GKV Reform Raises Medication Costs and Hospital Co-Pays for All Insured
The new health insurance reform increases out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs and hospital stays. Hospital co-payments rise to €15 per day, and patients face higher medication charges.
As part of the July 2026 GKV-Beitragsstabilisierungsgesetz, Germany's statutory health insurance system is shifting more costs directly to patients through higher out-of-pocket payments and co-insurance. The measures are intended to ease pressure on insurers facing billion-euro deficits.
Prescription and Hospital Co-Pays
Insured individuals will face higher out-of-pocket payments for prescription medications. Additionally, insured individuals will face higher out-of-pocket payments for prescription medications. Hospital co-payments are set to rise to €15 per day, replacing the previous €10-per-day rate. These changes affect everyone with GKV — employees, students, retirees, and expats with statutory coverage.
Broader Cost-Control Strategy
The reforms involve limiting fee increases for healthcare providers such as medical practices and clinics, as well as for pharmaceutical companies. However, the burden on individual patients has increased, not decreased. A Forsa poll suggests most Germans expect further contribution hikes in the coming years, as the system's structural deficits remain unresolved.
What This Means for Expat Patients
If you hold statutory health insurance, your prescription costs will rise when you visit a pharmacy. If you require hospital treatment, expect to pay €15 instead of €10 per day. These are mandatory charges — there is no way to opt out. For regular medication users or those with chronic conditions, the cumulative cost increase may be substantial. Compare supplementary insurance options (Krankentagegeld, Krankenhaustagegeldversicherung) if you anticipate hospitalisation or need long-term prescriptions.
Sources
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