Blog Details

Germany fueling medical tourism boom: How you need to know?

Germany is becoming a hotspot for medical tourism as the cost of Ozempic, a drug used to treat obesity, is drastically lower compared to the United States.

With a price difference exceeding 90%, obese Americans are eyeing Germany, particularly Düsseldorf, as a destination for affordable Ozempic prescriptions and comprehensive preventive medical checkups that are often inaccessible in the U.S. due to insurance limitations.

Ozempic Pricing Disparity: U.S. vs. Germany

In the United States, a one-month supply of Ozempic costs between $850 and $1,600 for uninsured patients.

By contrast, in Germany, the same drug is available for as low as $76.16 per month without insurance. For insured Germans, the co-pay is only €10.00 ($10.55).

This massive pricing disparity has drawn criticism of Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company behind the drug, for its profit-driven pricing strategy in the U.S.

In Germany, Ozempic is sold in a 12-week supply, with three pens and 12 needles priced at €216.70 ($228.47), further highlighting the affordability gap compared to the U.S., where a three-month supply can exceed $3,000.

Medical Tourism Surge in Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is preparing for a wave of American medical tourists seeking affordable access to Ozempic.

The city offers a unique blend of top-tier medical facilities and cultural attractions, allowing visitors to combine healthcare with leisure.

Tourists can enjoy the city’s famous “alt” beer and Sauerbraten while accessing a $77 monthly supply of Ozempic—a fraction of U.S. prices.

The Cost of Obesity Treatment in the U.S.

Novo Nordisk is reportedly anticipating $35 billion from U.S. taxpayers over the next decade through Medicaid and Medicare, should these programs begin covering Ozempic.

While this could be a game-changer for the over 3 million obese Americans who struggle to afford the drug, it also raises questions about the financial burden on taxpayers and the unchecked profit margins of pharmaceutical companies.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra called the potential Medicaid and Medicare coverage “a game changer for Americans who can’t afford these drugs otherwise.” However, critics argue that the pricing disparity remains a glaring issue.

Novo Nordisk Under Fire

Novo Nordisk has faced backlash for prioritizing U.S. distribution while maintaining significantly lower prices in Europe. When approached for comment by eTurboNews, the company did not respond. Meanwhile, German pharmacists noted occasional supply shortages, attributing the issue to the company’s focus on U.S. distribution.

The Bigger Picture

The Biden administration’s proposed legislation to expand access to obesity drugs like Ozempic through Medicare and Medicaid is a significant step forward.

However, the staggering cost of these drugs in the U.S. compared to Germany has fueled debates about the pharmaceutical industry’s pricing practices.

Critics argue that Americans are unfairly burdened, with taxpayers footing the bill for exorbitant prices while the same drugs are sold at a fraction of the cost in Europe.

Germany’s affordable pricing model, combined with its robust healthcare infrastructure, positions it as a prime destination for medical tourism. As more Americans explore options abroad, the spotlight on global pharmaceutical pricing practices is intensifying.