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Starting in 2026, the long-term care insurance fund will contribute toward the costs of certified digital care apps—up to 70 euros per month. The catch: Only apps that have been officially certified and are listed in a government registry are eligible for reimbursement. Here’s what that means, who is eligible, and what you should keep in mind.

What are digital care applications (DiPA)?

DiPA are apps, web applications, or software programs that help people in need of care and their family members in their daily lives—for example, by helping them maintain their independence or prevent their care needs from worsening. The legislature has created a separate entitlement for this under long-term care insurance (Section 40a of Book XI of the Social Code).

Who is eligible—and how much does the long-term care insurance fund pay?

People in need of care who have been assigned a care level and live at home are eligible—regardless of their care level. The long-term care insurance fund covers:

• up to 40 euros per month for the digital care app itself,
• up to 30 euros per month for supplementary support services (such as assistance from a care service in using the app),
• for a total of up to 70 euros per month.

A doctor’s prescription is not required. You submit the application directly to the long-term care insurance fund; the initial approval is valid for up to six months and is extended if the app is actually used and fulfills its purpose.

Important: Only approved apps from the BfArM directory

The key point is: Only apps that have been reviewed by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) and are listed in its DiPA directory are eligible for reimbursement. A standard app from the app store—as useful as it may be—is therefore not automatically eligible for reimbursement.

And very important for 2026: No DiPA apps have been approved yet. An expedited review process began on January 1, 2026, and the first listed apps are expected later this year. Therefore, be cautious of advertising claims such as “paid for by the long-term care insurance fund”—always check whether the app is actually listed in the official directory.

Here’s how to proceed

1. Check whether the desired app is listed in the BfArM’s DiPA directory.
2. Submit an application to the long-term care insurance provider (by the person in need of care or an authorized representative).
3. Use the app once it’s approved; you’re responsible for any costs exceeding 70 euros or for apps not listed in the directory.

Digital Tools for Everyday Care

Regardless of reimbursement, digital tools already make daily life easier for older adults: they consolidate appointments, medications, and errands in one place so that family members and caregivers can coordinate. Whether a specific app is eligible for reimbursement later depends solely on its listing in the BfArM directory—you should always check this when considering cost coverage.

This article provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal or social counseling. Amounts and rules (as of 2026) are subject to change; as of the editorial deadline, no applications have yet been approved for DiPA. Your long-term care insurance provider can provide binding information.