In short
For health insurance glasses, statutory insured persons aged 18 and over receive a subsidy for the lenses once their visual impairment reaches a certain strength. For short or long sightedness, the threshold is more than 6.0 dioptres. The insurer pays only for the lenses, not for the frame. Fixed amounts for glasses have not existed since 1 March 2025, so the amount depends on the contracts with opticians.
The most important facts at a glance
| Point | Value | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short or long sightedness | Entitlement from more than 6.0 dioptres, usually from 6.25 | 11 June 2025 | Consumer Advice Centre |
| Astigmatism | Entitlement from more than 4.0 dioptres, usually from 4.25 | 11 June 2025 | Consumer Advice Centre |
| Severe visual impairment | Visual acuity with glasses or contact lenses at most 30 percent | 11 June 2025 | Consumer Advice Centre |
| Co-payment | 10 percent of the costs, at least €5, at most €10 | 11 June 2025 | Consumer Advice Centre |
From what strength do health insurance glasses get subsidised?
The threshold depends on the type of visual defect. For short or long sightedness, entitlement begins above 6.0 dioptres. If your value is below that, the insurer generally pays nothing. For astigmatism, entitlement begins above 4.0 dioptres. A severe visual impairment exists if visual acuity, even with glasses or contact lenses, is at most 30 percent.
For the first prescription you need a prescription from your ophthalmologist. For later adjustments, a measurement by the optician is usually sufficient.
What does health insurance actually pay for glasses?
Since fixed amounts were abolished, the reimbursement depends on the contracts between the insurer and the optician. The total therefore depends on your visual strength, the type of lens and the contract price. The insurer covers the lenses, but you pay for the frame yourself.
With a contracted optician you pay a co-payment of 10 percent of the costs, at least €5 and at most €10. The exact amount is therefore best checked with your insurer or the optician.
Worked example: lenses and frame
The prices in this worked example for health insurance glasses are assumed. The contract prices of your insurer may differ.
- Contract price of the lenses: €240.
- Co-payment: 10 percent of €240 = €24, capped at €10.
- The insurer pays €240 minus €10 = €230.
- Frame, paid by you: €150.
- Your own share: €10 + €150 = €160.
Do screen or workplace glasses count?
Statutory health insurance does not pay for a screen or workplace pair of glasses. The employer is responsible for that. Children under 14 have separate rules, for example for plastic lenses and sports glasses.
How should I proceed?
- Have your visual strength measured by an ophthalmologist and obtain a prescription.
- Check whether your values exceed the threshold. If you are just below it, ask the ophthalmologist for an exact measurement.
- Choose an optician with a contract with your insurer, so that the co-payment applies.
- Ask for a cost estimate before buying that shows the amount covered by health insurance.
- Keep the invoice and the prescription in case your insurer asks.
Frequently asked questions
From how many dioptres does health insurance pay for glasses?
For short or long sightedness from more than 6.0 dioptres, usually from 6.25. For astigmatism from more than 4.0 dioptres.
Does health insurance also pay for the frame?
No. The insurer covers the lenses. You pay for the frame yourself.
What is the co-payment?
10 percent of the costs, at least €5 and at most €10, if you buy from a contracted optician.
Does health insurance pay for screen glasses?
No. Screen or workplace glasses are the employer’s responsibility.
Related articles
- Private health insurance and glasses: what PKV pays (in German)
- Student health insurance 2026 in figures (in German)
- Glossary: health insurance during studies (in German)
Sources and verification
- Consumer Advice Centre, article “Neue Brille? Krankenkasse zahlt nur in Ausnahmefällen” (“New glasses? Health insurance only pays in exceptional cases”), status 11 June 2025, retrieved 20 October 2026.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
Editorial team: Academycon
For a first assessment, you can use the online check.
Last updated: October 2026. This article provides general information and does not replace individual advice.
