The Health Ministry has updated the official prices of licensed medicines for 2026, resulting in changes — both increases and reductions — to patient contributions under the national health system, the Health Insurance Organization (HIO) has said.
The annual price revision took effect 2 February and affects Contribution II, the amount patients pay at pharmacies for drugs reimbursed by Gesy.
According to the HIO, Contribution II changed for 291 of the 2,419 products on the national list. Contributions decreased for 94 medicines and increased for 197.
The updated Pharmaceutical Products Catalogue, including revised Contribution II amounts and the exact increases or reductions compared with prices valid until 1 February, is available on the Gesy website.
The HIO reminded beneficiaries that Gesy fully reimburses the lowest‑priced drug in each therapeutic category.
In those cases, patients pay only a €1 co‑payment per item. If a doctor prescribes a more expensive option, patients must pay the price difference as Contribution II.
Patients are encouraged to ask doctors and pharmacists about medicines with zero Contribution II that contain the same active ingredient and dosage as the prescribed drug.
These alternatives are equally safe and effective, the HIO said.
