Paid too much for medication? Exemption from co-payments
Prescription fees, co-payments for aids, hospital daily rates: with chronic illness in particular, this adds up. But there is an upper limit: above the burden limit you no longer have to make any co-payments in the calendar year.
Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:
Apply for exemption →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
- 1
1. Collect receipts
Keep all co-payment receipts for the year (pharmacy, remedies and aids, clinic).
- 2
2. Calculate the limit
2 % (or 1 % for the chronically ill) of your annual gross income, minus family allowances.
- 3
3. Apply for the exemption
Once the limit is reached, apply for the exemption from your health insurer (enclose the receipts).
- 4
4. Reclaim overpayments
If you have already paid too much over the year, the insurer refunds the excess amount.
Frequently asked questions
From when do I no longer have to make co-payments?
As soon as your co-payments in the calendar year exceed 2 % of your gross income (1 % for the chronically ill), you are exempt for the rest of the year (§ 62 SGB V). The co-payments of the entire family living in the household count together, minus certain allowances.
Do I get overpaid co-payments back?
Yes. If you have already paid more than your burden limit during the year, the health insurer refunds the amount above it when you submit the receipts. So collect all receipts and apply for the exemption in good time.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.