Basic capability

Basic disability insurance is one of the innovative pension solutions. The difference to the "classic" occupational disability insurance: It is not checked whether and to what extent the insured person can still exercise his or her profession. The insurer pays out immediately if you lose certain basic physical abilities as a result of illness or accident.

Entitlement to pension benefits from basic disability insurance arises if, according to a medical assessment, you are or will be unable to exercise one of the basic physical abilities of level A or three abilities of level B for at least twelve months - this is usually provided for in the contract conditions of the basic disability insurers. Level A abilities include seeing, speaking, hearing and walking, the use of hands and independent orientation. Level B includes climbing stairs, kneeling and bending, sitting, standing, reaching, moving the arms, lifting and carrying, and driving a car. Before taking out basic disability insurance, the insurer checks the applicant's state of health by means of a questionnaire, if necessary also by asking the doctors treating the applicant.

Because of the clearly defined benefit requirements, disputes with the insurer are rare. Nevertheless, basic disability insurance is not a fully-fledged substitute for genuine occupational disability cover, because not all possible causes of occupational disability, such as mental suffering, are insured. However, basic disability insurance is an affordable alternative for all those who do not want to afford a full-fledged occupational disability cover, because the premiums for basic disability cover are comparatively low.