A29-02 Healthcare Situation of 3,345 Long Covid Patients in Germany: Results of a Nationwide Survey

Background Long COVID include persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection and leads to multiple physical and psychosocial burdens. Methods Between March and April 2025, an anonymous online survey was used to recruit a nationwide sample of Long COVID patients in Germany. Demographic parameters, symptoms, use of outpatient/inpatient care services and subjective satisfaction with care were recorded. Results In total, 3,345 people (average age 49 ± 13 years; 81.5% women) completed the survey. 83.8% reported a medically confirmed Long COVID diagnosis, with a further 12.2% reporting a post-vac syndrome. The average duration of symptoms was 2.8 ± 1.1 years, with only 36.4% reporting an improvement in their symptoms over time. Almost nine out of ten patients (89.1 %) were on long-term sick leave (average 1.8 ± 1.3 years), and 95 % reported total or partial incapacity for work and 46.4 % had applied for a pension. General practitioner care was the first point of contact for 75.7%. Over the course of the illness, 93% consulted more than three and 21.5% more than ten different physicians. Personal financial contributions were high: 41.4% invested more than $1,000 and 11.3% more than $10,000 in diagnostics or therapy. 60% were already referred to a rehabilitation program. However, 97.2% of people rated their general care as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor‘. Conclusions This survey highlights a high and persistent burden among Long COVID patients, as well as significant socioeconomic consequences, accompanied by a predominantly negative evaluation of the current care situation in Germany. Improvements require structured, easily accessible, and cross-sectoral services. Improving the primary care system, establishing clear referral pathways, and - where clinically indicated - integrating rehabilitative interventions into an interdisciplinary care concept could potentially help to improve the care situation of patients with Long COVID.