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ΕλληνικάTypes of Prescriptions in Germany
In Germany, a prescription (Rezept) has a color depending on who pays for the medication:
| Type | Color | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kassenrezept | pink / e-prescription | Krankenkasse (you pay Zuzahlung) |
| Privatrezept | blue | you (sometimes reimbursed by private insurance) |
| Grünes Rezept | green | you — this is a recommendation for over-the-counter medication (OTC) |
If you are statutorily insured, you receive a Kassenrezept; the entire system is described in Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung).
E-Rezept — Electronic Prescription
Since 01.01.2024, prescriptions for medications for statutorily insured persons are issued as E-Rezept. You can fill it at a pharmacy (Apotheke) in three ways:
- insert your eGK (insurance card) into the reader — no PIN required,
- via the E-Rezept application (or eHealth-CardLink with your smartphone and NFC card),
- on a paper printout with a code.
A Kassenrezept (e-prescription) is valid for 28 days; a Privatrezept usually for 3 months. If the pharmacy does not have the medication, they order it for the next day or deliver it (Botendienst). From 2026, T-Rezepte and prescriptions for controlled substances (BtM) will also be issued electronically.
Zuzahlung and Exemptions
With a Kassenrezept, you pay Zuzahlung: 10% of the medication price, minimum 5 €, maximum 10 € for each prescription medication (never more than the price of the medication). Children under 18 are exempt. Annual copayments are limited by the Belastungsgrenze — above 2% of your annual gross income (1% for chronic illnesses), you can request an exemption from further Zuzahlung from your insurance fund. You receive the prescription during a doctor's visit — if you are going on sick leave, the doctor issues a separate Sick Certificate (Krankschreibung).