EN
What is a spa or health resort?
Spa resorts and health resorts are highly accredited locations that possess special natural conditions for the treatment, alleviation or prevention of illnesses, and which meet specific requirements or offer particular natural therapeutic treatments. Special natural conditions include, for example, natural remedies found in the soil, such as mineral water springs or therapeutic clays.
Spa towns and health resorts are therefore geared towards the healing, alleviation or prevention of illnesses and are consequently often regarded as health destinations. Here you will find specialised spa facilities that contribute to maintaining good health or aiding recovery by offering programmes for relaxation, exercise and recuperation .
Typical spa facilities include, for example, Spa gardens, medical walking trails, and facilities for the dispensing and/or application of the natural, locally sourced remedy, such as drinking fountains or bath and exercise pools.
Furthermore, spas and health resorts employ a spa doctor who looks after guests during their stay (particularly during an outpatient preventive treatment programme) and prescribes suitable therapies typical of the resort.
What does the term ‘Kur’ mean?
The term ‘Kur’ is derived from the Latin ‘cura’ and roughly translates as healing, treatment, care or nursing. The term became particularly popular in the 19th century, when the aristocracy and the middle classes travelled to spa resorts to escape the daily grind and treat themselves to some well-being. Even back then, the aim was for people to be revitalised, both mentally and physically, during their stays at these resorts. Just as the Romans had done before them, they made use of hot vapours, mineral springs and thermal springs as natural remedies to improve their health. The first work on balneotherapy was published as early as 1581.
Even today, a ‘spa treatment’ refers to a stay at a health resort or spa with the aim of improving mental and physical well-being.
Over the years, various forms of spa treatment have emerged.
People often talk about having been on a health retreat or going on one. But do they all mean the same thing? Every health retreat is related to health. However, whilst one type of health retreat involves preventative measures to maintain good health, another focuses on restoring health following an illness or alleviating its symptoms.
Furthermore, the term ‘spa treatment’ is no longer used in legislation; instead, other terms such as ‘outpatient preventive care in recognised spa resorts’ (formerly ‘outpatient spa treatment’) or ‘rehabilitation’ and ‘follow-up treatment’. In everyday language, however, the term ‘spa treatment’ remains widely used.
Below, we explain the individual types of health cure in detail:
Outpatient preventive care under Section 23(2) of Book V of the Social Code (formerly ‘open spa treatment’)
Outpatient preventive care (also known as outpatient preventive treatment or preventative treatment) aims to strengthen physical and mental health when the first signs of an illness are already apparent. It is designed to slow the progression of the illness and help patients regain their full fitness. A key focus is also on providing useful tips and advice for everyday life. This type of treatment is particularly suitable for people of working age, as they increasingly complain of back pain, stress or signs of burnout. To prevent these from developing into chronic conditions, a preventative treatment programme should be undertaken.
A preventative health programme usually lasts 3 weeks and is a perfect combination of rest, relaxation and exercise, coupled with medical supervision by the spa doctor. You’ll enjoy hotel-style comfort in the accommodation of your choice and receive the treatments and services prescribed by the spa doctor at various facilities typical of a spa resort. Health insurance funds cover 100 per cent of the spa doctor’s fees, 90 per cent of the cost of treatments, and subsidise accommodation and meals by up to 16 euros per day. (Note: Costs for accommodation and meals can be claimed against tax as extraordinary expenses!)
Incidentally, employees do not need to take annual leave for an outpatient preventive health cure if a doctor certifies that the cure is medically necessary. In that case, the period of the preventive health cure can be treated as sick leave. However, you should inform your employer about the planned preventive health cure well in advance.
Here’s what to expect from an outpatient preventive health treatment:
- Bathing in thermal water
- Physiotherapy
- Massages
- Therapeutic wraps
- Movement and relaxation exercises
- Therapy sessions
- and much more.
You’ll choose the treatment programme that’s right for you together with your spa doctor.
It’s best to speak to your GP and submit the application to your health insurance provider together with them!
Here you’ll find all the information you need to arrange your outpatient preventive treatment.
Good to know:
Since 2021, outpatient preventive care has once again been a compulsory benefit provided by health insurance funds. Where medically necessary, health insurance funds must provide outpatient preventive care in recognised health resorts.
Inpatient preventive treatment under Section 23(4) of the German Social Code, Book V (SGB V)
Inpatient preventive treatment also aims to prevent the worsening of illnesses. Unlike outpatient preventive treatment, however, you will be accommodated in a preventive care clinic. Here, nursing staff will be on hand to assist you round the clock. In-patient preventive treatment is particularly appropriate where a patient has limited mobility or orientation and is unable to look after themselves.
Outpatient rehabilitation treatment under Section 40(1) of SGB V
The aim of an outpatient rehabilitation programme is to restore health following an illness. As this is an outpatient programme, accommodation and meals are provided in a hotel or holiday flat, whilst medical services are provided at an outpatient rehabilitation centre or a rehabilitation clinic offering outpatient treatment near your accommodation. The costs of the medical services are covered by the relevant funding body.
Inpatient rehabilitation programme under Section 40(2) of the German Social Code, Book V (SGB V)
During an inpatient rehabilitation programme, which is designed to restore your health following an illness, you will be accommodated in a rehabilitation clinic. Nursing staff will be on hand to assist you round the clock. The costs are covered by the relevant funding body.
Find all rehabilitation clinics in Bad Neuenahr here.
Follow-up treatment (AHB or follow-up rehabilitation) under Section 40(2) of the German Social Code, Book V (SGB V)
Follow-up treatment comprises measures to restore your health immediately following hospital treatment or an outpatient operation. You will be accommodated in a rehabilitation clinic. The costs are covered by the relevant funding body.
Find all rehabilitation clinics in Bad Neuenahr here.
Mother/father-and-child convalescence programme under Section 24 of SGB V or Section 41 of SGB V
In this case, one parent travels to the health resort together with their child. These are available both as inpatient preventative treatment and as inpatient rehabilitation. The costs are covered by the relevant funding body.
