Walking aids

If you can no longer move as easily and safely as you used to, use aids. This will enable you to remain independent and mobile for as long as possible. Walking aids make everyday life at home easier for you and reduce the risk of falling.

Examples of walking aids are

  • Walking stick
  • Crutches
  • Rollator
  • Rollmobile

Depending on the situation, the use of several walking aids can help you to move around safely at home or outside. In most cases, rollators and rollmobiles can be adapted to your height and are available in different widths. There is usually a suitable solution for narrow doorways. With walking sticks and crutches, you must ensure that you do not slip. In winter, you can fit spikes. These are metal attachments designed to prevent slipping on snow and ice. Have your walking aids serviced and checked. Regularly remove dirt residues from your walking aid so that you can move around safely.

Walking aids must be prescribed by a doctor and usually also approved by your health insurance company. Crutches and rollators, for example, do not have to be approved.

Ask your health insurance company up to what amount it will cover the costs of walking aids. You will usually have to pay a small proportion of the costs yourself. In some cases, you may also be exempt from this cost share. 

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Contacts for an exemption cost share

Note
The costs of walking aids are fully covered by health insurance for the period in which they are required following an injury, operation or illness. Some walking aids and other aids are also available on loan.

If you would like to use one or more walking aids, speak to your family doctor. They or a specialist will give you a prescription for this. With this prescription, you can obtain your walking aid from a support specialist or medical supply store and usually only have to pay a small fee. Most of the costs are covered by your health insurance. Check with your health insurance company in advance to find out with which fitting specialists or medical supply stores it has contracts.