Techniker Krankenkasse and Freenow by Lyft are testing digital medical transports in Hamburg.

The Techniker Krankenkasse has been testing since January 2026 in the Hamburg area a new digital procedure for doctor-ordered patient transports. Insured individuals can plan and book their authorization-required trips entirely via smartphone for the first time.

According to the health insurer, the test is being conducted as part of a technical feasibility study designed for six months. The goal is to merge authorization, trip planning and billing into a seamless end-to-end digital process.

Cooperation with Mobility and Billing Partners

For the pilot project, Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) is partnering with the mobility platform Freenow by Lyft as well as the billing service provider DAVASO. The platform is intended to enable suitable vehicles to be made available for people with reduced mobility, while at the same time ensuring short waiting times.

“The collaboration with TK is an important step in breaking down barriers and making medically necessary mobility more reliable, faster and easier to access. Together we will show how thoughtful technology makes the lives of our customers noticeably easier, even for trips to and from the hospital or the dialysis clinic.”

Said Felix Brand, Chief Strategy Officer at Freenow by Lyft.

Relief for Insured Individuals and Taxi Companies

To date, medical transports involve several manual steps, including approval by the health insurance provider and a separate appointment with the transport company. The new digital process is intended to simplify these steps and reduce the administrative burden for insured individuals, health insurers and taxi companies.

"This relieves our insured members of unnecessary paperwork and time expenditure," says Thomas Ballast, Deputy Chairman of TK's Board. "Together with Freenow we are now testing our newly developed digital process, which also simplifies billing."