Guide
Household help without a care level
Health insurance instead of care insurance: when you can get household help without a care level, after surgery, during serious illness or in pregnancy.
The most important facts in plain language
You are pregnant or have just had a baby. You cannot manage the housework alone. Then the health insurance pays for household help. You need a note from your doctor. We help you apply.
For mother and baby
Household help during pregnancy and after birth
You are entitled to household help during pregnancy under § 24h SGB V if you cannot keep your household running because of the pregnancy or the birth and nobody else in your household can step in. Statutory health insurance covers the costs with no co-payment (Zuzahlung), for as long as a doctor certifies the need. We bill your health insurance fund (Krankenkasse) directly.
100 % covered under § 24h SGB V
Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Who is entitled to household help during pregnancy?
The entitlement is set out in § 24h SGB V. People with statutory health insurance receive household help (Haushaltshilfe) if they cannot keep their household running because of the pregnancy or the birth. Typical situations include:
- premature labour
- bed rest prescribed by a doctor
- a high-risk pregnancy
- the first weeks after the birth
- recovery after a caesarean section
Two further conditions apply. No other person living in your household can keep it running. And a doctor certifies that household help is necessary.
You do not need a care level (Pflegegrad). Our guide to household help without a care level sums up the other options. If you are limited by an illness that has nothing to do with the pregnancy, household help after surgery or during illness may be the right option.
Everyday help during pregnancy: what do we take care of?
Our everyday help during pregnancy takes over whatever is now too strenuous or not allowed by your doctor. You can lie down, rest and, after the birth, settle in calmly with your baby.
- Cleaning: vacuuming, mopping, kitchen and bathroom
- Laundry, including the extra washing after the birth
- Weekly groceries and carrying heavy shopping
- Preparing meals
- Errands, for example to the pharmacy or the post office
- Looking after siblings, for example taking them to nursery (Kita) and keeping an eye on them
You get a dedicated home helper who comes at reliable times. If she is on holiday or ill, we arrange a replacement. We do not carry out medical tasks, that is what your doctor and your midwife (Hebamme) are there for. All our staff are trained and covered by social insurance, accident insurance and liability insurance.
What does it cost you?
Usually nothing for you. There is no co-payment for household help during pregnancy or after the birth. Once approved, the health insurance fund covers the costs in full.
There is no fixed maximum duration. The fund pays for as long as a doctor certifies that it is necessary. If bed rest lasts longer than first expected, ask your doctor to certify the additional time.
We are an approved provider of domestic care (hauswirtschaftliche Versorgung) and bill all 93 statutory health insurance funds directly (as of July 2026). You do not have to pay anything up front. If you have private insurance, reimbursement depends on your policy, and we advise you case by case. Our guide to free household help explains when else the fund pays.
How to apply in four steps
Get in touch as soon as it becomes clear that you will need help, for example when bed rest is prescribed or a caesarean section is planned. The earlier we know, the better we can plan. You can reach us on 07121 159 10 58, Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Get a certificate
Your doctor, usually your gynaecologist, certifies that you need household help and for how long.
Apply
Submit the application together with the certificate to your health insurance fund. We help you fill it in.
Get to know us
In the first phone call and during a home visit we discuss what needs doing and when we will come.
Help begins
Your dedicated home helper starts. Billing goes directly through your health insurance fund.
Frequently asked questions
When can I get household help during pregnancy?
When you cannot keep your household running because of the pregnancy and a doctor certifies this. Common reasons are premature labour, prescribed bed rest or a high-risk pregnancy. In addition, nobody else in the household must be able to step in.
Is there household help after the birth as well?
Yes. After the birth too, for example after a caesarean section, the health insurance fund can cover household help. Again, a medical certificate is required.
Do I have to pay anything myself?
No. There is no co-payment for household help during pregnancy or after the birth. We bill your health insurance fund directly.
How long does the health insurance pay?
There is no fixed maximum duration. The fund pays for as long as a doctor certifies the need for household help. If more time is needed, have it certified again.
My partner lives with me. Can I still get help?
That depends on whether he can keep the household running. The health insurance fund decides this case by case. Call us beforehand and we will talk through your situation free of charge.
How quickly can household help start?
After your call we get back to you promptly for a first conversation. When help starts depends on whether a staff member is available near you. We tell you honestly what to expect and help with the application in the meantime.
Related guides
Guide
Free household help
Care fund or health insurance: there are five routes through which insurance pays for household help. We show which one suits you and when you still pay a share.
Talk to us, with no obligation
We advise you free of charge, check what your fund will cover and tell you honestly what is possible. Call us or send us a message.