Germany's GeDIG health data law draws doctor and industry reactions

The German federal cabinet approved the draft Law for Data and Digital Innovation in Healthcare (GeDIG) on 14‑15 July 2026. The legislation seeks to make health data more usable, link digital infrastructure and allow health insurers to access information from electronic patient records, including diagnoses, medication, and personal data such as smoking, nutrition and alcohol consumption. It also permits insurers to run "real‑world" laboratories to test processing of personal health data.

Bundesärztekammer President Dr. Klaus Reinhardt warned that the expanded insurer access could undermine the trusted doctor‑patient relationship, calling it “a dangerous paradigm shift”. He urged parliament not to approve the extended data‑access provisions, arguing that medical decisions must remain the sole responsibility of physicians.

Industry association Bitkom welcomed the law’s aim to improve data usability and interoperability within the health sector, noting that better digital infrastructure is essential for future healthcare innovation.