Do health insurance companies cover the costs of invasive ventilation?

In Germany, invasive ventilatory therapy is covered as part of standard care under statutory health insurance (GKV). Under private health insurance (PKV), there are significant differences in coverage. With PKV, coverage for ventilatory therapy can be very limited. Reimbursement for complex medical devices—which are particularly important for invasive ventilation—also involves greater hurdles and effort for privately insured individuals. The essential prerequisites are medical necessity (indication), the patient’s willingness to undergo treatment, and a supportive social environment.