External Partners in BGM
Which external partners support BGM — and what do they specifically offer?
Note: reflects German law. Berufsgenossenschaften offer free training and prevention consulting; health insurance funds fund BGF measures under § 20b SGB V (up to €600/employee/year); Deutsche Rentenversicherung supports phased reintegration and rehabilitation.
External Partners and Their Services
| Partner | Core Service | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Berufsgenossenschaft | Free first-aid and safety officer training, prevention consulting | SGB VII |
| Health insurance fund | BGF funding up to €600/employee/year, consulting, GBPsych support | § 20b SGB V |
| Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German Pension Insurance) | Phased reintegration, rehabilitation services | SGB VI, Hamburg Model |
Berufsgenossenschaften: Using Free Prevention Services
Berufsgenossenschaften are funded through Germany's statutory accident insurance system and, in return, offer free services: training first responders and safety officers, consulting on occupational safety questions, and grants for prevention measures. Many companies don't fully use these offerings, even though they're already paid for through accident insurance contributions.
Health Insurance Funds: A Statutory Duty to Fund BGF
Under § 20b SGB V, German health insurance funds are required to support workplace health promotion — with funding of up to €600 per employee per year, free consulting, and support with psychosocial risk assessments (GBPsych). Conditions vary between funds, so it's worth asking directly with whichever fund covers the largest share of your workforce.
Deutsche Rentenversicherung: Reintegration and Rehabilitation
Germany's pension insurer (Deutsche Rentenversicherung, DRV) supports phased reintegration after extended illness (the Hamburg Model) and services that support continued participation in working life. These services often come into play alongside workplace reintegration management (BEM), when an immediate full return to the original position isn't possible.
Key takeaways
- Berufsgenossenschaften offer free training — already funded through accident insurance
- Health insurance funds fund BGF measures up to €600/employee/year (§ 20b SGB V)
- DRV supports reintegration under the Hamburg Model
- Many SMEs don't fully use available external funding
Frequently asked questions
Do we have to pay for BG training ourselves?+
No. First-aid and safety officer training is funded by the Berufsgenossenschaft — it's already covered through accident insurance contributions.
Which health insurance fund gives us the most BGF funding?+
All statutory health insurance funds are required to provide funding under § 20b SGB V, but conditions vary. The most effective approach: contact directly whichever fund covers the largest share of your workforce.
What is the Hamburg Model?+
A process for phased reintegration after extended illness: the employee initially works reduced hours and gradually increases them, supported by the DRV or health insurance fund, until they reach full capacity.
Systematically Use Funding Opportunities
EasyBGM shows which measures qualify for funding and keeps track of applications and deadlines.
Sources
Last updated: 2026-07-06. Not legal or tax advice — have your specific case reviewed by a professional.