At a glance
Necessity
Medical necessity is assessed individually.
Approval
Depending on the case, prior approval may be required.
Co-payment
Clarify personal costs and exemptions separately.
When can travel costs be covered?
German statutory health insurers do not cover the cost of every ride to medical or therapy appointments. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, transport must be medically necessary in connection with a covered health service. Different conditions and exceptions apply to inpatient and outpatient treatment.
Prescription and possible prior approval
Medical necessity and the required type of transport are recorded on Muster 4. Depending on the journey, prior approval from the health insurer may be required. Our guide to transport prescriptions and Muster 4 explains the form. The individual prescription and payer's decision are binding.
Co-payments for patient transport
For people covered by German statutory health insurance, the Federal Ministry of Health states a general co-payment of ten percent of the fare, with a minimum of five euros and a maximum of ten euros per ride, but never more than the actual cost. According to the ministry, this also applies to children and young people. Clarify personal contribution limits or exemptions directly with the health insurer.
Cost coverage is an individual payer decision and not a general commitment from PrimaFahrten.
German care levels and disability markers
Special rules apply to some outpatient journeys for people with the German disability markers aG, Bl or H, care level 3 with an additional permanent mobility impairment, or care level 4 or 5. Our guide to Pflegegrad and Merkzeichen explains these German classifications.
PrimaFahrten cannot guarantee reimbursement
PrimaFahrten can provide a quote or confirm a ride but does not decide whether the health insurer must cover it. Before booking, clarify whether prior approval is required and how billing will work. Keep the prescription, approval and receipts according to the payer's requirements.
Suitable ride services
For planned transport without professional medical care during the journey, you can request medical rides in Berlin. We also provide information for recurring dialysis rides and therapy rides.
