Compression stockings are available on prescription
The good news first: yes, you can get medical compression stockings on prescription. To do this, your doctor must recognize the necessity and issue a corresponding prescription. This is necessary if you have a venous disorder, such as varicose veins or leg vein thrombosis.
Compression stockings: when should you wear them?
How often are compression stockings available on prescription?
Basically, compression stockings are also available over the counter. While you have to pay a co-payment of around 10 percent for a prescription, over-the-counter custom-made stockings can cost around 300 euros. If there is a medical need, the reason for a prescription should be sufficient.
Health insurance covers the cost of around two pairs per year. As they are a hygiene product that is washed very frequently, the elasticity of the fabric decreases over time. A new pair is therefore usually approved after six months. Your GP can also prescribe a second pair at the start of treatment for so-called alternating care.
Own contribution to the costs
There are two points to note here: You have to pay a co-payment. On the one hand, this is the statutory co-payment and, on the other, the so-called economic co-payment.
What is the difference? For medical compression stockings, every insured person must pay ten percent of the reimbursement price themselves, but at least five euros. The maximum amount is currently 10 euros. This is defined as the statutory co-payment.
If the price of the selected support stockings is significantly higher than the reimbursement price of the health insurance companies, the so-called economic co-payment must be made.