Child Sick Days in Germany (2026): GKV, PKV & Expat Guide
When your child gets sick, you need clear and immediate answers:
- Can you stay home from work?
- Will you receive Kinderkrankengeld?
- What applies in public vs. private health insurance?
- What happens in mixed insurance families?
- How can unpaid leave be managed financially?
For expats in Germany, these situations can quickly become complex — especially when different insurance systems and employment rules interact.
This guide explains how child sick days in Germany (Kinderkrankentage 2026) work across statutory health insurance (GKV), private health insurance (PKV), and mixed insurance constellations, so you can make informed decisions when it matters most.
You can also explore our partner’s updated guides to the best statutory health insurance and private health insurance options in Germany for 2026.
Legal Basis: Child Sick Leave in Germany
The statutory framework is defined in Sozialgesetzbuch Fünftes Buch (§ 45 SGB V).
It regulates:
- The right to stay home from work (Freistellungsanspruch)
- The entitlement to child sickness benefit (Kinderkrankengeld)
Important distinction:
- Freistellung = employment law issue
- Kinderkrankengeld = health insurance benefit
- Employer-paid leave may additionally arise under Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (§ 616 BGB), unless excluded in the employment contract.
Child Sick Days in GKV (Statutory Health Insurance)
If both parent and child are insured in GKV:
Requirements
- Child under 12 (or disabled and dependent)
- Medical certificate (Muster 21)
- No other caregiver available
- The parent must provide care personally
Entitlement (2026)
- 15 working days per child per parent
- 30 days per child for single parents
- Maximum 35 days per parent annually (single parents: 70)
Payment
- Approximately 90% of lost net income
- Subject to statutory caps
- Paid by the health insurance fund
Learn more about how public coverage works in our guide to health insurance in Germany for expats.
Mixed Insurance Case: Child in PKV, Parent in GKV
If the child is privately insured and the caring parent is insured in GKV, no statutory Kinderkrankengeld is paid. Child sickness benefit is only granted if the child is insured in GKV.
Can you still stay home?
Yes, but typically as unpaid leave.
This is where many mixed insurance families face unexpected financial gaps.
How to Handle Child Sick Days: Public vs. Private
Scenario A: Child and Parent in GKV
- Visit doctor → obtain Muster 21 certificate
- Inform the employer immediately
- Submit the certificate to the employer and health insurer
- Apply for Kinderkrankengeld
- Health insurance pays benefits
This is the most straightforward case.
Scenario B: Child in PKV, Parent in GKV
- Obtain a medical certificate
- Inform employer
- Check employment contract (§ 616 BGB excluded?)
- Review the collective agreement
- Expect unpaid leave if no salary continuation applies
No statutory payment is provided.
Scenario C: Child in PKV, Parent in PKV
- Review daily sickness allowance tariff (Krankentagegeld)
- Check if the child sickness clause is included
- Confirm conditions:
- Child under 12
- No other caregiver available
- Child privately insured (often with the same insurer)
- Submit documentation
Payment depends entirely on the tariff; it is not automatic.
How Can an Unpaid GKV Parent Receive Compensation?
If a GKV parent stays home, consider:
1. Salary Continuation (§ 616 BGB)
- May allow short-term paid leave
- Often excluded in contracts → check carefully
2. Collective Agreements
- Public sector, healthcare, or large employers may offer paid leave
- Conditions vary
3. Working Time Flexibility
- Overtime reduction
- Working time accounts
- Remote work
- Flexible hours
4. Switching the Caregiving Parent
If the PKV parent has a suitable tariff, it may be financially more efficient for them to stay home.
The Most Important Legal Condition
Both GKV and many PKV tariffs require:
No other caregiver in the household can reasonably supervise the child.
If another adult is available and capable, payment entitlement may fail.
FAQ: Child Sick Days in Germany (2026)
Do I receive Kinderkrankengeld if my child is privately insured?
No. Statutory child sickness benefit requires the child to be insured in GKV.
Can I stay home even if no payment is made?
Yes. A right to unpaid leave may still exist.
Can my employer require me to take vacation days?
If statutory child sick leave applies, vacation cannot be forced instead. In mixed insurance cases without statutory entitlement, arrangements may differ.
Does child sick leave apply in the home office?
Yes — if caregiving prevents you from working and no other caregiver is available.
Can both parents alternate child sick days?
Yes, within their respective entitlements and insurance systems.
How many child sick days are available in 2026?
15 working days per child per parent (30 for single parents), capped annually at 35 (70 for single parents).
Does PKV automatically cover a child’s sick days?
No. Coverage depends entirely on the specific daily sickness allowance tariff.
What is the biggest financial risk in mixed insurance families?
If the child is privately insured and the GKV parent stays home, no statutory payment is made, and employer salary continuation may not apply.
Conclusion: Why Insurance Structure Matters
Child sick days in Germany depend on:
- Insurance status of the child
- Insurance status of the parent
- Employment contract details
- Private insurance tariff design
For expats, especially in mixed GKV/PKV setups, this often leads to unexpected income gaps.
Understanding your structure in advance allows better financial planning and helps you make the right decision when your child needs care.
Need help reviewing your setup?
If you want to understand how your insurance structure affects your situation, explore our trusted partners or book a free consultation to receive tailored guidance.