Versicherungsnummer

Versicherungsnummer is a personal identifier used in the social security systems of German-speaking countries. It is assigned by the relevant insurance or social security institutions and serves to link an individual’s contributions, records, and benefits across different schemes such as health insurance, pension, unemployment protection, and long‑term care. The number is intended to be lifelong and unique to the person. It is separate from other identifiers such as a tax identification number.

In Germany, the term Sozialversicherungsnummer (often referred to simply as the Versicherungsnummer) designates the unique code used within the statutory social security system. It is used by employers for payroll, by health insurance funds, pension authorities, and benefit offices to identify individuals and to record insurance contributions. The number plays a central role in eligibility for benefits and in administrative procedures, and it appears on various official documents and insurance cards.

In Austria, the equivalent Versicherungsnummer (often called the Sozialversicherungsnummer) serves a similar purpose within the public health and pension systems. It is issued by the social insurance institutions and is used when interacting with doctors, hospitals, employers, and benefit agencies. It helps coordinate coverage, contributions, and entitlements across different social security programs.

Format and access to the number vary by country and insurer. In general, the Versicherungsnummer is a confidential, non‑transferable personal code. Loss or replacement is handled through the issuing insurance provider or the relevant social security authority. The number is used for administrative identification and should not be conflated with tax IDs or bank details.