long-term incapacity to work. Take the opportunity to find out extensive information and discover a solution tailored to your needs. Early insurance protection pays off manifold in an emergency.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive specific optimization suggestions.
More useful links
The Federal Statistical Office provides official data on sickness absence in Germany.
The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) provides health data and statistics on outpatient care.
The University of Duisburg-Essen offers a comprehensive collection of data on working conditions, including sickness absence.
The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds delivers current figures and statistics on statutory health insurance.
The Federal Ministry of Health provides information on the regulations and benefits of sick pay.
The IGES Institute offers analyses and research results, including OECD data on sickness absence.
FAQ
Is the sickness allowance from Münchener Verein tax-free?
Yes, the benefits from the Munich Verein's daily sickness insurance are tax-free.
Does the Münchener Verein's sickness benefit also cover incapacity for work due to alcohol?
Yes, the Munich association does not apply the so-called alcohol clause, so that incapacity for work due to alcohol is generally also covered. [1]
Can I take out daily sickness allowance with Münchener Verein without a health check?
Yes, employees can apply for a sick pay of up to 20 euros per day from the Münchener Verein without health questions. However, certain restrictions apply with regards to pre-existing conditions. [1,3]
How long does the Münchener Verein pay sick leave benefits?
The sickness benefit is paid without time limitation for the duration of incapacity for work, including on Sundays and public holidays, until the restoration of working ability or the occurrence of occupational disability or reaching the age limit according to the contract. [3,2]
What is the difference between statutory sickness benefit and the daily sickness benefit of the Münchener Verein?
The statutory sickness benefit is a service provided by the statutory health insurance (GKV), covering approximately 70% of the gross salary and is limited in time. [3,2] The private daily sickness allowance from Münchener Verein is a supplementary insurance that can fill this gap, potentially covering up to 100% of the net income and is usually provided without a time limit. [3,3]
What termination rights does the Münchener Verein have regarding the daily sickness allowance?
The Munich Association can cancel the daily sickness allowance in the first three insurance years if there is no legal entitlement to an employer's subsidy and no comprehensive health insurance is held with the Munich Association. [1,2]
