In Germany, more and more people are in financial need because they are sick. You can read here which factor has so far the main reason for over -indebtedness and why the development is so alarming.
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Over -indebtedness: illness in 1st place of the causes
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For a long time, the job loss was considered Main reason for financial problems in Germany. But that has now changed like new ones Numbers of the Federal Statistical Office Show for the year 2024: For the first time is “Disease, addiction or accident” The most common trigger for private over -indebtedness. 18.1 percent of those affected stated this – even before Arbeitslosigkeit With 17.4 percent.
This is followed by uneconomical housekeeping (13.7%), separation, divorce, death of the partner (11.5%), long -term low income (10.8%) and failed independence (8.1%).
Experts warn of development: “A serious illness is twice: health and financially,” explains Eva Münster, professor of general medical care research in vulnerable population groups at the University of Witten/Herdecke. She sees the numbers as clear Warnsignal.
The spectrum of disease of the affected ceiling from the entire range of medical diagnoses: from Depressionen to back pain to Krebs. Those who are sick longer can often not work. This quickly leads to loss of income. At the same time, loans would continue; Costs for medication, rehab or necessary additional payments would also be added, according to the expert. A health crisis can quickly become a financial.
Research lags behind
Although this has been known for a long time, it is still unclear which processes there are exactly how: “We know that illness can lead to over -indebtedness – but we know far too little about how exactly that happens,” says Münster.
Currently, the category “illness, addiction or accident” is only taken into account quite general in statistics. There are Hardly any knowledge of the underlying mechanismswhich diagnoses are particularly common with financial problems or what influence mental illnesses have.
There is also a lack of addiction to addiction or to what extent shame, social breaks and digital consumption patterns play a role. This makes it difficult to develop help offers in a targeted manner.
Prevention instead of reaction
It therefore calls for a rethink. Help should not only be provided in an emergencybut much earlier: “Those who get a serious diagnosis must also be informed and supported by financial risks,” she says. How exactly this should work must be considered in detail in order to determine the appropriate measure.
What: PM, IDW
