The pharmacy on site

A pharmacy is a store for medications. You can usually recognize it by the large red 'A' above the door. Pharmacies are open during regular business hours. Pharmacists and pharmaceutical staff work there. They have extensive knowledge about medications and can help you with questions about their use.

In Germany, people should always have access to important medications. That's why there is a night and emergency service. If a pharmacy is closed, another pharmacy in the vicinity will be open.

Pharmacy emergency service

You can find the pharmacy emergency service in various ways. You can search for 'Apothekennotdienst' on the internet. Many pharmacies also display a notice at their door indicating which nearby pharmacy is open at night or on holidays.

Advice and assistance in the pharmacy

In the pharmacy, you don't just get medications. You also receive professional advice. This is one of the most important tasks of a pharmacy.

For example, you can ask there how to take a medication correctly, what side effects are possible, and whether different medications can interact with each other. You can also ask about the proper storage of medications or the disposal of old medications.

Pharmacists will explain what you need to pay attention to when taking medication. Sometimes a pharmacy also prepares medications itself. This happens, for example, when there is no suitable finished medicinal product or when a medication needs to be customized.

Additional pharmacy services

Many pharmacies offer additional services. This includes, for example, a delivery service if you cannot pick up medications yourself. Some pharmacies also offer vaccinations or other health services. They can also order medications for you if a product is currently unavailable.

Medications and other products from the pharmacy

In the pharmacy, you can get many different products for your health. This includes medications as well as other medical products.

Typical products from the pharmacy include, for example, tablets, ointments, drops, or cough syrups. Bandages, disinfectants, and other medical aids are also available there.

If a medication is not currently in stock, the pharmacy can order it for you. The medication is often available the same day or the next day.

Prescription and non-prescription medications

Many medications are only available at the pharmacy. There are two different groups: non-prescription medications and prescription medications.

Non-prescription medications

You can buy some medications without a prescription. This includes, for example, remedies for colds, mild pain, or stomach complaints. Even with these medications, you will receive advice at the pharmacy.

Prescription medications

Other medications require a prescription. This means you can only get them with a prescription from a doctor.

The doctor will first examine you and then decide which medication is suitable for your treatment.

Redeeming an e-prescription at the pharmacy

Today, prescriptions are often issued digitally. This is called an e-prescription. The prescription is stored electronically.

You can redeem it at the pharmacy:

• with your health insurance card
• with an app
• with a printed prescription

If you cannot go to the pharmacy yourself, someone else is also allowed to pick up your medications for you.

Cheaper medications: Generics

Many medications are also available as so-called generics. Generics contain the same active ingredient as an original medication and work in the same way.

The main difference is usually the price. Generics are often cheaper than the original medication. That's why doctors, physicians, or pharmacists often recommend this alternative.

Sometimes you have to pay less or even nothing extra for a generic. You can ask about this at the pharmacy.

Costs for medications and co-payments

Whether you have to pay for medications yourself depends on your health insurance and the prescription.

If you are statutorily insured and receive a prescription medication, your health insurance usually covers the costs. However, you usually have to make a co-payment.

Amount of the co-payment

The statutory co-payment is usually ten percent of the medication price. The minimum co-payment is five euros, and the maximum is ten euros.

You never pay more than the actual cost of the medication.

Children and adolescents under 18 do not have to make any co-payments for medications. If you buy a medication without a prescription, you usually have to pay for it yourself.

Protection against high medication costs

To ensure that people do not incur excessively high costs, there is an annual cap on co-payments.

This cap is two percent of your gross annual income. For people with a severe chronic illness, it is one percent.

Once you reach this cap, you can be exempted from further co-payments for the rest of the year. To do this, you should collect all receipts from the pharmacy and submit them to your health insurance company.

If you have a low income, special regulations may apply. In this case, your health insurance company can provide assistance.