A disability insurance (Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung, BU) test and its ratings are a useful starting point when you compare policies in Germany. But a verdict such as “very good” only describes the tariffs that were tested, not whether they fit your situation. This guide explains how to read test results properly.
Short answer: A BU test mainly assesses the policy terms and the application questions of individual tariffs. In the 2026 Stiftung Warentest comparison, the terms made up 75 percent of the quality verdict and the applications 25 percent. The premium was not part of the verdict. Of 56 tariffs tested, 42 received the verdict “very good” (per the test page, last changed 15 Sep 2026).
Key points at a glance
- A BU test assesses individual tariffs, not an insurer as a whole.
- The terms carry the most weight. At Stiftung Warentest they make up 75 percent of the verdict.
- The premium is not part of the quality verdict, but it still has to be affordable for you over the long run.
- A test result applies to the test date and the tariff version that was tested. Other ratings use their own criteria.
- What matters is whether the terms suit your career path, for example on referral to other work and on post-insurance guarantees.
What does a BU test actually measure?
A BU test is a snapshot. It compares tariffs based on the policy terms and the questions in the application and summarises the result in a quality verdict. According to Stiftung Warentest, the test checks, among other things, whether a tariff waives abstract referral (in German: abstrakte Verweisung), the six-month prognosis, retroactive benefits and post-insurance guarantees (Nachversicherungsgarantie). Flexibility also counts, for example on pension increases, contract extension and deferral in case of payment difficulties.
In the application, the test also assesses the look-back periods for cancer and mental illness. How far back a tariff asks about your health is therefore a point worth comparing deliberately.
| Component | Weight in the quality verdict | Examples from the test |
|---|---|---|
| Policy terms | 75 percent | Waiver of abstract referral, six-month prognosis, post-insurance guarantee, flexibility |
| Applications | 25 percent | Look-back periods for cancer and mental illness |
| Premium | Not rated | Used for orientation only |
How do you read the quality verdict correctly?
A verdict such as “very good” sounds clear, but it is only one building block. It helps you filter out tariffs with weak terms. Choosing the right tariff remains your task, because your occupation, your health and your budget decide the outcome.
| Statement in the test | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Quality verdict “very good” | Terms and application questions scored strongly in the comparison. This does not mean the tariff suits you. |
| Premium | Not rated in the verdict. It still has to be affordable long term. |
| Test date | Insurers were asked on 1 April 2026. Later changes are not captured. |
| Ombudsman procedure | Without participation, the quality verdict is reduced by 0.5 points. |
| Ratings from other providers | Own criteria and weighting. Results are not directly comparable. |
What to check when you read ratings
- Tariff name and version: a verdict refers to a specific tariff in a specific version. New versions may be assessed differently.
- Test date: when were insurers asked, and when was the article last changed?
- Terms instead of marketing: look at referral, post-insurance guarantee, dynamic increases and benefits for mental illness.
- Application: which questions are asked, and how far back do they reach?
- Additional benefits: the test stresses that extras should be optional rather than bloat the product. Check whether you really need them.
Why the terms matter especially for students
Anyone who takes out BU during their studies commits to a tariff for many years, often before the later occupation is clear. That is why the clauses that affect a change of career deserve attention. Referral to other activities can be decisive in a claim, and how strongly a tariff takes your future profession into account is a topic of its own for students.
Post-insurance guarantees are also relevant. They allow the insured benefit to be increased on certain events without a new health check. Which events qualify and to what extent is set by the tariff. A test can only assess what the reviewed terms say, so only the contract text shows whether the guarantee applies to you.
Health questions in the application deserve equal care. A tariff with shorter look-back periods can create a different starting position for pre-existing conditions than one with a long look-back. Read the questions carefully before you sign.
Frequently asked questions
Is the best test result automatically the best tariff?
No. A top-rated tariff may suit a particular occupation or health history less well than another tariff with a slightly weaker verdict. Check the individual terms before you decide.
Why is the premium not rated in the test?
Stiftung Warentest states that premiums were not relevant to the rating and served only for orientation. At the same time, the test stresses that BU must be affordable. For you, this means the verdict says little about your costs, so calculate the premium separately for your own needs.
What does the ombudsman procedure mean in the test?
An ombudsman procedure is an out-of-court process for disputes between policyholders and insurers. The test checks whether a provider takes part. If it does not, the quality verdict is reduced by 0.5 points. This is a signal about how a provider handles disputes, but it does not replace reading the terms.
Why are ratings from different providers not comparable?
Each rating has its own criteria, weightings and cut-off date. A verdict from another test is therefore no direct benchmark for the same tariff.
How often should I check test results?
Terms change. Check test results before you sign, and again when a tariff has been revised or you consider switching. This matters especially if the test carries an older test date.
What to do now
A test result is a useful filter, not a reason to sign on its own. If you work through the steps below, you end up with a tariff you can assess yourself based on terms, application and premium.
- Read the quality verdict and the test date, and note which tariff and version were tested.
- Filter out tariffs with weak terms before you compare premiums.
- Check the terms of the tariff yourself, especially referral, post-insurance guarantee and health questions.
- Have your health answers reviewed before you apply. Personal guidance from Academycon is described in German at So arbeiten wir.
Related reading
- Disability Insurance for Students: Costs and Start
- BU-Gesundheitsfragen im Studium
- Abstrakte Verweisung
- Nachversicherungsgarantie
- BU als Student: Was kostet sie wirklich?
Sources: Stiftung Warentest, disability insurance comparison 2026 (in German, article dated 19 May 2026, last changed 15 Sep 2026); § 172 VVG, Insurance Contract Act (in German, retrieved 26 Oct 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
