Your employer pays your full salary for the first 6 weeks of illness (continued remuneration). After that, your statutory health insurance takes over with sick pay – but only at a reduced rate.
Sick pay amounts to 70% of your gross salary, but maximum 90% of your net salary. The lower amount is paid. Additionally, the contribution assessment ceiling of €5,812.50/month (2026) applies.
Maximum Sick Pay 2026: €4,068.90/month
You can receive sick pay for up to 78 weeks within three years for the same illness. This corresponds to about 18 months of support.
If you are ill for more than six weeks, the continued payment of wages by your employer ends. Statutory health insurance (GKV) then pays sick pay. However, this is significantly lower than your usual net income.
The so-called 'gap' arises because sick pay is legally capped. It is a maximum of 70% of your gross or 90% of your net – whichever is lower. Especially for high earners above the contribution assessment ceiling (2026: €5,812.50), this gap can be life-threatening.
The entitlement to sick pay is regulated in the Fifth Book of the Social Security Code (SGB V). It serves as a wage replacement benefit to at least partially secure the standard of living during a longer period of incapacity for work.
Note: This calculator is for guidance only and does not replace individual advice. The actual amount of sick pay may vary depending on individual circumstances. All information is based on the 2026 contribution assessment ceilings.
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