Adjustment of the list of medicines and their benefit for the well-being of the insured.

As is well known, the COVID-19 outbreak affected our economy, forcing AZV to cut spending by 60 million. This meant that AZV had to reduce the number of reimbursed medicines.
One of the most significant changes was directly related to the adjustment of the National Decree on Claims for Medicines and Bandages (AZV), promulgated on July 1, 2022, and entered into force on October 1, 2022.

The biggest modification was that the covered people were no longer entitled to over-the-counter (OTC) medications, available without a prescription from a doctor. 
Additionally, a different class of medications was taken off the list of positives. As of right now, AZV has made an exception, meaning that they are only paid for chronic illnesses or specified medical indications. Now, almost five years after the COVID-19 pandemic and with the economic recovery, AZV has every opportunity to give something back to its policyholders.

What does the change mean effective May 1, 2025?

Due to the adjustment of the list of medicines, approximately 129 medicines have been removed. In contrast to the previous situation, where AZV only paid for these for a specific group of policyholders, namely those with chronic conditions, these are now available again for all AZV policyholders. It means you will also receive your medicines in the event of a short-term illness.

To give some examples of what AZV reimburses:

• Medicines for allergies: the generic medicines Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, or Promethazine.
• Medicines for stomach pain: Losec, Pantoprazole, Famotidine, etc.
• Painkillers such as Cataflam, Voltaren, Celebrex, Ibuprofen, etc.
• Remedy for dry eyes, natural tears, etc.
• Remedies for diarrhea and vomiting: Motilium, Primperan, Imodium, Bisacodyl, etc.
• Medication to support the digestive system: Metamucil, Duphalac, etc.
• Medicines for eczema or skin rash, such as Nizoral or Dermovate.

The insured can therefore go to the pharmacy with peace of mind, since AZV reimburses these medicines without any restrictions.

Beware of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.

All insured persons must consider that the category of medicines "OTC" (over-the-counter), i.e., self-care medicines, is not covered by the AZV reimbursement. These are medicines for which you do not need a prescription and do not have to go to a general practitioner (or specialist!). You can buy these medicines directly from the pharmacy.

For more information, please consult the complete list of medications.