In general, anyone with medical need can apply for a spa or rehab stay with insurance coverage – provided a doctor certifies that it’s necessary and likely to help. Common eligible cases include chronic back pain, respiratory issues, skin conditions, burnout or overload (for example, family caregivers). Your insurance or pension fund will approve the application if you meet the criteria (and if you haven’t recently had a similar treatment). Private insurance holders may also get coverage depending on their plan. LEC’s reimbursement check helps determine if you likely qualify before you apply.

Typically, a full inpatient rehab can be approved once every four years as a rule of thumb. Preventive spa therapies (outpatient Kur) are often allowed every 2–3 years. Exceptions are possible: if your health significantly deteriorates or a new condition arises, an earlier repeat might be granted. Ultimately, the frequency is determined by the insurance medical guidelines. We advise checking with us or your insurer if you think you need another stay sooner – LEC can assist in making a case if medically justified.

There are two main steps:

(1) See your doctor. Discuss your health issues and request a recommendation for rehab/spa. The doctor will provide an attestation or medical report confirming the need for treatment.

(2) Submit an application to your insurer. If you’re employed, typically your pension insurance (like the German Rentenversicherung) is responsible; otherwise, it’s your health insurance. We will help fill out the required forms and include the doctor’s documents. The completed application is sent to the insurer for review. They may take a few weeks to decide and will send you an approval (or denial) letter. LEC handles this entire submission process for you to ensure everything is correct and complete.

Key documents include a medical certificate or report from your doctor stating why the rehab/spa is necessary, along with a diagnosis. Additionally, gather any relevant medical records: recent doctor’s notes, test results, hospital discharge summaries, lists of medications, etc. Your insurer might have a specific application form – which you (and your doctor, if needed) must fill out. LEC will provide the right forms and assist in compiling all documentation. Essentially, anything that supports the medical necessity of the treatment should be submitted to strengthen your case.

Yes, in principle health insurers do cover approved treatments abroad within the EU. Thanks to EU regulations, you are entitled to receive rehab or preventive care in another EU country (like Croatia) on a reimbursement basis. The important part is that you apply and get approval in advance. The foreign clinic/resort must be recognized and offer treatments comparable to those at home – this is true for our partner facilities. Keep in mind: the insurer will reimburse costs up to what they’d pay domestically for the equivalent treatment. In practice, that usually covers most or all expenses since prices in Croatia are often lower. LEC coordinates closely with your insurer to ensure everything is pre-authorized, so your costs will be taken care of according to the
approval.

You will need to pay the standard statutory co-payment, just as you would in your home country. In Germany, that is €10 per day for adults for spa or rehab programs. Health insurers cap this co-pay to 28 days per year, so maximum €280 per treatment. (If the pension fund is paying, co-pays can be up to 42 days.) If you have supplemental private insurance that covers co-pays, or if you have reached your annual out-of-pocket limit, you might be exempt. Also, minors (under 18) are typically exempt from co-payments. Aside from this, the insurance covers the approved costs. If you choose any elective upgrades (like a single room or extra wellness packages beyond what’s prescribed), you would pay those differences yourself. We make sure you understand any such optional costs in advance.

If you wish to bring a companion for personal reasons (e.g. a spouse), that is usually possible, but the costs for the companion (travel, hotel board) would not be covered by insurance. Many spa hotels offer discounted rates for accompanying guests – we can help arrange that. If the companion is required for medical reasons (for instance, you need assistance due to disability), you can request coverage for an accompanying person in your application. Insurers may approve it if justified.

Special case – caregivers: Since July 2024, family caregivers in Germany who go on rehab have the legal right to bring the person they care for with them. In such cases, the patient is cared for at the rehab facility or nearby for the duration (via a “Mitaufnahme” program). LEC will support you in organizing this if applicable. Generally, we strive to accommodate your needs – if having a partner or aide with you is important, let us know and we’ll find a solution.

Yes – you can expect high-quality, professional care on par with German standards. LEC ensures that our partner clinics follow the treatment standards and quality criteria set by German insurers. In fact, one of our missions is to implement German quality protocols in Croatian rehab hotels. Many doctors and therapists speak English or German and have international training. Croatia has a long tradition in spa medicine and rehabilitation, and some centers (like Varaždinske Toplice) have been renowned for decades. Moreover, smaller patient-to-therapist ratios and natural healing resources (thermal waters, sea climate) often mean very effective therapies. Rest assured that you won’t be compromising on quality – you might even find the atmosphere and individualized
attention exceeds your expectations.

Our network covers a broad range of treatments: physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, massages, therapeutic exercises, respiratory therapy, dermatological treatments (mud packs, mineral baths), psychological counseling, nutritional guidance, and more.

Conditions treated: We commonly handle musculoskeletal problems (back pain, arthritis, post-surgical orthopedic rehab), respiratory diseases (asthma, COPD – benefitting from sea air), skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema – treated with mineral waters and Naftalan oil in special clinics), stress-related and psychosomatic issues (burnout, mild depression – through a change of environment and therapy), and general convalescence after serious illnesses or operations. Each partner facility has specialties – e.g., one clinic may be known for dermatology and rheumatology, another for cardiological rehab, etc. We will match you to the right clinic for your specific health needs. If you have multiple conditions, we can even arrange a program that addresses all of them holistically.

No, language is not a barrier. The medical staff at our partner clinics typically speak English, and often also German. Doctor consultations can usually be done in German and/or English. Therapeutic sessions might be conducted in English (with demonstrations, so language is less critical) and in some cases translation support is available. LEC is a bilingual team – we provide support in German, English, and Croatian, so we can assist or clarify if any communication issues arise. Important documents like your schedule or discharge report will be provided in German or English. Additionally, key hotel personnel (front desk, managers) often speak German as well. In summary, you do not need Croatian skills; you will be able to communicate and receive care effectively in English or German through our program.

No – LEC’s services are free of charge for patients. Our consultation and coordination are complementary. We earn our revenue from the partner clinics or other arrangements, not from the patients we help. That means you get all the benefits of our assistance without paying us a fee. The initial consultation is free, and so is the entire case management. You only bear the normal costs of the treatment (most of which your insurer covers) and your co-pays or any extras you personally choose. We believe that organizing a cross-border rehab should not be an extra financial burden for you. Our goal is to make it as easy and affordable as possible – so please utilize our service with confidence that it
won’t cost you anything out of pocket.

After the program, you will return home with a detailed discharge report from the clinic (in your language, or translated) for your local doctor. It will outline the treatments you received and recommendations for further care. It’s important to follow up with your general practitioner or specialist – they can continue any necessary therapy (like physiotherapy or medications) and monitor your progress. Often, continued exercises or joining a supervised rehab-sport group are advised to maintain the gains from your rehab. We will help connect you with such aftercare options if needed. Also, you may need to submit any receipts or the report to your insurance to finalize reimbursement – LEC assists in this administrative wrap-up so you get all entitled refunds. We remain available for any questions or support even after you’re back home. Your long-term health improvement is our success, so we may check in to see how you’re doing. And of course, you’re welcome to plan future preventive spa stays with us periodically to keep up your health – we’ll be here to help!