Rehabilitation after hospital: when Anschlussrehabilitation (AHB) can begin
This information is for people insured in Germany for whom Anschlussrehabilitation (AHB) is medically indicated after inpatient hospital treatment. It is an existing procedure, not a new benefit or a guarantee of approval.
Existing procedure in Germany · DRV information published on 4 November 2026
When rehabilitation should begin
According to the German Pension Insurance, AHB should begin no later than 14 days after hospital treatment ends. The official examples include recovery after an acute heart attack or disc surgery; a hospital stay does not automatically qualify every patient for AHB.
Application and help from the hospital
The insured person must submit the application, and the hospital social service helps prepare the documents. It is therefore useful to discuss the process before discharge. The responsible pension insurance provider approves AHB only when the applicable requirements are met.
How AHB can be provided
Rehabilitation may be inpatient or full-day outpatient treatment at a facility selected for the medical rehabilitation goal. Its purpose is to restore health and support the return to work and everyday life.
Source published:
General information as of publication. Individual circumstances and the responsible institution’s rules may require additional documents or steps.