Many prospective customers wish a cost assumption with the purchase and/or installation of a stair lift. Due to the high costs that a stairlift brings with it, this is all too understandable. Many buyers hope for support by the health insurance – however they are disappointed. The assumption of costs on the part of the legal health insurance companies is excluded with the purchase of a stair lift. The situation is different, however, when it comes to care insurance. But there are still other possibilities for cost absorption.
The cost of installing a stair lift is not insignificant. With at least 3,000 € must expect interested parties in any case. Easily, however, this amount can rise to over 10,000 €. Many buyers are therefore dependent on financial assistance. However, there are some details to consider when it comes to covering the costs. When the care insurance pays, why there is no subsidy from the health insurance and what it is generally to be considered, we clarify here.
When are the costs covered by health insurance?
Unfortunately, the statutory health insurance companies never cover the cost of a stairlift installation. According to a ruling of the Federal Social Court, health insurance companies must only pay for and subsidize medical aids that can be used directly by the patient and carried by him. However, stair lifts primarily represent a structural change. Therefore, they do not belong to the catalog of medical aids and can therefore not be reimbursed by the health insurance.
Source: tk.de | Press image from Techniker KrankenkasseThe example of a relocation is given as an argument for this. In such a case the patient loses the aid and cannot use this any longer. Stairlift prospective customers cannot build with the purchase thus on the support of the health insurance. However, there are other agencies that can subsidize the installation of a stairlift or even cover the costs entirely.
When does the care insurance pay?
The care insurance can pay a subsidy for the installation of a stairlift. The subsidy is thereby tied to certain conditions. The care insurance covers the costs, for example, only if the applicant has at least the care grade one. The application can be made informally. The application should justify why it is a measure to improve the living environment. With regard to the costs incurred, a cost estimate for the installation of the stair lift should be attached.
Sample application to download – Application for a living environment improvement grant.
It may be useful to submit several cost estimates in order to present the costs as transparently as possible. In the course of the approval process, there is usually a visit from the medical service. This examines the actual need and therefore has a decisive influence on the success of the application. Important: All formalities must be completed before the stairlift is purchased or installed. A cost assumption after the fact is excluded.
Are all costs covered?
As a rule, care insurance only covers part of the costs incurred. More than 4,000 € can and may not take over the care insurance namely. Particularly in the case of more expensive stair lifts (for example, stairlifts for curved stairs or platform lifts for wheelchair users), the claimant’s own contribution can quickly amount to several thousand €. In case of doubt, further financing that goes beyond the care insurance subsidy is then necessary.
Benefits of the statutory care insurance according to degrees of care
| Grade of care | since 2018 |
|---|---|
| Care benefits | |
| Care level 1 – Low need of care | 125 € per month |
| Care Level 2 – Considerable need for care | 689 € per month |
| Care level 3 – Severe need for care | 1,298 € per month |
| Care level 4 – Most severe need for care | 1,612 € per month |
| Care level 5 – Most severe need of care | 1,995 € per month |
| Short-term care | |
| Care level 2 – Significant need for care | 1,612 € per year |
| Care level 3 – Severe need for care | 1,612 € per year |
| Care level 4 – Most severe need for care | 1,612 € per year |
| Care level 5 – Most severe need for care | 1,612 € per year |
| Home care | |
| Care level 2 – Considerable need for care | 316 € per month |
| Care level 3 – Severe need for care | 545 € per month |
| Care level 4 – Severe need for care | 728 € per month |
| Care level 5 – Most severe need for care | 901 € per month |
| Full inpatient care in a retirement or nursing home | |
| Care level 2 – Considerable need for care | 770 € per month |
| Care level 3 – Severe need for care | 1,262 € per month |
| Care level 4 – Most severe need for care | 1,775 € per month |
| Care level 5 – Most severe need for care | 2,005 € per month |
Who gives further subsidies?
Grants or cost absorption for the purchase of a stair lift can be available not only from the health insurance or care insurance. Other cost units come into consideration. In the event of an accident at work, for example, the Employer’s Liability Insurance Association may assume the costs of the stair lift, or at least part of them. In the case of an accident caused by someone else, the other party’s liability insurance may pay. In other cases, the pension insurance can also help. It pays if the stairlift is intended to enable reintegration into work, profession and society.
Other cost units that are generally considered for the assumption of costs of the stair lift are the state welfare association, the main welfare office, the accident insurance and the Federal Employment Agency. In any case, these options should be checked before the purchase of the stairlift is made. Cost absorption after the fact is almost always out of the question. A good consultation can save large sums here. Interested parties should therefore ask stairlift providers in any case about grant opportunities from various cost carriers.
What other subsidies are available?
There are various regional subsidy programs that promote the age-appropriate conversion of housing. Stairlift providers usually know possible contacts and can help with this. Nationwide, the subsidies of the Reconstruction Loan Corporation (KfW) can be claimed. The KfW grants low-interest loans, which are usually significantly more cost-effective than the normal installment purchase.
Photo: © Thyssenkrupp AGIn principle, such financing via KfW can be combined with other subsidies. Tip: An additional subsidy for the installation of a stair lift is also available from the state. The costs of the stair lift can be deducted from taxes. Interested parties should discuss this with their tax advisor in any case.
Hello are looking for a solution as parents are both in wheelchairs and can no longer walk the outside stairs.
Thank you for your reply
My inquiry is for an 82-year-old woman who has had surgery on both knees and both hips in recent years with the insertion of prostheses. She has lived with her husband on the 1st floor of this apartment for decades. The installation of an elevator would give her back a great deal of quality of life. Using the stairs to her apartment currently causes her great difficulty.