Medications and Prescriptions in Germany

GKV: 10% of drug price, min €5, max €10 per item (§ 61 SGB V). Private Incoming Care Expatriate covers 100% of prescribed drugs after the small deductible.

Only those in the Arzneimittelrichtlinie (§ 92 SGB V); lifestyle drugs, homeopathy and OTC (over-the-counter) items are typically excluded.

Yes: pay at the Apotheke, submit invoice to the insurer, refund within 2–3 weeks — Care Expatriate covers 100% — overview.

GKV: yes until age 22 (§ 24a SGB V); after 22, patient pays. Private Incoming excludes contraception on Care Expatriate, Care Economy and Care Visa Protect.

GKV covers Schutzimpfungen per STIKO recommendation; Care Expatriate covers travel and standard vaccinations up to €200/year on Comfort/Premium tiers.

Statutory insurance (GKV) covers prescribed medication with a 5–10 EUR co-pay per item. OTC drugs are excluded. Incoming insurance like Care Economy (from 30 EUR/30 days) covers prescribed medication for acute conditions. Chronic medication requires long-term insurance.

Without insurance, you pay the full pharmacy price: antibiotics 15–50 EUR, blood pressure meds 20–80 EUR/month, insulin 50–150 EUR. Care Expatriate (from 58 EUR/month) covers prescriptions for long-term stays.

A Kassenrezept (pink prescription) is billed directly through statutory insurance (GKV) – you only pay a 5–10 EUR co-pay. A Privatrezept (blue prescription) requires upfront payment at the pharmacy, then reimbursement from your private or incoming insurance (e.g. Care Economy from 30 EUR/30 days). Always keep the pharmacy receipt for reimbursement.