Women insured under the statutory health insurance scheme are entitled to midwife assistance during pregnancy, during and after childbirth, in addition to the right to medical care. Midwifery assistance comprises the services provided during pregnancy and childbirth by a state-certified and accredited midwife or maternity nurse. The provision of services is regulated by the midwife assistance contract.
Midwifery assistance includes:
- Maternity care and antenatal care services,
- obstetrics,
- services during the puerperium up to 12 weeks after birth and
- other services, such as counselling for the mother in the event of breastfeeding difficulties or regression gymnastics with instruction in a group.
Midwifery assistance can be claimed during pregnancy and up to 12 weeks after delivery (exception: counselling of the mother in case of breastfeeding difficulties or feeding problems of the infant).
Midwifery assistance is provided to insured persons as a benefit in kind, i.e. midwives bill the health insurance funds directly. Only services that are regulated in the midwives' remuneration schedule can be billed.
Insured children are also entitled to midwife assistance if they cannot be cared for by the insured, e.g. in the case of adoption, death or absence of the mother due to illness.
Notice:If you have private health insurance, you should clarify the coverage of costs with your insurance company before making use of the service.
Contact
- Your health insurance fund