Germany’s direct healthcare expenditure reached 491.6 billion euros in 2023, according to data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). This figure represents a substantial increase from 430.1 billion euros in 2020 and 337.1 billion euros in 2015.
Per capita healthcare costs averaged 5,900 euros in 2023, a rise of 670 euros (12.7 percent) compared to 2020 and 1,760 euros (42.4 percent) since 2015. Cardiovascular diseases and mental and behavioral disorders remained the most costly conditions.
In 2023, over a quarter (26.0 percent) of total healthcare expenditure was attributable to cardiovascular diseases (13.1 percent or 64.6 billion euros) and mental and behavioral disorders (12.9 percent or 63.3 billion euros). Digestive diseases accounted for 10.3 percent (50.6 billion euros) and musculoskeletal disorders for 10.1 percent (49.9 billion euros). Neoplasms, including cancer, comprised 9.7 percent (47.6 billion euros) of healthcare costs. These five categories together accounted for approximately half of the total healthcare expenditure in 2023.
This distribution of costs has remained relatively stable over time, with these five categories comprising 55.7 percent of total costs in 2015 and 54.7 percent in 2020.
Healthcare costs increase significantly with age. Individuals aged 65 and over accounted for over half (53.2 percent) of total healthcare expenditure in 2023, amounting to 261.8 billion euros, or 14,070 euros per capita.
The 15-29 age group experienced the lowest per capita healthcare costs at 2,270 euros, while those under 15 years old incurred costs of 2,450 euros per capita. The 30-44 age group had costs of 2,950 euros per capita, lower than the 45-64 age group at 5,230 euros. Per capita costs rose to 11,480 euros for those aged 65-84 and reached 28,860 euros for those over 85.
In 2023, women had higher per capita healthcare costs (6,490 euros) than men (5,300 euros), a difference of 1,190 euros. Cardiovascular diseases were more costly for men (800 euros per capita) than women (750 euros), but mental and behavioral disorders were significantly more costly for women (920 euros per capita) than men (600 euros). The higher overall per capita costs for women are attributable to a combination of gender-specific conditions, costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth, their higher life expectancy and the larger proportion of older and very old women within the population. Of the approximately 2.8 million individuals aged 85 and over in 2023, nearly two-thirds (65.4 percent) were female.