Are you wondering whether Ribcap is covered by insurance? Coverage varies by country and insurer. Read all about the options and practical tips.
Why is reimbursement is interesting?
Reimbursement varies by country
Belgium
What do we see most often in Belgium?
The possible reimbursement depends on how you purchase the helmet: through health insurance (under certain conditions), through supplementary insurance, or through medical aid support such as VAPH in Flanders.
The RIZIV indicates that some medical aids are partially reimbursed, for example, bandaging materials. There is a separate category for skull helmets, both custom-made and prefabricated. Ribcap falls under the prefab category.
Important in Belgium (practical):
For legal orthopedic reimbursement, a medical prescription, delivery via a certified orthopedist or prosthetist, and a delivery certificate are usually required.
Where can I find Ribcap in Belgium?
Ribcap models are listed in the VAPH/Vlibank (medical aid database). Ribcap works with a wide network of orthopedic specialty stores/bandagers and healthcare channels. Contact Ribcap to find out which healthcare store is available in your area.
The Netherlands
What do we see most often in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, many medical aids are (partially) reimbursed under the basic insurance package, but the conditions depend on your policy and your insurer.
Where can I find Ribcap in the Netherlands?
Ribcap works with various recognized medical aid suppliers. Contact Ribcap to find out which healthcare store is available in your area.
Germany
What do we see most often in Germany?
Applications are often submitted via the Krankenkasse, with a medical prescription or motivation. After approval, delivery can take place via a Sanitätshaus. Some processes refer to the Hilfsmittelverzeichnis, the GKV's online medical device portal.
Where can I find Ribcap in Germany?
Ribcap works with Sanitätshäuser and specialized suppliers. Currently, Ribcap does not yet have a Hilfsmittelnummer, which means that reimbursement is sometimes assessed as an individual application. We are actively working on this, so this status may change in the future.
France
What do we see most often in France?
Reimbursement via Assurance Maladie usually goes through the LPP (Liste des Produits et Prestations remboursables) and generally requires a medical prescription and compliance with certain conditions.
Does a medical aid not fully fit within the LPP route? Then there are often additional options, depending on your situation, such as PCH/MDPH, APA, or extra funding through other channels.
Where can I find Ribcap in France?
Ribcap works with various recognized medical aid suppliers. Contact Ribcap to find out which medical supply store is available in your area.
Italy
What do we see most often in Italy?
For prostheses and medical devices, reimbursement within the SSN is handled through the Nomenclatore dell'Assistenza Protesica. Practical access and procedures may vary by region.
The procedure usually starts with a doctor, local health authority, or local medical device service, with a prescription and medical justification (e.g., fall prevention or head protection).
Spain
What do we see most often in Spain?
Within the Sistema Nacional de Salud, you can obtain orthopedic aids if there is a medical need. Each region also has its own catalog, which contains at least the types from the national catalog.
Austria
What do we see most often in Austria?
The ÖGK (and other health insurance funds) usually reimburse part of the costs for Heilbehelfe und Hilfsmittel, based on a doctor's prescription. Often there is a personal contribution and sometimes prior approval is required.
Where can I find Ribcap in Austria?
Ribcap works with Sanitätshäuser and specialized suppliers. Contact Ribcap to find out which healthcare store is available in your area.
Sweden
What do we see most often in Sweden?
Sweden works strongly through regional medical aid systems/assortments and healthcare professionals (e.g., occupational therapists). Ribcap is included in several regional overviews for head protection (ISO 09.06.03), including in Västra Götaland and Västerbotten.
Where can I find Ribcap in Sweden?
Ribcap is included in various tender/product range channels. Tip: ask your healthcare provider to check whether “head protection ISO 09.06.03” is included in the regional assortment.
Denmark
What do we see most often in Denmark?
In Denmark, medical aids are often provided through municipal or regional channels. Inclusion in the official medical aid databases facilitates recognition and access.
Where can I find Ribcap in Denmark?
Ribcap is listed in the Danish medical device database HMI-basen / Hjælpemiddelbasen under 09 06 03 01 (head protection) and is available through local suppliers.
United Kingdom
What do we see most often in the United Kingdom?
In the UK, head protection can sometimes be provided through the NHS or orthopedic services, depending on local criteria, but often the helmet is also purchased privately.
Where can I find Ribcap in the United Kingdom?
Ribcap is available through partners such as Orthotix, which offers Ribcap and profiles itself as an NHS Approved Supplier / Contracted NHS Hospital Partner.
Australia
What do we see most often in Australia?
Head protection is often provided through NDIS, depending on your plan, goals, and the category of assistive device.
Where can I find Ribcap in Australia?
Ribcap is available through NDIS-registered suppliers. Some suppliers offer Ribcap as affordable assistive technology within the NDIS.
United States
What do we see most often in the United States?
Reimbursement depends on your healthcare plan, such as private insurance or Medicaid/Medicare variants. The HCPCS code A8000 is often used for a “protective soft helmet, prefabricated.”
Where can I find Ribcap in the United States?
Ribcap products are HSA/FSA-eligible, and this is also stated on the product pages. Ribcap is available through DME suppliers and other providers in the US.
General step-by-step plan for requesting reimbursement
3. Contact your insurer. Inquire whether a prefab orthopedic helmet is covered. If so, submit an application and include the necessary documents or medical statements.
4. Place your order after approval. Once approved, you can order Ribcap through a medical device supplier, also known as a medical specialty store or healthcare store. If you are looking for a medical store in your area, please contact us and we will be happy to help you.
Tips for a successful application
- - Be specific about the medical condition: clearly describe the risk of falling and the risk of head trauma, and mention the context in which this occurs (at home, at school, or in a healthcare facility).
- - Ask your doctor for a statement that is as detailed as possible.
- - Refer to Ribcap product information. We can provide a clear quote and product information.
- - Check whether your insurance covers medical aids and note the insurance conditions.
- - Include a clear quote or invoice for your Ribcap with your application.
- - Make a note of the insurance conditions and follow the application process carefully.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is a Ribcap reimbursed in my country?
This varies per country, insurer, and personal situation. Reimbursement often depends on medical necessity and the type of insurance. We recommend contacting your own insurer directly for a correct and up-to-date answer.
2. Can I submit a claim for reimbursement through Ribcap?
No. Ribcap is a Belgian company and not an insurer. We cannot request reimbursements or decide on reimbursements, even for other countries. The claim must always be submitted through your own insurer. We can, however, help with quotes, invoices, and product information.
3. How much will be reimbursed?
This varies per insurer and per country. In some cases, a Ribcap will be fully reimbursed, in other cases only partially or not at all. Your insurer can provide you with more clarity on this.
4. Is there a difference between the Ribcap models?
Insurers usually look at the medical necessity, not the specific Ribcap model. All Ribcap helmets are equipped with the same high-quality protective foam, so you always get the same reliable protection, regardless of the model you choose.
5. What can I do if I am not entitled to a reimbursement?
If you are not eligible for reimbursement through your insurance, there are other ways to purchase a Ribcap at a discount. You can participate in our rewards system and save points for a 10% or 20% discount. We also enjoy working with customers who share their Ribcap experience on social media or in customer stories; this can also entitle you to a discount. Finally, we organize sometimes a promotion, such as during Black Friday. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels.