Sick Leave and Continued Pay in Germany: Key Health Insurance Points Explained

Days 1–42: the employer pays 100% Lohnfortzahlung under § 3 EFZG. From day 43 DAK-Gesundheit pays Krankengeld — 70% of gross, capped at €120.75/day (2026) for up to 78 weeks per illness under § 44 SGB V.

Since 2023 the eAU (elektronische Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung) is transmitted automatically from the doctor to DAK-Gesundheit and employer. Employees only inform HR by day one; the paper Gelber Schein is no longer required (§ 5 EFZG).

Care Expatriate from €58/month covers medical bills but not lost wages. Not by default. A Krankentagegeld rider (add-on ~€15–30/month) fills the gap, paying a daily benefit from day 43 similar to DAK-Gesundheit Krankengeld.

Yes, but § 8 EFZG protects the 6-week Lohnfortzahlung claim regardless of termination. DAK-Gesundheit Krankengeld continues until the illness ends or 78 weeks are reached — even after the employment relationship formally ends.

Up to 78 weeks within a 3-year block for the same illness (§ 48 SGB V). After that, either recovery + return to work or Erwerbsminderungsrente via DRV apply. The maximum daily rate in 2026 is €120.75.

Yes – if you are employed and enrolled in statutory health insurance (GKV), you are entitled to sick pay after 6 weeks of continued pay from your employer. The DAK Gesundheit for employees (from approx. 17.8 % of gross salary) provides Krankengeld automatically from day 43.

You need a doctor's certificate of incapacity (AU). Since 2023, this is transmitted electronically. During a transition before GKV enrollment, Care Economy (from 30 € / 30 days) covers medical treatment but does not include sick pay.

Your employer pays your full salary for up to 6 weeks (42 calendar days). After that, your statutory health insurance pays sick pay (Krankengeld) at about 70 % of your gross salary – for up to 78 weeks within 3 years for the same illness.