Germany was the first country to introduce a nationwide system that allows doctors and psychotherapists to prescribe certified medical apps.
These “apps on prescription” (known as Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen or DiGAs in German) are not lifestyle products. They must meet strict medical, technical and data‑protection standards before they appear in the official DiGA directory, which is maintained by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).
Once approved, a DiGA can be prescribed like any other form of therapy. Patients can download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, but it’s only free of charge if activated with a code provided by your health insurance provider.
Patients are issued this code when they submit a prescription from their doctor or therapist.
If no DiGA currently exists for a particular condition, it is worth checking again in the future as more products are added to the list every year.
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What digital health apps are already available on prescription?
At the moment, 55 DiGAs are covered by statutory health insurance in Germany. Forty‑three of these have permanent approval because they have already demonstrated lasting medical benefits, while another 12 are provisionally approved while more data is collected.
Mental health is the largest single category, with 26 apps supporting the treatment of depression, social phobia, panic disorder, generalised anxiety, stress, burnout and other conditions.
Metabolic conditions are another significant area, with eight apps focused on issues such as type‑2 diabetes and obesity.
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Five apps offer support with musculoskeletal issues, including back pain and joint problems.
Three apps deal with heart and circulation, helping patients manage hypertension or recover from cardiac events.
Another three support the nervous system, while three more help with urogenital conditions. The remaining apps cover fields including endometriosis, tinnitus, stopping smoking and cancer‑related fatigue.
The top three
To give a better sense of how DiGAs work in practice, we looked at three apps identified in the DiGA directory as “the best‑rated”.
Mindable: Social Phobia
Mindable is designed for adults who struggle with social anxiety and experience intense fear of being judged in everyday situations such as meetings, gatherings or casual conversations.
The app uses short theory modules, reflective questions and interactive explanations to help users understand why social anxiety develops.
It includes daily attention‑training exercises that encourage users to shift their focus outward rather than dwelling on perceived flaws. The programme also guides users through real‑life exposure tasks, gradually helping them face difficult situations.
Weekly check‑ups and symptom questionnaires allow users to track their progress. Mindable cites studies showing significant reductions in social anxiety symptoms after around twelve weeks of use.
Actensio
Actensio supports adults with high blood pressure who want more structure and guidance in managing their condition. The app focuses on three central areas: improving diet, increasing physical activity and strengthening stress‑management habits.
A friendly digital coach explains hypertension in simple terms and offers practical suggestions that can be integrated into daily routines. These may include small adjustments to eating patterns, movement habits or methods for coping with stressful moments.
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In addition to this coaching element, actensio serves as a digital blood‑pressure diary. Users record readings, medication and symptoms; the app presents the data in clear visual graphs, making it easier for patients and doctors to spot patterns and adjust treatment.
Clinical studies cited by the manufacturer show that people using actensio reduced their systolic blood pressure by around 5 mmHg more than a control group over three months.
ViViRA
ViViRA is aimed at people with back pain or other musculoskeletal problems who can safely carry out therapeutic exercises at home. It’s designed as an accessible alternative or supplement to conventional physiotherapy, particularly for those who struggle to attend regular appointments.
After a short onboarding process and an introductory training phase, the app provides personalised daily exercise programmes designed to fit smoothly into the user’s daily routine.
Clinical studies referenced by the company suggest that ViViRA can reduce back pain to a clinically significant degree over twelve weeks.
Users reported feeling relief after only a short time and often described the exercises as simple, motivating and effective, according to testimonials on the website.
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