Is postpartum recovery covered by German health insurance? A guide for expats (Rückbildungskurs)

Moving to Germany is overwhelming enough.

Then you have a baby… and suddenly everyone talks about “Rückbildungskurs.”

But you’re probably wondering:

• Is it covered by health insurance?

• Can I join in English?

• When should I start postpartum exercise?

• How does a Rückbildungskurs even work?

If you’re an expat mum in Germany, the system can feel overwhelming.

👉 Here you get clear answers – and an easy solution.

What is a Rückbildungskurs? (Postpartum Recovery/ Pelvic Floor Course)

A Rückbildungskurs is a certified postpartum recovery course that helps your body safely heal and rebuild strength after pregnancy and birth.

It focuses on:

• Pelvic floor recovery

• Gentle core & diastasis recti training

• Back strength and posture

• Safe return to exercise

It is ususally recommend starting 4–8 weeks postpartum.

In Germany, this isn’t just a “fitness” course (at least it shouldn't be a fitness course nor a course focussing on pelvic floor exercises only 🙈) – it’s considered an essential part of postnatal healthcare and is usually the first course which you attend as a new mom.

Is a Rückbildungskurs covered by health insurance in Germany?

Yes – it can be up to 100% covered but there are different options.

There is a difference in providers: usually it is offered by midwives or pelvic floor experts offering certified Präventionskurse. Some other offer them but they don't have the "Präventionskurs" status, which means that they have to be privately paid without refund.

1. Midwife:

These courses are usually for free because the midwife is doing the payment with the health insurance companies directly. These Rückbildungskurse need to be completed within 9 months postpartum. Because they are paid per person being present, they often take place in bigger groups.

2. Certified Präventionskurs (miofit®!) 🙋🏻‍♀️

You pay the fee upfront, and once you have completed the course, you can receive a certificate of participation to hand in to your health insurance company. If you have statutory health insurance, your postpartum course is usually reimbursed by between 75 € and 100 %.

💡 It's good to know that it doesn't matter when you start the course (3 months or 3 years postpartum...); the important thing is to attend at least 80% of the sessions to receive the certificate (100% attendance is required for online courses, such as my on-demand English version).

Here’s how it works:

That means: 👉 Partial or up to 100 % refund at the end

It’s one of the great benefits of the German healthcare system and they reimburse up to two Präventionskurse per calender year – so make sure to use it.

3. Private providers offering "Rückbildungskurse" which are not certified by health insurances

Here you pay the fee privately and don't receive a refund.

Can you join a Rückbildungskurs in English?

This is where many expat mums struggle.

Most postpartum recovery courses in Germany are only taught in German.

That often leads to:

• not understanding instructions

• feeling insecure during exercises

• doing movements incorrectly

• feeling isolated in class

Postpartum recovery is important – you shouldn’t have to guess what to do.

👉 The solution: choose an English Rückbildungskurs / postpartum recovery course.

English-speaking postpartum classes help you feel confident, safe, and fully supported.

Who is a postpartum recovery course for?

A Rückbildungskurs (I use these terms as synonyms here) is recommended for every mum – no matter your birth experience.

It’s especially helpful if you:

• recently gave birth

• had a vaginal delivery

• had a C-section

• feel pelvic floor weakness

• experience back, neck or shoulder pain

• want to rebuild core strength

• want to prevent long-term issues like incontinence or diastasis recti

Even if you feel “okay,” targeted postpartum training protects your body long term.

You can start from 4-8 weeks postpartum but it is also fine to start later (sometimes I have participants who also attend 5 years after they gave birth). ❤️

What we focus on in my English postpartum classes

My English postpartum recovery courses in Germany are designed especially for expat mums who want safe, guided training in a supportive environment.

In class, we focus on:

• Pelvic floor rehabilitation

• Safe core and deep abdominal training

• Diastasis recti recovery

• Progressive strength building

• Back and posture support

• Baby-friendly sessions (bring your little one)

• Small groups with personal guidance

You’ll learn exactly what your body needs – step by step, without pressure.

Fun fact: in 2025 I hosted international women from 39 countries!! 🌎

Join an English Postpartum Recovery Course in Germany

You don’t have to navigate postpartum recovery alone — or in a language you don’t understand.

Feel stronger.Move safely. Trust your body again.

👉 Join your English Rückbildungskurs now in Düsseldorf (certified Präventionskurs): Link

👉 Join your English Rückbildungskurs online and on-demand (super flexible and reimbursable throughout Germany): Link

Probably the only English pelvic floor postpartum course in Germany bookable as Präventionskurs with refund by your health insurance. 🥳⬆️❗️