GermanyThe cost of medical devices such as rollators and hearing aids has increased for insured individuals in Germany, with out-of-pocket expenses rising by €10 to €159 on average over the past year. According to a report by the umbrella organization of statutory health insurers, 78% of these devices were provided at no additional cost to the insured, continuing a trend observed in previous years. In 2025, approximately €12.1 billion was spent on medical device provision for nearly 32 million cases, up from €11.5 billion in 2024. Over 7 million insured individuals paid out-of-pocket costs totaling more than €1.1 billion. Statutory health insurance covers devices deemed medically necessary, while additional costs arise from reasons related to aesthetics or comfort.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data on healthcare costs and insurance policies without overtly favoring any political perspective. It reports on trends in medical device financing and out-of-pocket expenses without using loaded language or emphasizing one side over another. The framing remains neutral
