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 normal business hours. Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and other 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 area will be open.
Pharmacy emergency service
You can find the pharmacy emergency service in various ways. You can search online for “pharmacy emergency service.” Many pharmacies also display a notice on their door indicating which pharmacy in the vicinity is open at night or on holidays.
Advice and assistance in the pharmacy
At the pharmacy, you don’t just get medications. You also receive professional advice, which is one of the most important tasks of a pharmacy.
For example, you can ask 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 proper storage of medications or disposal of old ones.
Pharmacists will explain what you need to pay attention to when taking medication. Sometimes a pharmacy also prepares medications itself, for example, if there is no suitable finished medicinal product or if a medication needs to be individually adjusted.
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
At the pharmacy, you can get a wide range of products for your health. These include medications as well as other medical products.
Typical products available at the pharmacy include tablets, ointments, drops, or cough syrups. Bandages, disinfectants, and other medical aids are also available there.
If a medication is currently out of 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
Some medications can be purchased without a prescription. These include remedies for colds, mild pain, or stomach complaints. Even with these medications, you 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 in the following ways:
- with your health insurance card
- with an app
- with a printed copy of the prescription
If you cannot go to the pharmacy yourself, someone else is 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, pharmacists, or physicians 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 medication on prescription, 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. However, you pay at least five euros and at most ten euros.
You never pay more than the actual cost of the medication.
Children and adolescents under 18 do not have to make a co-payment for medications. If you purchase a medication without a prescription, you usually have to pay for it yourself.
Protection against high medication costs
To ensure people do not incur excessively high costs, there is an annual cap on co-payments.
This cap is set at two percent of your annual gross 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 provider.
If you have a low income, special regulations may apply. In this case, your health insurance provider can assist you.