The income gap nobody talks about
In Germany, your employer is legally required to continue paying your full salary for the first 6 weeks of illness (Entgeltfortzahlung, §3 EntgFG). This applies to all employees regardless of insurance type.
But what happens after that? This is where GKV and PKV diverge dramatically — and where the financial risk becomes real.
GKV Krankengeld (public sick pay)
After the 6-week employer payment ends, GKV members receive Krankengeld according to §44 SGB V:
- Amount: 70% of gross salary, but capped at 90% of net salary
- Maximum: Based on the Beitragsbemessungsgrenze (€5,512.50/month in 2026) — meaning maximum Krankengeld is approximately €3,858/month gross
- Duration: Maximum 78 weeks for the same illness within 3 years
- Social contributions: You still pay pension, unemployment, and long-term care insurance from Krankengeld
The problem: If you earn €8,000/month gross, your Krankengeld is capped at approximately €3,858 — an income gap of over €4,000/month.
PKV Krankentagegeld (private sick pay)
PKV policyholders can add Krankentagegeld (daily sickness benefit) to their insurance contract. Key features:
- Freely configurable: You choose the daily rate based on your actual net income
- No cap: Unlike GKV, there is no upper limit related to the Beitragsbemessungsgrenze
- Payment starts: Typically from day 43 (after the employer's 6-week payment), but configurable
- Duration: Paid for as long as you are unable to work in your profession
- Tax-free: Krankentagegeld payments are generally tax-free for employees (subject to Progressionsvorbehalt)
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | GKV Krankengeld | PKV Krankentagegeld |
|---|---|---|
| Calculation basis | 70% of gross (max 90% net) | Freely chosen daily rate |
| Income cap | Yes (BBG-based) | No |
| Full income replacement | Only for low earners | Yes, if configured correctly |
| Duration | Max 78 weeks/3 years | Until recovery or BU transition |
| Social contributions during illness | Yes (pension, unemployment, care) | Only PKV premium (often reduced) |
Critical: self-employed and freelancers
This is where the difference is most dramatic:
- Self-employed in GKV: Krankengeld is not automatically included. You must actively choose the higher contribution rate (with Krankengeld) or you receive nothing during illness
- Self-employed in PKV: Krankentagegeld is a standard add-on. You can set the start date to day 15, 22, or 43 depending on your financial reserves
- No employer payment: Self-employed workers have no 6-week Entgeltfortzahlung — income stops immediately when they can't work
For freelancers and self-employed professionals, properly configured Krankentagegeld is not optional — it's essential income protection.
How much does Krankentagegeld cost in PKV?
The premium depends on your chosen daily rate and your age at entry. Typical examples:
- €100/day (≈ €3,000/month) for a 30-year-old: approximately €25–€40/month
- €150/day (≈ €4,500/month) for a 35-year-old: approximately €40–€65/month
- €200/day (≈ €6,000/month) for a 40-year-old: approximately €60–€95/month
Actual premiums vary by insurer and individual health assessment. These are indicative market ranges.
Protect your income the right way
We'll help you calculate the optimal Krankentagegeld coverage for your situation.