What does GLP-1 treatment cost? Paying yourself and what statutory insurance doesn't cover
Why German statutory insurers generally don't cover weight-management medicines, why treatment at Solean is self-pay only, and what to budget for before you start.
- costs
- insurance
- GLP-1
In short
In Germany, medicines prescribed for weight management are generally excluded from reimbursement by statutory health insurance. They are prescribed on a private prescription and paid for yourself.
At Solean, treatment is self-pay only. Nothing is billed to statutory health insurance or private insurers.
Statutory health insurance
German social law excludes medicines that mainly serve weight regulation from reimbursement, even when obesity has been diagnosed. That's why GLP-1 medicines for weight management are usually prescribed on a private prescription.
It's different when the same active substance is prescribed for another approved condition, such as type 2 diabetes; then the usual rules apply. But a medicine isn't freely interchangeable: what's prescribed depends on the diagnosis.
Other parts of obesity care, such as nutrition programmes, exercise programmes or, under certain conditions, surgery, may be supported by statutory insurers. This does not apply to treatment at Solean.
Private health insurance
Private insurers handle this differently depending on the plan. At Solean it makes no difference: treatment isn't billed to private insurers; you pay for it yourself.
If you pay yourself
Costs depend on the active substance, dose and pack size. Because the dose rises in the first months, monthly costs often change too, so don't budget only for the starting price. Your doctor decides in each individual case.
Important: GLP-1 treatment is usually long-term. Plan realistically whether you can carry the costs over months before you start.
Frequently asked questions
Note
This Journal article offers general information. It is not a diagnosis, a prescription or a promise of any result. Whether treatment is suitable for you is decided by a doctor after reviewing your questionnaire. For acute or severe symptoms, contact your GP, the out-of-hours medical service (116117) or, in an emergency, 112.
Sources and review
Based on Section 34(1) of the German Social Code Book V and Annex II of the Federal Joint Committee's pharmaceutical directive. Please check the legal position before publishing. Not legal or tax advice.
- Section 34(1) SGB V (exclusion of weight-regulation medicines)
- Federal Joint Committee pharmaceutical directive, Annex II