Hanover Prices

« About pharmacies in Germany

Did you know that 50% of medications cannot be purchased in Germany without a doctor's prescription? Antibiotics, hormonal medications, and other strong drugs, as well as syrup tablets, will definitely not be sold to you without one. And thank goodness! Honestly, before moving, I read that it was impossible to buy anything without a prescription, except for over-the-counter medicines, and I ended up stocking up on a whole package of medications that ultimately weren’t needed, except for a few essential items and some antivirals.

There are several types of prescriptions: red and green. For red prescriptions, the doctor prescribes those medications that are covered by health insurance. For children up to 12 years old and pregnant women, basic health insurance generally covers the full cost of prescribed medications. However, adults usually must pay a portion of the cost themselves (typically about $6 for regular medications, and around $11 for more expensive ones). A doctor can also prescribe medications that don’t require a prescription, which you can get without paying.

For green prescriptions, you will have to pay the full cost of the medications; this means that insurance does not cover this expense, but the doctor will still prescribe it. There are also rare prescriptions that special insurance clients receive.

I have public health insurance, and let me tell you about how much I paid for treatment. For a doctor's consultation, I didn’t pay anything; it was covered by my insurance. The only thing I paid for was $11 for a blood test, and the doctor prescribed me a red prescription.

At the pharmacy, I received three types of antibiotics, each costing about $5, while the total for the medications on the receipt was $18, so instead of about $60, I only paid $15, and my wallet didn’t suffer too much. 🙏

What do you think of this system? Do you find having health insurance convenient and cost-effective? »

« Bremen: A City to Explore for Free. Part 1.

The very name of this city evokes the romantic tales of the Brothers Grimm. 😍 The atmosphere of historical Europe here wonderfully blends the past with the present. Bremen is considered one of the oldest cities in Germany, with a rich history to explore. The best part? You can see all the historical and architectural landmarks absolutely for free, even without spending on transport within the city, as the train station is just a 5-minute walk from the historical center. No need to waste money on tram rides. 🤤

At the heart of this historical city is the Marktplatz, noted in the UNESCO World Heritage List, where you can find major attractions. There stands the monumental Roland statue, “with the sword of justice,” dating back to 1404 and symbolizing the city’s freedom. It’s said that as long as Roland remains at this location, there will be no hunger in Bremen.

Next to Roland, the Bremen Town Hall showcases its Renaissance style and is simply breathtaking. The intricate statues on its facade grab your attention immediately.

Of course, you can't miss the Cathedral of St. Peter. It's impressive with its Gothic architecture. Inside, the church displays artistic elements from three different styles: Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque. Also within the Cathedral is a museum featuring exhibitions from the history of the city’s trading days. And did you know there's a stairway with a vine motif? It’s located here. 😄

In my next entry, I’ll share more on the not-to-miss attractions in Bremen! 😊 »

« The prices for alcohol at the supermarket in the train station are just ridiculous. You could easily end up drinking too much! »