Pharmacy and Emergency Service — Medications, Prescriptions, and Emergency Pharmacy

The Pharmacy System in Germany

Germany has over 18,000 pharmacies — they are the only places where medications can be sold (unlike many other countries where some medications are available in supermarkets).

You recognize pharmacies by the red "A" with a serpent and bowl (Asclepius staff) — the official pharmacy symbol.

Opening Hours

• Regular: Mon–Fri: 8:00–18:30, Sat: 8:00–13:00 (varies)
• Many pharmacies: Extended hours (until 20:00 or later)
• Nights, Sundays, and holidays: Emergency pharmacies (Notapotheke)

Prescription vs. Non-Prescription Medications

Prescription Medications (Rx)

You can only get these medications with a prescription from a doctor:

• Antibiotics (e.g., Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin)
• Blood pressure medication (e.g., Ramipril, Bisoprolol)
• Antidepressants (e.g., Sertraline, Citalopram)
• Strong painkillers (e.g., Tramadol, Tilidin)
• Insulin (for diabetics)
• Birth control pills
• Sleep medications (e.g., Zolpidem)

Non-Prescription Medications (OTC — Over The Counter)

You can buy these without a prescription — but only at a pharmacy:

• Mild painkillers (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Aspirin)
• Cough syrup and nasal spray
• Stomach tablets (Pantoprazol 20 mg, Omeprazol)
• Allergy medication (Cetirizine, Loratadine)
• Wound creams (Bepanthen)
• Cold remedies (Grippostad, Wick)
• Vitamins and minerals (some preparations)

Pharmacy-Only, But Not Prescription

Some medications are pharmacy-only — you don't need a prescription, but you can only buy them at a pharmacy (not in supermarkets):

• Ibuprofen (400 mg)
• Paracetamol (500 mg)
• Nasal spray with active ingredient (Xylometazoline)

Freely Available (Also in Supermarkets)

Only a few products can be sold outside pharmacies:

• Plasters and bandaging materials
• Some herbal teas (e.g., chamomile)
• Some lozenges
• Bath additives

Types of Prescriptions

Pink Prescription (Insurance Prescription)

• For legally insured persons
• Health insurance covers costs (you pay only the copay)
• Valid for 28 days after issuance — then it expires!
• Issued by doctor electronically (E-Rezept since 2024)

E-Prescription

Since 2024, the E-Rezept is standard in Germany:

• Doctor issues the prescription digitally
• You redeem it at the pharmacy with your health card (eGK)
• Or via the E-Rezept app (gematik)
• No paper prescription needed (exceptions possible)

Blue Prescription (Private Prescription)

• For privately insured persons or self-payers
• You pay the full price and submit the receipt to your insurance
• Valid for 3 months

Yellow Prescription (Controlled Substance Prescription)

• For strong painkillers and controlled substances (e.g., Morphine, Methylphenidate/Ritalin)
• Particularly strict regulations
• Valid for 7 days

Copay — What You Pay

As a legally insured person, you pay a copay per medication:

• 10% of the price, minimum 5 €, maximum 10 € per package
• Chronically ill: Annual limit of 1% of gross income (instead of 2%)
• Children under 18: No copay

Copay Exemption

If your copays exceed the annual limit:

• 2% of gross family income (for all)
• 1% for chronically ill
• You can request an exemption from your health insurance → no copay for the rest of the year

Which Medications Are Copay-Free?

Health insurances negotiate discounts with manufacturers. Some medications are completely copay-free — your pharmacist can recommend an equivalent medication without copay.

Emergency Pharmacy — 24/7 Help

When Do I Need the Emergency Pharmacy?

If you urgently need a medication outside regular hours:

• At night (after 20:00/22:00)
• On Sundays and holidays
• Saturday afternoon (from around 14:00)

How Do I Find the Emergency Pharmacy?

1. Online: apothekenfinder.mobi (website and app)
2. Phone: 0800 00 22 833 (free, automatic message)
3. Notice: Every closed pharmacy has a note with the nearest emergency pharmacy
4. App: "Apothekenfinder" (free, shows nearest emergency pharmacy + navigation)

Emergency Service Fee

An emergency service fee is charged:

• 2.50 € surcharge (covered by health insurance for prescription medications)
• For non-prescription medications: You pay the surcharge yourself

How Does the Emergency Service Work?

• You ring the emergency bell (next to the entrance door)
• The pharmacist opens a window or small opening
• You submit your prescription and receive the medication
• Payment: Cash or card (not all emergency pharmacies accept cards!)

Online Pharmacies

Germany also has authorized online pharmacies that deliver medications by mail:

• Non-prescription: Order like in a normal online store
• Prescription: Submit E-Rezept
• Prices: Often cheaper than local pharmacies (especially non-prescription)
• Delivery time: 1–3 business days

Recognize Legitimate Online Pharmacies

• EU safety logo — clickable, leads to DIMDI registry
• Registration with DIMDI (German Institute for Medical Documentation and Information)
• Known providers: DocMorris, Shop-Apotheke, medpex, Zur Rose

Warning: NEVER buy medications from unknown websites — counterfeits can be life-threatening!

Tips for Foreigners

1. Redeem prescriptions on time — Insurance prescriptions are only valid for 28 days
2. Medications from home: Bring important medications for the transition + medical report (in English/German)
3. Ask the pharmacist — for minor complaints, pharmacists can advise without a doctor visit
4. Request copay exemption — if you're chronically ill or have low income
5. Install the E-Rezept app — convenient and fast
6. Medication names: German brand names may differ — bring the active ingredient name (on package in small print)

As of: March 2026. All information without guarantee.