Anyone who is on sick leave doesn't necessarily have to stay at home in bed. Especially when it comes to depression and other mental health problems, getting out of the house can be important for recovery. There is no obligation to remain available at home all the time.
A psychiatric specialist from the Kiel area turned to the Schleswig-Holstein Consumer Center with a cry for help. She reported that her patients are feeling increasing pressure because their health insurance companies are calling them at home.
“I advise patients not to answer the phone. But then letters come threatening them with ending their sick pay because they haven’t been reached,” said the doctor. “Those affected feel dependent, exposed and helpless.”
No obligation to be reached by telephone
In principle, those on sick leave do not have to give their statutory health insurance company any information over the phone and do not have to be reachable at all times.
“The health insurance company is allowed to call because the insured have an obligation to help clarify a matter,” explains Kerstin Heidt, lawyer at the Schleswig-Holstein consumer advice center. “But this obligation to cooperate must not be abused for constant calls. It is sufficient if those affected provide their health insurance company with written information.”
All you have to do is provide information about the exact course of treatment and planned rehabilitation measures to the medical service of the health insurance companies (MDK) . This assesses the measures. The health insurance company only learns the results of the MDK examination.
This is how you can defend yourself against calls from the health insurance company
Anyone who feels pressured by calls from the statutory health insurance company can contact the Federal Office for Social Security (BAS) or the relevant federal state supervisory authority. Depending on which federal state the health insurance company is based in, the state's Ministry of Health or Social Affairs is the right contact. With private health insurance, the insurance conditions are individual. For privately insured people, the contact person for complaints is the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BAFin) .
Walks and travel despite being on sick leave
Visits to the doctor, walks and shopping for daily needs are permitted with sick leave. Even travel within Germany and the EU is possible, as long as an examination or treatment is included. Health insurance companies are not allowed to refuse such trips.
“Nevertheless, it is advisable to obtain approval from your health insurance company before departure and
to provide evidence of medical examinations or treatments,” says Kerstin Heidt.
It is also best to get a certificate from your doctor. This should show that you are unable to work for the duration of the trip and that there are no medical concerns about the trip.
Source: Schleswig-Holstein Consumer Center
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