A diagnosis of glaucoma raises not only medical but also financial questions for many of those affected.
Which tests and treatments are covered by statutory health insurance? Which services must be paid for privately?
In this article, we provide you with a comprehensive overview of typical costs associated with glaucoma care – so that you are well-informed and prepared.
Glaucoma is a chronic condition affecting the optic nerve, usually caused by increased pressure inside the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
Typical symptoms include gradual loss of peripheral vision (scotoma), which often goes unnoticed at first.
In rare cases, an acute glaucoma attack may occur – characterised by sudden, severe eye pain, headaches, nausea, blurred vision and a red eye. This constitutes an ophthalmological emergency and requires immediate treatment.
As the optic nerve cannot regenerate, lifelong treatment is necessary – usually in the form of eye drops, laser treatment or surgery.
The aim of treatment is to permanently reduce the pressure and thus halt the progression of the disease.
The statutory health insurance funds cover all medically necessary services for the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. The following table provides an overview of typical benefits covered by health insurance:
| Service | Is it covered? |
| Intraocular pressure measurement (IOP) | ✔️ Yes |
| Slit-lamp examination | ✔️ Yes |
| Assessment of the optic nerve | ✔️ Yes |
| Visual field testing (perimetry) | ✔️ Yes |
| Prescription of eye drops | ✔️ Yes (with co-payment) |
| Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) | ✔️ Usually yes |
| Surgical procedures (e.g. trabeculectomy, canaloplasty) | ✔️ Yes, if indicated |
Some modern or supplementary examinations are classified as individual healthcare services (IGeL) and must be paid for privately – even if they are medically justified.
These include, amongst others, high-resolution imaging such as OCT, specialised measurements of corneal thickness, or devices for self-monitoring of intraocular pressure such as the iCare HOME.
Even particularly well-tolerated, preservative-free eye drops are not always reimbursed. These additional services enable even more accurate diagnosis and personalised care.
At Bányai Augenheilkunde, we will discuss with you in a face-to-face consultation whether these are medically justified in your case, with a view to detecting glaucoma at an early stage or managing it more effectively. At Bányai Augenheilkunde, we provide you with detailed advice on when such additional diagnostic tests are appropriate.
Private health insurers generally cover a wider range of services – including many imaging procedures and preservative-free medicines, depending on the policy.
In case of doubt, it is advisable to obtain written confirmation of cost coverage. Here too, medical necessity is a prerequisite.
A statutory co-payment applies to prescription eye drops (usually €5–10 per pack).
Medical aids such as application aids or special bottles often have to be paid for privately, but can be prescribed by a doctor in justified cases.
A regular glaucoma screening without specific grounds for suspicion is not usually covered by statutory health insurance, unless there is an increased risk (e.g. a family history of the condition).
Some health insurance providers offer bonus schemes or cover certain screening services on request.
Glaucoma treatment involves many services, a large proportion of which are covered by statutory health insurance.
Additional examinations or modern medications may incur extra costs – but they also offer valuable benefits.
Bányai Augenheilkunde supports you not only medically, but also with transparent advice on costs, reimbursement and sensible additional services.
If your current treatment is not having the desired effect or you are experiencing side effects, you can seek a second medical opinion.
It is also possible to switch to better-tolerated eye drops or other procedures (e.g. SLT or MIGS) – in consultation with your treating ophthalmologist.
Statutory health insurance covers the costs if there is a medical indication.
Some health insurance providers only cover certain additional services, such as OCT or corneal topography, in specific cases or under selective contracts.
It is worth making specific enquiries with your own health insurance provider. Bonus schemes, where you are rewarded for regular check-ups, may also include glaucoma-related services.
Examinations, co-payments or medical aids paid for out of your own pocket may, under certain conditions, be claimed for tax purposes as extraordinary expenses.
It is advisable to keep receipts carefully and, if in doubt, to seek tax advice.
Patients on low incomes can apply for exemption from statutory co-payments.
In addition, some social funds, patient organisations or foundations offer financial assistance if urgently needed treatments are not covered. Ask your ophthalmologist’s practice for details of relevant organisations.
Comprehensive documentation through regular imaging procedures (e.g. OCT or visual field testing) can not only be medically beneficial but also assist with claims for cost coverage.
It provides verifiable evidence of the progression of glaucoma and the need for specific interventions.
Generally speaking, yes – if medically indicated, it is covered by health insurance.
In many cases, yes – unless there is a specific medical reason or you have private insurance.
Not always – it depends on the specific product and your individual circumstances.
Depending on the scope, around €20–80, depending on the methods used.
In the case of a chronic condition, you may be exempt from the co-payment – speak to your health insurance provider.
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