Guide dogs or guide dogs for the blind are specially trained dogs that support blind or severely visually impaired people in everyday life and allow them to orientate themselves safely. The statutory health insurance covers the costs for the purchase, training and familiarization of the dog. She also pays a monthly flat rate for maintenance costs.
Medical prescription stating the impairment of vision.
No
No
Please contact your health insurance company for the detailed procedure.
The health insurance company must decide on your application for financing a guide dog within 2 months of receipt of the application.
The health insurance company takes over the costs for the purchase, training and familiarization of the dog as well as a monthly flat rate for the maintenance costs.
Annex 11 to Section 25 Paragraphs 1 and 4 of the Federal Aid Ordinance (BBhV)
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bbhv/anlage_11.html
Section 33 of the Fifth Book of the Social Code (SGB V)
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_5/__33.html
Keywords: Aids for the blind guide dog aids checkout service health insurance benefit
Last updated: 12.11.2025