Are lifestyle drugs reimbursed in Germany?

Drugs that primarily aim to increase the quality of life are so-called “lifestyle” drugs. These are not covered by the SHI funds and are excluded from reimbursement based on §34(1) SGB V. Lifestyle drugs are, for example, products that

• are used to lose weight, control appetite or to regulate body weight
• are used to quit smoking
• improve hair growth
• treat erectile dysfunction and
• increase sexual potency.

These products are excluded from reimbursement because they

• don’t or don’t exclusively treat diseases,
• serve to satisfy individual needs or to enhance self-esteem,
• serve to treat consequences of natural aging processes and whose treatment is not medically necessary, or
• are used for cosmetic reasons, and are not medically necessary.

Since the use or need for these products is largely determined by someone’s lifestyle, people are personally responsible for their funding.

Appendix II of the drug directive lists all lifestyle drugs, which are excluded from reimbursement.