Saxony's health resorts and spas are hoping for a renaissance in outpatient preventative cures. Since 2021, these have once again been a mandatory service provided by statutory health insurance companies, but are only used to a limited extent, explained Ricarda Lorenz, President of the Saxon Spa Association. At the State Spa Day on Thursday and Friday in Warmbad (Erzgebirgskreis), the aim is now to discuss how these services can be given a boost.
Outpatient preventive spa treatments usually last three weeks. The health insurance company covers the costs of the treatments, but patients have to pay for their own accommodation. The law only provides for an allowance of up to 16 euros per day. However, this only covers a fraction of the costs for a room in a boarding house, for example. Lorenz also suspects that too little is known about the possibility of outpatient preventive cures. Insured persons could apply to their GP or specialist for an outpatient cure every three years if they meet the requirements.
