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Welcoming a child into the world is a deeply personal and emotional journeybut it also requires careful financial and administrative planning. If you're covered by private health insurance (PKV) in Germany, pregnancy and parental leave (Elternzeit) bring specific challenges that differ significantly from statutory health insurance (GKV).
Many expecting parents are surprised to learn that private insurers generally do not offer automatic contribution relief during parental leave. While public health insurance funds usually continue coverage without requiring contributions during this time, PKV policyholders are often responsible for the full monthly premium once income and employer contributions stop.
This guide breaks down how PKV works before and after childbirth, the differences compared to GKV, what benefits are included, and most importantly—
Private health insurance during pregnancy in Germany
If you are covered by private health insurance during pregnancy in Germany (private Krankenversicherung — PKV), your coverage, costs and maternity benefits can differ significantly from statutory health insurance (GKV). Below is a clear guide to what to expect, what to check in your policy, and how maternity leave and payments work.
1. Who can have private health insurance during pregnancy?
Employees above the compulsory insurance threshold 77.400 €, self-employed people, civil servants, and some students can choose PKV. If you switch to PKV while pregnant, insurers may apply waiting periods or exclude pre-existing conditions — check policy terms carefully.
2. What does private insurance typically cover during pregnancy?
Prenatal check-ups with specialists and private clinic options.
Ultrasounds, lab tests, and genetic screening depending on the tariff.
Hospital stay in a private or semi-private ward if covered by your plan.
Midwife (Hebamme) services — often covered, but verify session limits and out-of-hospital care.
Newborn initial care — many PKV plans cover neonatal hospital costs; outpatient pediatric care follows standard billing.
3. Costs and reimbursement
PKV usually operates on a fee-for-service basis. You often pay invoices upfront and submit receipts for reimbursement. Check for:
Deductibles (Selbstbehalt) and co-pay percentages.
Waiting periods for maternity or pregnancy-related services.
Annual or per-case limits for specialist tests or midwife visits.
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4. Maternity leave and payments (Mutterschutz, Mutterschaftsgeld, parental leave)
Understanding maternity leave and pay is essential when you have private health insurance during pregnancy in Germany.
Mutterschutz (maternity protection leave)
Mutterschutz protects pregnant employees' job and working conditions. It starts six weeks before the expected delivery date and continues eight weeks after childbirth (extended to 12 weeks for premature or multiple births and certain complications). During this time, employment protection rights apply regardless of whether you are in PKV or GKV.
Mutterschaftsgeld (maternity allowance)
How Mutterschaftsgeld is paid depends on whether you are covered by statutory health insurance or privately insured:
If you were previously enrolled in statutory health insurance during employment but later switched, special rules apply — confirm with your Krankenkasse.
If you are privately insured and employed: You do not receive Mutterschaftsgeld from a statutory Krankenkasse. Instead, your employer pays a maternity benefit equivalent called Arbeitgeberzuschuss (employer top-up). Typically, employers pay the difference between your net salary and the statutory Mutterschaftsgeld cap. Exact amounts depend on employment contracts and company policy.
If you are self-employed and privately insured: There is no statutory Mutterschaftsgeld entitlement. Some private insurers offer maternity riders or cash benefits; otherwise consider private maternity income protection or family benefits.
Parental leave (Elternzeit) and parental allowance (Elterngeld)
Parental leave (Elternzeit) gives job-protected leave for parents for up to three years per child; it applies to employees regardless of insurance type. Elterngeld (parental allowance) replaces part of lost income after birth and is administered by the state — eligibility and amount depend on prior income, including privately insured individuals. Apply to your local Elterngeldstelle and provide required income documentation.
5. Practical steps to take while pregnant
Review your current PKV policy: check maternity coverage, waiting periods, midwife coverage, and hospital ward entitlements.
Contact your insurer early (as soon as pregnancy is confirmed) to declare pregnancy and ask about required documentation.
Inform your employer about pregnancy and planned leave dates to arrange Mutterschutz and Arbeitgeberzuschuss if applicable.
Gather documents for Elterngeld and parental leave applications well before the due date.
Compare tariffs if switching insurers — note that switching while pregnant can be restricted and costly.
6. Tips to reduce friction and unexpected costs
Keep copies of all receipts and medical reports for reimbursement.
Ask providers for cost estimates (Kostenvoranschlag) for planned procedures or hospital stays.
Confirm whether your chosen hospital requires prior authorisation for private ward billing.
Consider supplemental maternity insurance or daily sickness benefits to cover income gaps for self-employed or privately insured parent
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Private vs. Statutory Health Insurance: What Happens During Parental Leave?
Under the statutory health insurance fund, coverage during parental leave is typically contribution-free, provided you remain eligible. Even if you're only receiving Elterngeld (parental allowance), your health insurance contributions are usually fully covered.
In contrast, PKV does not automatically adjust to life events such as pregnancy or leave. The moment your maternity protection period or Elternzeit begins, your employer’s subsidy ends—and you're responsible for the entire premium.
Let’s look at an example:
Before parental leave: You pay €350/month, employer pays €350
During parental leave: You pay the full €700/month yourself
This financial pressure often hits just when your maternity benefit and income decrease, making proactive planning essential.
What Benefits Does PKV Cover During Pregnancy and Birth?
Despite the cost differences, private insurance offers extensive maternity and healthcare benefits that go beyond the statutory system. Common PKV coverage includes:
Prenatal care: Routine exams, diagnostics, and screenings
Midwife support and birth preparation classes
Private hospital room and your choice of doctor
Faster access to specialists and gynecologists
Postnatal care: Home visits, lactation consultations, and physiotherapy
Daily sickness benefit for pregnancy-related inability to work
Full newborn coverage under your policy (if registered in time)
Unlike GKV, you may be able to give birth in a private clinic or opt for home birth with higher reimbursement, depending on your insurance provider.
Contribution Relief in PKV: Which Insurers Offer It?
Some private insurance providers have acknowledged this financial pressure and now offer up to six months of premium relief during parental leave—but only under certain tariffs.
Here are some current options:
Insurance Provider | Tariff | Relief Duration |
|---|---|---|
Allianz | MeinGesundheitsschutzBest | 6 months |
Barmenia | einsAexpert | 6 months |
BBKK | GVARIO | 6 months |
LKH | GUP | 6 months |
Universa | uni-Top Privat300 | 6 months |
⚠️ Note: The relief typically applies to the main health insurance tariff only. You still need to pay for long-term care insurance, and daily sickness benefits may be paused or switched to Anwartschaft (a contribution-free preservation status).
Also important: Some tariffs link premium relief to receiving Elterngeld. Starting April 2025, the Elterngeld income limit drops to €175,000/year for all parents. If you exceed this limit, you may lose both the allowance and any PKV-linked contribution relief unless your insurer allows exemption without Elterngeld.
Smart Ways to Reduce PKV Costs During Pregnancy and Leave
Even if your tariff doesn’t include contribution relief, there are proven strategies to ease the financial load:
1. Use Your Partner’s Employer Contribution
If your spouse is also privately insured but doesn’t use the full employer subsidy (up to €470/month), the unused portion can often be redirected to help pay your premium. This requires paperwork, but it's an effective way to save €1,000+ per year during leave.
2. Prepay Your Contributions
Some insurers offer up to 4% Skonto (discount) if you prepay your annual premium. Benefits include:
Lower taxable income → helpful for staying under the Elterngeld limit
Eliminates monthly payments during leave
Financial peace of mind during a low-income period
3. Choose the Right Tariff Before Pregnancy
If you’re planning to start a family, switching to a PKV tariff with maternity support or contribution relief can make a massive difference. Many insurers accept tariff changes before the expected date of birth with no waiting period.
Case Example: Saving €4,000 with the Right PKV Plan
Lisa, a self-employed marketing expert, earns €180,000/year and is expecting her first child. Due to the new Elterngeld income cap, she doesn’t qualify for parental allowance. However, thanks to her Allianz MeinGesundheitsschutzBest tariff, she receives six months of premium relief—saving €4,140 during her parental leave.
She also prepaid her contributions before leave, securing a 4% discount and lowering her taxable income for optimal tax efficiency.
What Happens After Birth?
After childbirth, private insurance often continues to offer strong benefits. Your newborn can typically be added to your policy without health checks, provided you register them within the insurer’s deadline (often 2 months).
PKV often covers:
Postnatal care and checkups
Preventive pediatric examinations
Vaccinations and early development screening
Pediatric specialists without referral or waiting list
Continued access to private clinics or special services
Final Tips for Expectant Parents
Confirm benefits and deadlines with your insurer at least 12 weeks before the expected date of birthCheck if your daily sickness benefit continues during parental leave or requires an AnwartschaftCompare tariffs with parental allowance flexibility and contribution reliefMake sure you understand what your insurance provider requires for contribution exemption, maternity protection, or premium deferral
Conclusion: Plan Smart for Peace of Mind
If you’re privately insured in Germany, Elternzeit doesn’t have to be a financial burden. By choosing the right PKV tariff, making use of employer contributions, and preparing before the baby arrives, you can protect your health—and your wallet.
Whether you're employed, self-employed, or in a family policy setup, PKV offers excellent healthcare coverage before and after birth. The key is to plan ahead, communicate with your insurer, and stay informed.
Ready to optimize your PKV for pregnancy and parental leave?
Book a free consultation today to secure coverage that supports you and your growing family—financially, medically, and with full peace of mind.
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Health insurance in Germany can be simple. Our friendly team helps you find the perfect private health insurance plan, whether you're an employee, freelancer, or applying for a visa. Get personalized assistance and peace of mind.
