Women insured under statutory health insurance are entitled to midwifery assistance during pregnancy, during and after childbirth in addition to the right to medical care. Midwifery assistance includes the services provided during pregnancy and childbirth by a state-certified and recognized midwife or maternity nurse. The provision of services is regulated by the midwifery assistance contract

Midwifery assistance includes:

• maternity care and prenatal care services,
• Obstetrics
• postpartum benefits up to 12 weeks after birth and
• other services, such as counselling of the mother in case of breastfeeding difficulties or postnatal gymnastics in the case of instruction in the group.

Midwifery assistance can be used during pregnancy and up to 12 weeks after delivery (exception: advice to the mother in case of breastfeeding difficulties or nutritional problems of the infant).

Midwifery assistance is made available to insured persons as a benefit in kind, i.e. the midwives settle accounts directly with the health insurance companies. Only services that are regulated in the midwifery remuneration schedule can be billed.

The insured children are also entitled to midwifery assistance if they cannot be cared for by the insured person, e.g. in the event of adoption, death or absence of the mother due to illness.

Note: If you have private health insurance, you should clarify the coverage with your insurance company before claiming the service.

Contact point

• Your health insurance company