Germany’s Health Law Lets Insurers Call Sick Patients Without Permission, May 28

Germany’s government plans to change how health insurers contact people receiving sick pay. Starting next year, insurers can call patients without asking permission first. Currently, patients must agree before being contacted. Social groups warn this could pressure sick workers to return to jobs too early or claim disability benefits prematurely.

How the New Rule Works

The planned GKV-Beitragsstabilisierungsgesetz replaces consent requirements with an opt-out system. Health insurers can now contact sick benefit recipients by phone, email, or in writing about topics like return-to-work plans and work ability. Patients can only refuse further contact after the first call. The law states that if a patient objects, the insurer cannot contact them again unless required by law.

Why Patient Groups Are Concerned

Social organizations have reported that health insurer staff previously pressured sick workers to quit jobs, file for disability, or return to work too early. The current consent requirement protected patients from unwanted contact. Removing this protection means vulnerable workers may face pressure during recovery. The change shifts power toward insurers and away from patients who need time to heal.

Broader Health System Cuts

The same law includes other cost-cutting measures affecting hospitals and doctors. Doctors warn that new partial sick leave rules create excessive paperwork. Hospitals will receive 4.6 billion euros less in 2027, rising to 10.5 billion euros annually by 2030. Six Hessian health organizations warn the cuts threaten hospital reform and longer wait times for specialist appointments.

New Partial Sick Leave Option

The law introduces graduated sick leave for the first time. Patients expected to be sick for more than four weeks can choose to work at 25%, 50%, or 75% capacity if their doctor and employer agree. Medical associations say the rule lacks detail and raises questions about implementation. Doctors must assess workplace conditions before approving partial work, a requirement they call impractical.

Final Thoughts

Germany’s health law removes patient protections while cutting hospital and doctor funding. The shift from consent to opt-out contact puts sick workers at risk of pressure to return prematurely. Investors in German healthcare should monitor implementation and potential legal challenges.

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