German Insurers Expand Coverage for Digital Health Apps
Berlin, Thursday, 18 September 2025.
German insurers now cover 56 digital health apps addressing conditions like IBS and depression, enhancing care and efficiency. Critics urge more transparency in app evaluation.
A Growing Portfolio of Digital Health Applications
As of 17 September 2025, the Digital Health Applications (DiGA) system in Germany officially includes 56 apps, marking a substantial increase in digital health integration. These applications address a spectrum of conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), depression, anxiety disorders, and obesity, and are reimbursable through German health insurance schemes [1]. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to harnessing technology to improve healthcare access and outcomes, a shift that began with the introduction of the Digital Supply Act (DVG) in 2019 [9].
Economic Impact and Cost Efficiency
Since 2020, German health insurers have collectively invested over €234 million in digital health applications, aiming to alleviate pressure on the healthcare system while enhancing patient care [1]. The average cost for a DiGA app is approximately €600 per three months, a price point that addresses concerns about the sustainability of digital healthcare solutions [1]. This strategic investment underscores the potential for digital tools to optimize healthcare delivery and reduce long-term costs by facilitating early intervention and continuous patient monitoring [1].
Challenges and Calls for Greater Transparency
Despite the promising expansion of digital health applications, critics, including insurance companies, have called for increased transparency and rigorous evaluation of these apps’ clinical efficacy [1]. Currently, developers can receive provisional approval for their applications within three months, provided they submit proof of clinical effectiveness within a year. Out of 228 applications over five years, 43 have achieved definitive approval, with 13 still under review [1]. This process highlights the importance of balancing innovation with accountability to maintain trust in digital health solutions.
The Role of Technology in Transforming Healthcare
The integration of digital tools in the healthcare sector is a pivotal aspect of Germany’s broader digital transformation strategy. Initiatives like the electronic health card (eGK) and the electronic patient record (ePA) complement the DiGA system by ensuring seamless communication across healthcare providers [9]. The Telematikinfrastruktur (TI), a foundational element of this digital infrastructure, facilitates the secure exchange of information, thereby enhancing the quality and efficiency of care [9]. These advancements collectively aim to create a more integrated, patient-centered healthcare system.