Basic abilities insurance (Grundfähigkeitsversicherung)

Basic abilities insurance is one of the innovative solutions for financial protection. The key difference from traditional occupational disability insurance is that it does not assess whether the insured can still perform their job. The insurer pays immediately if you lose certain fundamental physical abilities due to illness or accident.

Eligibility for benefits

Benefits under basic abilities insurance are typically triggered if, according to a medical assessment, you are unable to use at least one “Level A” ability or three “Level B” abilities for at least twelve months — as specified in most insurers’ contracts.

• Level A abilities include: seeing, speaking, hearing, walking, using the hands, and independent orientation.

• Level B abilities include: climbing stairs, kneeling and bending, sitting, standing, grasping, moving the arms, lifting and carrying, and driving a car.

Before issuing a policy, the insurer evaluates the applicant’s health using a questionnaire and may contact treating physicians if necessary.

Because the benefit conditions are clearly defined, disputes with the insurer are rare. However, basic abilities insurance is not a full replacement for true occupational disability coverage, as it does not cover all causes of disability, such as mental health conditions.