A Lifesaver at the Touch of a Button: The Home Emergency Call System

Safety and independence in one's own home are invaluable. But what does a home emergency call system actually cost? We give you an overview of the costs and explain when your health insurance will cover them.

The most important things at a glance:

• Everyday safety: Home emergency call systems offer safety for people who live alone or need help quickly.

• Cost differences: Prices for home emergency call systems vary depending on the provider and the scope of services.

• Cost reimbursement by the nursing care insurance fund: Persons with a recognized care level usually receive a reimbursement of the basic costs of 25.50 euros from the nursing care insurance fund. Without a recognized care level, the costs can vary.

• Cost components: Typical costs include monthly usage fees and any setup and service fees.

• Diverse options: There are various models of home emergency call devices, from classic stationary systems to innovative mobile solutions such as emergency call watches.

 

What is a home emergency call system?

A home emergency call system is a system that allows for quick and easy summoning of help in emergency situations. It is based on traditional telephone technology and consists of two main components:

• Base station: This device is permanently installed in the home and has a loudspeaker, a hands-free system, and a microphone.

• Emergency button: This portable button can be worn as a bracelet or necklace on the body.

In an emergency, the emergency button is pressed, sending a radio signal to the base station. This automatically establishes a connection to the emergency call center, and thanks to the hands-free function, the person in need of help can communicate with the center, provided they are near the base station. In large apartments or houses, however, this could be a challenge.

In addition to classic home emergency call systems, there are also mobile variants that are not restricted to one's own home and thus also work outside the house.

Who is a home emergency call system suitable for?

A home emergency call system is ideal for anyone who wants to feel safe and secure in their home, but needs quick and easy help in an emergency.

• People living alone and those at risk of falling: A home emergency call system is particularly advantageous for people who live alone or have an increased risk of falling. Seniors are a key target group here, as they can often benefit particularly from the safety advantages of a home emergency call system.

• Precautionary users: Even people who want to take preventive measures for possible emergencies will find valuable support in a home emergency call system. It offers additional security and a reassuring feeling of always being able to call for help quickly.

 

Home emergency call system for seniors

Household accidents are still common, and the risk of falls and serious injuries increases with age. A fall can be particularly dangerous for seniors, as it is often associated with a loss of independence.

A home emergency call system provides a simple and effective solution for seniors in emergencies. It enables them to quickly call for help if they have fallen and cannot get up on their own.

Home emergency call system for relatives

More and more people in Germany are taking on the care of relatives, which is often associated with considerable burdens.

A home emergency call system can be a great relief for relatives and caregivers of elderly or care-dependent people. It offers them the security that their loved ones can receive quick and reliable help in an emergency. This reduces the constant worry about their safety, especially when they are not on site themselves.

The certainty that the person in need of care can easily trigger an emergency call in an emergency can be an immense relief for the caring relatives.

Home emergency call system for people with chronic illnesses

People with physical limitations or chronic illnesses can also benefit significantly from a home emergency call system. These systems offer them a high degree of safety and enable a largely self-determined life in their own home.

In summary: Home emergency call systems are ideal for anyone looking for more safety and independence in everyday life and who needs quick support in an emergency.

Which providers of home emergency call systems are there?

The market for home emergency call systems is broad and includes both welfare organizations and private providers.

• Welfare organizations: The best known include the Johanniter, the Malteser, the German Red Cross (DRK) and the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB). These organizations generally offer various packages that include basic equipment, including installation, maintenance and access to a 24-hour emergency call center. Additional services can be booked individually as required.

• Private providers: Private companies such as Gardia also offer home emergency call systems. In addition to classic systems, they often offer innovative products such as the Gardia emergency call bracelet. This bracelet enables seniors to trigger an emergency call anytime and easily almost anywhere in Europe. In addition, interested parties can test the Gardia emergency call bracelet for 30 days risk-free.

By choosing from these different providers, users can find a system that meets their individual needs and wishes.

 

Home emergency call costs: What are the prices for a home emergency call system?

The costs for a home emergency call system generally consist of two main components: a one-time connection fee and a monthly usage fee.

• Connection fee: This one-time fee varies depending on the provider and is usually between 10 and 80 euros.

• Monthly usage fee: After installation, you pay a monthly fee of between 20 and 30 euros. The exact amount depends on the respective provider.

Many providers also offer additional services, such as key storage or notification services for relatives in an emergency. These additional services can also influence the total costs.

Cost coverage by nursing care insurance funds

Home emergency call systems are recognized as care aids according to § 40 Abs. 1 of the Social Security Code (SGB XI).

The nursing care insurance fund covers a monthly subsidy of 25.50 euros for the use fee of a home emergency call system if the following conditions are met:

• You have a recognized care level.

• You live predominantly or completely alone.

• In an emergency, you are unable to call for help via a conventional telephone.

• Your illness or care status increases the risk that an emergency could occur at any time.

For detailed information about care aids, applying for them, and the conditions for cost coverage by long-term care insurance, please read our article "Care aids: Definition, application, and costs."

Home emergency call: Cost coverage for care level

Regardless of the care level, the nursing care insurance fund reimburses a fixed amount of 25.50 euros per month for a home emergency call system. Since 2021, this amount has been increased from the previous 23 euros to 25.50 euros.

To receive cost coverage from the nursing care insurance fund, the following conditions must be met:

• A care level has been determined.

• The person using the emergency call system lives alone or with someone who cannot reliably provide support in an emergency.

• Due to the illness or care status, such as in cases of balance or consciousness disorders or heart problems, there is an increased risk of an emergency situation.

• In an emergency, it would not be possible to call for help via a conventional telephone.

• The provider of the home emergency call system must be recognized by the nursing care insurance fund.

No care level yet?

If you believe you are entitled to a care level, you can submit an official application to your care insurance fund. More information about the application process can be found in our article "Applying for a care level: Everything you need to know".

Home emergency call: Application for cost coverage

If you meet the requirements for cost coverage by the nursing care insurance fund, the next step is to submit an application. You can either submit the application directly to your health insurance company or have the home emergency call system provider assist you, who may submit the application on your behalf.

 

After submitting the application, the nursing care insurance fund will review it and inform you of its decision regarding cost coverage, be it an approval or a rejection.

 If cost coverage is approved, the provider will check the technical requirements for the system. They will then arrange a date with you for the delivery and installation of the home emergency call device. After installation, you will also receive comprehensive instructions on how to use the device.

Deduct home emergency call system from taxes

The costs for a home emergency call system can be deducted from taxes as a household-related service. This applies regardless of whether the person in need of care lives in their own apartment, a nursing home, or an assisted living facility.

For more detailed information on how to claim the costs for a home emergency call system for tax purposes, read our blog article "Deducting home emergency call system from taxes."

Home emergency call systems for active seniors

For seniors who need quick help in an emergency at home, a classic home emergency call system is often a good choice. However, such systems are only effective within the home and may reach their limits in larger apartments, houses, or gardens. Those who want to feel secure even outside their own four walls should therefore consider alternative solutions.

For active seniors who are often out and about, a classic home emergency call system can be insufficient. Mobile emergency call systems offer a practical alternative here, as they also work outside the home. These systems can be used throughout Germany, which means that you can make an emergency call at any time when shopping, walking, or traveling within Germany.

As with the classic home emergency call system, pressing the emergency button on a mobile system connects to personal emergency contacts and/or a professional emergency call center. Trained personnel are available there around the clock to assess the situation and provide the necessary help.

An example of a security solution that combines functionality and design is the Gardia emergency wristband. This elegant emergency wristband offers quick help in an emergency almost throughout Europe. By pressing the emergency button or through intelligent fall detection, a connection is immediately established to a 24/7 manned emergency call center and/or personal emergency contacts. Trained personnel assess the situation and arrange for the necessary support.

Would you like to test a mobile home emergency call system without obligation? Many providers, including Gardia, offer a risk-free trial period. With the 30-day money-back guarantee, you have the opportunity to test Gardia risk-free for one month. If you are not satisfied, all costs will be refunded.

Important: Before choosing a provider, it is essential to thoroughly inform yourself about the available products and their services. Choose a solution that fully meets your individual needs.