Walking aids

If you can no longer move as easily or safely as before, consider using mobility aids. They can help you stay independent and mobile for as long as possible. Walking aids also make everyday life at home easier and reduce the risk of falling.

Examples of walking include: 

•    Walking stick
•    Crutches
•    Rollator
•    Rollmobile

Depending on your circumstances, using a combination of different types of walking aids 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, it is important to avoid slipping. 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 require approval.

Contact your health insurance provider for information on the extent of cost coverage for 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 contribution. 

Click here for more information:

Contact details for cost contribution exemptions

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 to rent.

If you would like to use one or more walking aids, speak to your family doctor or a specialist to get a prescription. 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 cost contribution – the majority of the costs are covered by your health insurance. 

Check with your health insurance provider in advance to find out with which fitting specialists or medical supply stores are under contract.