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Germany: Access to medicines

In Germany, medicines are authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the national BfArM.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a glowing pharmacy sign.
Figure 1.Pharmacy — Germany: Access to medicines

01Short answer

After authorisation, new medicines can usually be prescribed on statutory insurance straight away; the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) assesses their added benefit, which affects the price. Hospital medicines come from the hospital pharmacy, and medicines for home are collected from a community pharmacy (Apotheke); prescription medicines may carry a small co-payment. Only your team decides which medicine suits you.

02Simple explanation

EMA and BfArM: authorisation.

G-BA: benefit assessment.

Apotheke: for medicines at home.

03Scientific explanation

AMNOG: the added benefit of new medicines is assessed by law.

Research: unauthorised medicines are sometimes available only within a clinical trial.

04What happens in the body?

Pharmacy

Always get prescription medicines from an official pharmacy.

Assessment

The G-BA compares the added benefit of a new medicine.

On a dark navy background, a scale.
Figure 2.Benefit assessment — Germany: Access to medicines

Hospital pharmacy

Special medicines are often supplied here.

On a dark navy background, closed boxes.
Figure 3.Hospital pharmacy — Germany: Access to medicines

05Medicines without worry

Four steps.

Which pharmacy? — Ask.1Which pharmacy?Ask.
Co-payment — Check the limit.2Co-paymentCheck the limit.
Plan — Keep it updated.3PlanKeep it updated.
On time — Order ahead.4On timeOrder ahead.
ContinuityMedicine is there on time.
SafetyEveryone has the same list.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
PharmacyAlways get prescription medicines from an official pharmacy.
AssessmentThe G-BA compares the added benefit of a new medicine.
Hospital pharmacySpecial medicines are often supplied here.

07Key terms

Rezept
Prescription.
Medikationsplan
Medication plan.
Zuzahlung
Co-payment.
Apotheke
Pharmacy.

08Key points

  • Carry your medication plan.
  • Tell your team about any new medicine.
  • Mention herbal products too.
  • Do not buy medicines online.
  • Order supplies in good time.

09Frequently asked questions

Are medicines free?

Statutory insurance pays for most; small co-payments may apply.

Can I bring medicine from abroad?

Only after agreeing it with your team; rules are strict.

An unauthorised medicine?

Sometimes through a trial or special programme; ask your team.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Are medicines free?

  2. Can I bring medicine from abroad?

  3. An unauthorised medicine?

My questions

12Sources

  1. BfArM (Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices). Official website
  2. Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (G-BA). Official website (in German)
  3. Krebsinformationsdienst (DKFZ). Official website (in German)
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Drugs Approved for Leukemia
  5. HealthCare.gov. Coverage for pre-existing conditions
  6. American Society of Hematology (ASH). Official website
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI-Designated Cancer Centers
  8. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Drugs
  9. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Oncology (cancer) / hematologic malignancies approval notifications
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia — Patient Version
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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