Prescriptions

What is a prescription?

In Germany there are medicines that you can buy freely. This means that you can decide for yourself whether to buy the medicine.

These are usually medicines that pose little risk to your health.

For some medicines, however, you also need a prescription. You can get a prescription from your doctor after an examination. The doctor will explain to you how to take the medicine.

A prescription is a piece of paper that your doctor can give you. The piece of paper can be pink, blue or yellow.
The doctor writes on the piece of paper which medicine you need. Your details are also on the piece of paper. For example, your address and your health insurance company.

The doctor signs the piece of paper. The piece of paper is the prescription. You have to take the prescription to the pharmacy. There you show the prescription and get the medicine.

When the doctor writes a prescription, you also say: The doctor issues a prescription.
When the doctor writes a medicine that you should take, you also say: The doctor prescribes a medicine for you.

What is an e-prescription?

The electronic prescription is completely new. It is also called an e-prescription. The prescription is not printed on paper. It is available electronically, for example on your cell phone.

You do not have to pick up an e-prescription in person at the doctor’s office. You can access it electronically from home. The e-prescription can be used to prescribe medication.

You can redeem the e-prescription at the pharmacy. You can choose the pharmacy yourself. You can also redeem the e-prescription at online pharmacies.

You can use the e-prescription in two ways.

The first way is the e-prescription on your cell phone. You can then send the e-prescription online to the pharmacy of your choice.

The second way is the e-prescription as a paper printout. You are given this at the doctor’s office. You then go to the pharmacy of your choice as usual and redeem it there.

In the future, other services will also be prescribed using the e-prescription. For example, medicinal products, aids or home nursing care.

What is important if you want to redeem a prescription?

You can get medication from the pharmacy. Give the prescription to the pharmacist. Then you will get the medication.

If you have any questions, the pharmacist will help you. He will also tell you again how to take the medication.

You often have to pay money for prescribed medication. Most of the time you pay 5 euros. This is your contribution to the cost of the medication.

This is called a co-payment. You have to pay the money in addition to your health insurance contribution.

You may be able to be exempted from the co-payment. You have to submit an application for this. Talk to your health insurance company about it.

The doctor can issue different prescriptions. There are also different prescription colors.

If you have statutory insurance, you usually get a red prescription. This is also called a statutory health insurance prescription. It is usually valid for 28 days.

Certain prescriptions can also be valid for longer. For example, private prescriptions. It is best to ask your doctor how long the prescription is valid for.