Blindenführhund

Blind or severely visually impaired people can apply for a guide dog as an aid.

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 without danger. The statutory health insurance covers the costs for the acquisition, training and familiarization of the dog. It also pays a monthly lump sum for the maintenance costs.

• A doctor's prescription stating the limitation of vision

• High degree of visual impairment or blindness
• Prescription by the ophthalmologist
• Proper accommodation and boarding of the dog
• Personal suitability of the dog owner
• Daily exercise
• Owner must have completed a mobility training

Assumption of the costs for the acquisition, training and familiarization of the dog as well as a monthly lump sum for the maintenance costs by the health insurance.

The health insurance fund must decide on applications for aids to compensate for disabilities within a period of 2 months from receipt of the application.

You can appeal against the decision of the health insurance fund. If the appeal is not upheld, you can file a lawsuit with the competent social court.

• Specially trained dogs that support blind or severely visually impaired people in everyday life.
• Requirements for cost coverage by the health insurance:
  • High degree of visual impairment or blindness.
  • Prescription by the ophthalmologist
  • Appropriate accommodation and boarding of the dog
  • Personal suitability of the dog owner
  • Daily exercise
  • Owner must have completed mobility training
• Information, advice and application to health insurance company

The responsibility lies with the respective health insurance company.