If the pregnancy does not work out naturally, some couples rely on artificial insemination. This could get expensive. But there is financial support.
Fertility treatment can cost several thousand euros. Money that affected couples may not have ready. The magazine "Finanztest" provides an overview of financial aid that affected couples should be aware of (Issue 12/2022):
Statutory subsidy from health insurance companies
Statutory health insurance companies reimburse half of the costs for fertility treatment. However, only if certain conditions are met. The woman may not be more than 39 years old, the man 49 years. Minimum age is 25 years. And the couple must be married.
The number of attempts to be subsidized is fixed. In an in vitro fertilization, for example, there are three.
Important to know for those affected: Before you can start, you have to submit the treatment plan to the health insurance company and have it approved.
Extra allowance from health insurance companies
Some of the health insurance companies grant affected couples an extra subsidy. According to "Finanztest", this is the case for 39 of 71 statutory health insurance companies in the test. Whether 250 euros or even 1500 euros: The amount of the extra subsidy depends on the respective fund.
However, some health insurance companies only pay it if both partners are insured there. However, an inquiry by "Finanztest" at the Federal Social Security Office shows that this regulation is not permitted. It is therefore quite possible that the health insurance funds will still adjust the regulations.
Federal and state aid
There is also financial support for fertility treatment from the federal and state governments. How much and for whom - that depends on the respective federal state. The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs offers a funding check on the Internet.
By the way: Financial support from the federal and state governments can be attractive for couples who have failed three attempts at in vitro fertilization. For the fourth attempt – for which the statutory health insurance subsidy no longer applies – the federal and state governments will cover up to 50 percent of the costs.
