DiGA

DiGA stands for digital health applications—certified apps and web-based programs that support the treatment of certain conditions and can be prescribed by a doctor. They are the newest coverage category in supplementary health insurance (bKV) plans and, as a result, are regulated inconsistently.

What a DiGA Is

Unlike general health and fitness apps, DiGA apps undergo a formal review process and are listed in an official registry. Typical areas of application include back pain, tinnitus, sleep disorders, anxiety and depression, and chronic conditions such as diabetes.

The app is not a substitute for medical treatment, but rather a supplement to it—usually in the form of structured exercise programs, progress tracking, or therapeutic modules.

How the bKV Handles This

The regulations vary greatly:

• As a separate benefit component with a separate annual maximum amount
• From the health care budget, with no specific limit
• Not at all, especially with older rate plans

Because statutory health insurance already covers DiGA under certain conditions, the added value of supplemental health insurance often lies in reimbursement that exceeds statutory limits—for example, for applications that do not require a prescription or for extended periods of use.

Why This Component Is Gaining Importance

There are two reasons: It’s easy to access, and the areas of application often cover precisely the issues that cause the most absences among employees—back problems and mental stress.

This makes DiGA one of the few service modules for which a plausible link to absenteeism can be established. However, one should not claim a measurable effect without having substantiated it within one’s own organization.

What to Look for When Comparing Options

• Are digital health apps (DiGA) eligible for reimbursement at all?
• Is there a separate annual maximum amount, or is the reimbursement deducted from the budget?
• Is a doctor's prescription required?
• Are only the listed applications eligible for reimbursement, or are other programs eligible as well?

Conclusion

DiGAs are a relatively new component that is not yet uniformly regulated. For workforces that spend a lot of time working at computer screens or dealing with psychological stress, they can be a useful addition—but as a selection criterion, they take a back seat to budget, reimbursement rates, and established services.