Contraception (pill online)

The contraceptive pill is one of the most commonly used methods of birth control in Germany. In a video consultation you can conveniently request your repeat prescription online – following a medical assessment, a private prescription under the German GOÄ fee schedule can be issued. An initial prescription requires a particularly careful review of your risk factors and is only possible online to a limited extent.

Medically reviewed by Adi Zoabi, Approbation als Arzt.
Last reviewed on August 31, 2026. Updated as clinical guidelines change.

Overview

Hormonal contraception with the pill is one of the most widely used methods of birth control in Germany. Many women take their preparation for years with good tolerability and simply need a new prescription at regular intervals. This is exactly what the video consultation is well suited for: you describe to the doctor which preparation you are taking, how well you tolerate it and whether your health situation has changed. Following a medical assessment, a private prescription can then be issued, which you can redeem at any pharmacy. The consultation is billed as a private service under the German medical fee schedule (GOÄ); privately insured patients can submit the invoice to their insurer. Important to know: a prescription is never issued automatically. In every individual case, the doctor reviews risk factors such as smoking, age, migraine or a history of thrombosis, and may decline the prescription or recommend an in-person examination.

Common causes

The most common reason for an online contraception consultation is a used-up prescription: the pack is running out, but the next appointment at the gynaecological practice is still weeks away or, after moving to a new city, has not yet been arranged at all. Other typical concerns are uncertainties after intake errors – such as a missed pill, vomiting or diarrhoea – as well as questions about interactions with newly prescribed medicines, for example certain antibiotics or St John's wort preparations. Some women wish to switch preparations because of side effects such as breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness or mood changes. Finally, there is often a need for advice on alternatives when life circumstances or risk factors have changed – from progestogen-only preparations to the vaginal ring, hormonal IUD and non-hormonal methods.

When to see a doctor

An in-person visit to a gynaecological practice is advisable if you want to take the pill for the first time, if new risk factors such as high blood pressure, migraine with aura or heavy smoking have emerged, or if unusual bleeding, pain during intercourse or palpable changes in the breast occur. Regular gynaecological screening should also be attended independently of any online prescription request. Call the emergency number 112 immediately if warning signs of thrombosis or embolism occur while using hormonal contraception: sudden shortness of breath, pain or tightness in the chest, one-sided swelling or pain in the leg, sudden very severe headache, or vision, speech or paralysis symptoms. In these situations every minute counts – do not wait for a video consultation appointment.

Symptoms & Indications

Your pill supply is running out and you need a repeat prescription You have been taking your preparation for a longer period and tolerate it well Questions about taking the pill, for example after a missed pill, vomiting or diarrhoea Side effects such as breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness or mood changes Wish to switch preparations because of intolerance Questions about interactions with other medicines Advice on hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptive methods Questions about contraception in particular phases of life, for example after childbirth or from age 40

Treatment Options

Repeat prescription for combined hormonal contraceptives (combined pill) following a medical assessment
Repeat prescription for progestogen-only preparations (mini pill) following a medical assessment
Structured assessment of risk factors such as smoking, migraine or a family history of thrombosis before every prescription
Advice on the dosing schedule and what to do after intake errors
Advice on alternatives such as the vaginal ring, hormonal patch, intrauterine device or barrier methods
Recommendation of regular blood pressure checks and gynaecological screening examinations
Clarification of when an in-person visit to a gynaecological practice is required

Important Notes

An initial prescription of the pill should ideally follow an in-person examination including a blood pressure measurement. Online it is only possible after a particularly careful medical assessment – the decision always rests with the doctor.
If you experience sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, one-sided leg swelling, very severe headache, or vision, speech or paralysis symptoms while taking the pill, call the emergency number 112 immediately – these can be signs of thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or stroke.
The video consultation does not replace regular gynaecological screening examinations.
The morning-after pill (emergency contraception) is available in Germany from pharmacies without a prescription. It works more reliably the earlier it is taken – seek advice directly at the pharmacy.

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Medical notice: Not a substitute for an in-person medical examination. The information on this page is intended for general guidance only. In an emergency, please call 112.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my pill prescription online?

Yes, the repeat prescription for the pill is one of the most established telemedicine services. If you have been tolerating your preparation well for a longer period, the doctor can issue a private prescription after reviewing your information and risk factors. There is no entitlement to a prescription – the decision always lies within the doctor's discretion.

What does the online contraception consultation cost?

The video consultation is billed as a private service under the German medical fee schedule (GOÄ). Privately insured patients can submit the invoice to their insurer; whether and how much is reimbursed depends on the individual plan. Self-payers receive a transparent GOÄ invoice. The cost of the contraceptive itself is charged additionally at the pharmacy.

Can I also get an initial prescription of the pill via video?

An initial prescription is only possible online to a limited extent, because risk factors should be carefully reviewed and blood pressure ideally measured before first use. Following a medical assessment, a prescription may be issued in individual cases, for example if current blood pressure readings are available and no risk factors are present. In many cases, however, the doctor will recommend an in-person examination at a gynaecological practice.

What information does the doctor need for a repeat prescription?

It helps to have the exact name of your current preparation, how long you have been taking it and how well you tolerate it. Also important are current blood pressure readings, your smoking habits, known conditions such as migraine with aura, and previous thromboses in yourself or your family. The more complete your information, the better the medical assessment can be.

What should I do if I have missed a pill?

The correct course of action depends on the preparation, the week of the cycle and how late you are – the information in the package leaflet is decisive. In many cases the missed pill can be taken late, but contraceptive protection may no longer be reliable. In a video consultation you can clarify the specific steps and the question of additional contraception with a doctor.