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How much does occupational disability insurance cost in Germany?

In short

For a monthly benefit of EUR 1,500 until age 67, a 30 year old office worker often pays around EUR 70 a month for occupational disability insurance (Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung, BU). In trade jobs it is quickly EUR 100 more. Overall the range is about EUR 20 to over 200 a month, depending on job, age, health and benefit.

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How much does occupational disability insurance cost in Germany?

What it costs

Guide figures from published tariff examples, benefit paid until age 67.

Example	Typical range
Age 30, office job, EUR 1,500 benefit	around EUR 70 a month
Age 30, trade job, EUR 1,500 benefit	often EUR 100 or more above the office tariff
Range across all jobs	about EUR 20 to over 200 a month

Guide values as of September 2026 from publicly quoted tariff examples. Your premium depends on age, job and health; we obtain the exact quote for you.

Worked example

Office clerk, 28, healthy, non-smoker

This is how the premium for solid cover comes about.

Monthly BU benefit	EUR 1,500
Term	until age 67
Payment premium	about EUR 60 to 80 a month
Gross premium	noticeably higher, shown in the quote

Budget with the payment premium, but leave room up to the gross premium.

What drives the price

Insurers place every job in a risk group. If you mainly work at a desk, you pay little. If you work with your hands, you pay a lot.

Age at the start, health, smoking, the size of the benefit and how long it runs also count.

Factor	Effect on the premium
Job	very strong
Age at the start	strong, every year counts
Monthly benefit	direct
Term to 67 instead of 60	noticeable, but necessary
Pre-existing conditions	surcharge or exclusion

What newcomers should know

Germany has no real equivalent of the employer-paid long-term disability cover common in the US, and it is rarely part of a job package here. If you know income protection from the UK, the BU is the closest match, but you buy it yourself.

The application asks detailed health questions in German, and they cover treatment in your home country too. Collect your medical records from abroad before you apply. Some insurers also ask how long you have lived in Germany or whether your residence permit is limited.

Payment premium and gross premium

Quotes show a payment premium (Zahlbeitrag) and a higher gross premium (Bruttobeitrag). The insurer may raise your premium up to the gross premium if its surpluses fall.

Compare both figures, not only the lower one.

Where saving becomes expensive

A term that ends too early or a benefit that is too low makes the cover of little use when you need it. A better way to start small is an increase option (Nachversicherungsgarantie): you raise the benefit later without new health questions.

Step by step

Describe your job precisely, including the share of desk work.
Decide on the monthly benefit.
Prepare your health information, including records from abroad.
Compare payment premium and gross premium.
Check the increase option.

Checklist

Benefit of at least EUR 1,000 a month
Term until 67
Payment and gross premium known
Increase option without health questions
Automatic increase against rising prices (Dynamik)

Common mistakes

Looking only at the payment premium
Describing your job vaguely
Leaving out treatment you had in your home country
Choosing a benefit that is too low to save money

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

How much does a BU cost per month?

In an office often around EUR 70 for EUR 1,500 benefit, in trade jobs much more.

Why is it so expensive for tradespeople?

Because physical jobs lead to occupational disability more often.

Can the premium go up?

Yes, up to the gross premium if surpluses fall, or through an agreed automatic increase.

Can I get the application in English?

Rarely. The health questions and terms are usually in German, and your answers must be exact. We help you understand every question.

Is it tax deductible?

As other provision expenses, but the maximum is usually already used up by health insurance.

Is it cheaper for students?

Often yes, if the subject is rated well and your health is still good.

Sources

NAMMERT insurance broker

Request a quote: Occupational disability

We compare several insurers and come back with a proposal. Free for you; the insurer pays our fee. You can write in English.

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2Which insurance?

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3Details

Occupational disability insurance (Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung)

Year of birth * Your exact job * For example data analyst in an office, or civil engineer with site visits Share of desk work * Gross annual income in euros * Monthly pension you would like in euros * Smoked in the last twelve months? * Any medical treatment or diagnosis in the last five years, in Germany or abroad? * We discuss details personally for an anonymous enquiry Anything else that matters to you For example how long you plan to stay in Germany, self-employment, existing policies

4Your current policy

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