Updated: October 2026
In short: A fasting cleanse you do yourself at home is generally not paid for by health insurance. Subsidies go to certified prevention courses that have been checked by the Zentrale Prüfstelle Prävention (the central prevention testing body). A fasting cleanse in a rehab clinic can only be covered under certain conditions. Which benefits exactly exist differs by insurer, so ask beforehand. As of October 2026.
Many people wonder whether their insurer will support a fasting cleanse. Here's what we were able to verify, and what you have to clarify yourself with your insurer.
Does health insurance pay for a fasting cleanse?
Not across the board. A fasting cleanse on your own, whether with juices, soups or broth, is not an insurance benefit. It's different with certified prevention courses and, in certain cases, medically justified measures in clinics.
The AOK writes: "A fasting cleanse in a rehab clinic can only be covered by the health insurer under certain conditions." Benefits differ by AOK region. What those conditions are is not generally fixed; you have to ask your insurer. We can't promise any coverage.
Important in practice: the legal situation and insurers' statutory benefits change. What applies today may be different next year. So use the current information from your insurer on its website or by phone, and don't rely on forum reports or old experiences. That also applies to our article, which we wrote as of October 2026 and which does not replace checking with your insurer.
What are prevention courses under § 20 SGB V?
Courses meant to prevent illness, which statutory health insurers subsidise. The quality of such courses is checked by the Zentrale Prüfstelle Prävention. The TK names these conditions for its subsidy: a fixed start and end date with a fixed group of participants, a valid certification (three years maximum) and attendance at at least 80 percent of the sessions.
The AOK offers courses in four areas: exercise, stress management, nutrition and addictive substances. The AOK doesn't list fasting as a course topic of its own on the overview page. If you're looking for certified nutrition courses, check your insurer's course search. These are, for example, courses on balanced nutrition, which can make sense as an everyday start after a fasting cleanse.
How much subsidy is there for health courses?
That depends on the insurer. As an example, the TK names from 15 October 2024: 80 percent of course fees, at most €150 for a single course and €300 for a combination course. Two certified courses per calendar year are possible. Before that, the upper limits were €75 for in-person courses and €100 for online courses.
| Example | Course fee | 80 percent | Subsidy (TK rule) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online course | €100 | €80 | €80 |
| In-person course | €200 | €160 | €150 (cap) |
| Combination course | €400 | €320 | €300 (cap) |
The examples only work through the TK rule. Other insurers may have different amounts. Before booking, check that the course is certified, otherwise you get nothing.
Are there subsidies for fasting weeks and health trips?
Possibly. By its own account, the TK covers health trips certified by the Zentrale Prüfstelle Prävention that began from 15 October 2024. This means prevention offers that don't take place where you live and involve an overnight stay. The same upper limits apply as for health courses.
Whether a particular fasting week falls under this, the TK doesn't say across the board. Ask your insurer before booking and have them confirm that the offer is certified. For fasting itself, duration and energy intake decide how much supervision makes sense. We explain the differences at Types of Fasting: Which One Is Right for Me?
What do you pay for therapeutic fasting in a clinic?
That depends on the individual case. According to the AOK, doctors decide whether inpatient therapeutic fasting or outpatient medical supervision is appropriate. Alternatively, certified fasting leaders can provide guidance. The AOK names no fixed cost coverage for therapeutic fasting.
For context, the AOK describes Buchinger therapeutic fasting at 250 to 500 kcal per day, a preparation day with about 1,000 kcal less and three refeeding days. It names 2 to 4 weeks as the optimal duration. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and children should not fast. If you want to apply for a cure, agree the route with your doctor and insurer before costs arise.
These questions help with the enquiry: what conditions apply for a fasting cleanse in a clinic? Do I need a medical prescription or an application? Which facilities are approved? What co-payment arises? Write down the answers, ideally with the date and name of the contact person, and keep the invoice and certificate of attendance. That saves you time and nerves in case of a dispute.
How do you proceed if you want a subsidy?
In five steps, before you book anything. It's important to go in this order.
| Step | What you do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check with your doctor whether fasting is suitable for you |
| 2 | Ask your insurer which courses and trips are subsidised |
| 3 | Check whether the provider is certified by the Zentrale Prüfstelle Prävention |
| 4 | Attend the course, at least 80 percent of the sessions |
| 5 | Send the certificate of attendance to your insurer |
The pattern comes from the TK conditions and applies only by analogy to other insurers. At the AOK, vouchers are needed for some offers, as it writes on its course page.
And what about the Juice Cleanse?
You buy a Juice Cleanse yourself. We don't know of any statutory insurer that subsidises products like our juices or soups, but we can't rule it out for every insurer. If in doubt, ask. On the other hand, you can plan the costs well: 1 day costs from €35.50, 3 days from €99.75, 5 days from €162.75 and 7 days from €227.50 (as of October 2026).
With the Juice Cleanse cost calculator you can see the prices per variant. The notes on suitability apply regardless of insurer: not for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children and people with a weakened immune system.
If you want to save costs without a subsidy, you have options: with a shorter cleanse you first test whether fasting suits you. Our free plans help with organisation, for example the Juice Cleanse plan as a PDF or the therapeutic fasting plan. If you're looking for a certified programme, combine the best of both: first attend a subsidised nutrition course, then try a short cleanse. That way you get to know daily life after fasting and at the same time collect the subsidy your insurer offers.
Matching picks from frank.
If you'd like to try a short, self-funded cleanse, you'll find cleanses from one to seven days in the Juice Cleanse collection, from €35.50 for one day (as of October 2026).
You might also like
- Types of Fasting: Which One Is Right for Me?
- What Is the Optimal Fasting Duration?
- Juice Cleanse Duration: How Long Does a Juice Cleanse Last?
Frequently asked questions about fasting cleanses and health insurance
Does health insurance cover a Juice Cleanse?
Generally no. Subsidies exist for certified prevention courses, not for purchased juices. Ask your insurer.
What is the Zentrale Prüfstelle Prävention?
The body certifies prevention courses according to fixed quality criteria. According to the TK, only certified courses are subsidised.
How much does the TK pay for health courses?
From 15 October 2024, 80 percent of fees, a maximum of €150 per single course and €300 for combination courses, two courses per year.
Does insurance pay for therapeutic fasting in a clinic?
According to the AOK, a fasting cleanse in a rehab clinic can only be covered under certain conditions. You clarify this beforehand with your doctor and insurer.
Do I need a medical certificate for fasting?
Usually not for prevention courses, but yes for cleanses in clinics. With pre-existing conditions, consulting a doctor is advisable in any case.
Note: This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical or therapeutic advice. If you have complaints, pre-existing conditions, are pregnant or take medication, please talk to your doctor first.
