Apply for diapers and co.

Tips from the community

Some cities and districts support us families with an incontinent child when it comes to waste disposal.
Sometimes there is a larger residual waste garbage can or even a reduction in the waste fee if more waste is produced due to diapers or incontinence material.
These regulations are called, for example, "care waste garbage cans" or "special regulations for those in need of care".
Ask at the local waste disposal company or waste office - often a short proof of the additional demand is sufficient.

We use the Molicare diapers in size S.

If your child needs diapers, catheters or other incontinence products due to a disability, this is often associated with many questions: Who pays for what? From when? And how do you even get the right aids? In our magazine article, you can find out what you are entitled to - from diapers and catheters to transanal irrigation.

What does incontinence actually mean?

Incontinence means that urine or stool cannot be consciously held back or emptied. There are two main forms:

• Urinary incontinence: uncontrolled loss of urine or failure to empty the bladder.
• Fecal incontinence: uncontrolled or incomplete bowel evacuation.

Both forms can occur individually or together - e.g. in the case of neurological disorders, developmental delays or muscle disorders.

What incontinence products are available?

Incontinence material is a collective term for medical aids that provide support for urinary or fecal incontinence. There are three main groups - and your child often needs a combination of several:

1. absorbent aids

➡️ Product group 15 in the GKV's list of medical aids

These absorb urine or stool and protect clothing and bed:

• Diapers and pants (day and night)
• Pads and anatomical pads
• Fixation or mesh pants
• Bed protection pads

2. drainage aids

➡️ Product group 29 - Urinary diversion and storage

If the bladder cannot be emptied in a controlled manner, these products are used:

• Disposable catheters (e.g. for intermittent catheterization)
• Indwelling catheter with urine bag
• Urinal condoms (for boys)
• Overnight or leg bags

These aids are often necessary for children with neurogenic bladder disorders, e.g. spina bifida.

3. support systems for fecal incontinence

➡️ Transanal irrigation (TAI)

If bowel evacuation is impaired, the rectum can be flushed with water to induce bowel movements in a controlled manner. Known systems:

• Peristeen®
• Qufora®
• IryPump®

They consist of a catheter, balloon and irrigation unit - and are also approved for children and adolescents. They can be used to prevent uncontrolled bowel movements and significantly reduce skin problems.

Who pays what?

• Health insurance (GKV): covers medically necessary aids - absorbent, drainage, irrigation-related.
• Nursing care insurance: also pays the 42 euro flat rate for nursing aids for consumption.
• Private health insurance (PKV): usually reimburses against invoice - best to check in advance.

Requirements for the assumption of costs!

You need a doctor's prescription for the products to be covered by your health insurance. It is important that it is specifically formulated:

• Diagnosis (e.g. neurogenic bladder or bowel dysfunction)
• Exact description of the aid
• Justification of the necessity (e.g. infection prophylaxis, prevention of skin damage)
• Quantity and period

If you have a permanent need, you can apply for a permanent prescription - so you don't have to keep getting new prescriptions.

When does the health insurance fund cover the costs?

As a rule, health insurance companies pay for incontinence care from the age of three, because younger children normally still wear diapers.

However, if your child has permanent incontinence due to a disability, the costs may be covered earlier. The decisive factor is that the doctor clearly documents that the incontinence is due to illness (pathology).

The 42-euro lump sum for care aids

If your child has a care level, you will receive up to €40 per month for care aids for consumption (§ 40 Para. 2 SGB XI). This includes

• Disposable gloves
• Disinfectant
• Bed protection pads
• Protective clothing or hygiene wipes

This lump sum is in addition to the incontinence care. Many medical supply stores or online providers will take care of the application - you will then be sent a ready-made box every month.

If the health insurance doesn't pay for everything

Sometimes health insurance companies only approve part of the care. This can help:

• Have a medical justification completed
• Keep a short consumption or daily diary
• lodge an objection - preferably with the support of parents' associations or social services