Medicines and dressings for people with health insurance

Persons insured under the statutory health insurance scheme are entitled to a supply of pharmacy-only medicines and dressings. The costs are covered by the health insurance companies.

Exception: For insured persons over the age of 18, the costs of so-called petty medicines are not covered. These include

• Medicines for the treatment of colds and flu-like infections
• Mouth and throat remedies (except for fungal infections),
• laxatives
• medicines for travel sickness.

The costs of medicines that you can buy without a prescription are generally not covered. Exception:

• Medicines that are standard treatment for serious illnesses and are prescribed by a doctor.

The choice of prescribed drugs may be restricted by discount agreements between the health insurance funds and manufacturers. However, these drugs are then also free of co-payment.

Fixed amounts may also apply for medicines and dressings. You will have to pay any additional costs yourself.