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This article clarifies whether and how a massage chair can be obtained on prescription and what optimal alternatives there are to a prescription for massage chairs or their coverage by health insurance.
In Germany, massage chairs cannot be obtained on prescription, which should not be too surprising to many people.
This is due to various reasons. First, it is important to understand that medical devices in Germany can only be prescribed if they are medically necessary, and since massage chairs are seen more as a luxury product, they cannot be prescribed.
Furthermore, it must be emphasized that massage chairs are still regarded purely as comfort products and therefore cannot be used for the treatment of diseases or for therapeutic purposes.
However, this does not mean that one cannot benefit from massage chairs!
There is much research indicating that regular massages have stress-reducing effects and can help alleviate sleep problems as well as improve flexibility and muscle tone. For this reason, massage chairs are also attractive to people suffering from back pain or who simply want to relax their muscles.
So if you are considering buying a massage chair – rest assured: the investment is worthwhile! But remember that for the reasons mentioned, there is unfortunately no way to get it on prescription – but there are so many alternatives!
Alternatives to a Prescription for Massage Chairs
A suitable alternative is to purchase refurbished display models from trustworthy German providers.
Such models should ideally be tested in advance before deciding for or against the purchase.
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Another alternative is purchase by installments.
Payment by installments can be used for refurbished or brand-new models.
How does health insurance coverage generally work?
In Germany, statutory health insurance usually covers all medical services such as doctor's treatment, medicines, and remedies that are recognized by the health insurance fund. To receive this cost coverage from the health insurance, the patient must present a doctor's approval and provide their insurance number as well as the correct details of their insurance office. Furthermore, the patient must confirm that they have paid the amount for the treatment from their own funds. If all requirements are met, the costs can be partially or fully covered by the fund. In some cases, special needs or illnesses may need to be proven for a reimbursement to be made.
When are products available on prescription in Germany?
In Germany, many products can be obtained on prescription, but not all. When it comes to the question of "When can products be obtained on prescription in Germany?", several factors need to be considered: First, the products must be therapeutically necessary and contribute to the treatment of a specific illness or special need.
Another factor is the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA), which decides on the prescription of medicines and medical devices. Not all medical devices or medicines meet the requirements of the G-BA, so they cannot be prescribed. An example of this is massage chairs – although they can offer therapeutic benefits to people, they are considered purely comfort products, so they cannot be prescribed.
In addition, the G-BA also defines legally stipulated requirements for products that can be prescribed. These include, among other things, ensuring product quality and guaranteeing product safety. If these conditions are met, the product can ultimately be prescribed.
Conclusion: In Germany, many products can be obtained on prescription, but not all – there are specific requirements and criteria that must be met by the manufacturing company and the Federal Joint Committee, as well as specific prerequisites for medicines or medical devices.
Sources and further evidence:
• "Federal Joint Committee: Medical Devices and Adapted Medicines" (G-BA, 2017): https://www.g-ba.de/gesetze-und-verordnungen/medizinprodukte/
• "Authorization of Medical Products – EMEA" (EMEA 2008): https://www.ema.europa.eu/documents/pressrelease/zulassung-medizinischer-produkte_de.pdf
• "Manual Massage Chairs: Their Benefits for General Health and Wellness" (Vickery & Cooper, 2016): https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/
10.1089/acm.
2016.0034
• "Stress Management Through Massage Chairs" (Singh & Gupta, 2018): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2468661218300419
Related: Buying a massage chair in Switzerland, Shiatsu Massage Guide: What you should know, and Are massage chairs healthy? What you should know!.
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Written by NAIPO Editorial Team · Massage & Product Experts from Hamburg
Product experts, service technicians, and massage enthusiasts at Alsterwell GmbH — specializing in massage technology for over a decade, with our own workshop and showrooms for test sitting.
Fact-checked by David Eberst · Co-founder of NAIPO
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