Health Costs in Germany Hit €566 Billion in 2024, Driven by Cardiovascular and Mental Illness
In 2024, Germany's direct health costs reached €566 billion, driven mainly by cardiovascular and mental illnesses, with significant gender and age disparities.
Key details
- Total disease costs in Germany rose to €566 billion in 2024, a 7.6% increase from 2023.
- Per capita health expenses are €6,330, higher for women (€6,960) than men (€5,680).
- People over 65 years old cause over 53.8% of total health costs, with the highest costs in those over 85.
- Cardiovascular diseases (€69.4 billion) and mental disorders (€68.7 billion) are the most expensive health conditions.
Health-related expenses in Germany skyrocketed to approximately €566 billion in 2024, marking a 7.6% increase from the previous year, according to reports from the Federal Statistical Office and media coverage on October 8, 2026. Direct costs alone reached €528.5 billion, translating into an average per capita expenditure of €6,330.
There are significant gender and age-related disparities in health costs. Women bear higher per capita costs at €6,960, compared to €5,680 for men. This difference is mainly due to women's longer life expectancy and additional medical care related to pregnancy and childbirth. Age also plays a critical role; individuals over 65 years old account for more than half of total costs (over 53.8%), with costs rising sharply in those older than 85, hitting €30,150 per person.
The disease breakdown reveals cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders as the two most expensive conditions. Cardiovascular illnesses accounted for €69.4 billion, while mental and behavioral disorders followed closely with €68.7 billion. These mental health issues are particularly burdensome as they contribute to prolonged work absenteeism, with data from the AOK health insurer citing 403 days of sick leave per 100 members in 2025 due to psychological conditions. Each mental illness episode averages 28.5 days of absence.
These figures underscore the growing financial strain on Germany's healthcare system, particularly among the elderly and women. The prominence of cardiovascular and mental illnesses highlights where preventive and treatment efforts could be most impactful. With direct healthcare expenditures passing the €500 billion threshold for the first time, this rise calls for continued policy attention and resource allocation to address these costly health challenges effectively.
Source articles (2)
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zdfheute.de Oct 8, 2026
Psychische Erkrankungen Treiber: Krankheitskosten in Deutschland über halbe Billion Euro
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tagesschau.de Oct 8, 2026
Statistisches Bundesamt: Krankheitskosten in Deutschland weiter gestiegen
Source comparison
Total health costs
Sources report different total health costs for Germany in 2024.
zdfheute.de
"Die Krankheitskosten in Deutschland sind im Jahr 2024 auf etwa 566 Milliarden Euro gestiegen."
tagesschau.de
"In Deutschland sind die direkten Kosten für Krankheiten und Gesundheitsprobleme im Jahr 2024 um mehr als 7,6 Prozent gestiegen und haben erstmals die Marke von einer halben Billion Euro überschritten, mit Gesamtkosten von 528,5 Milliarden Euro."
Why this matters: One source states the total health costs are 566 billion Euro, while the other reports it as 528.5 billion Euro. This discrepancy significantly affects the understanding of the overall financial burden of health issues in Germany.
Percentage of total costs by age group
Sources report different percentages of total costs attributed to those over 65 years old.
zdfheute.de
"Über 65-Jährige machen mehr als die Hälfte der gesamten Krankheitskosten aus."
tagesschau.de
"Über 65-Jährige verursachen 53,8 Prozent der Gesamtkosten."
Why this matters: One source claims that over 65-year-olds account for more than half of the total costs, while the other specifies it as 53.8%. This difference in percentage affects the understanding of the financial impact of aging on healthcare costs.