Medical Care

In an emergency, you will find in Germany a dense network of local doctors with various specialisms, hospitals and drop-in centres. As a rule, you can choose any doctor you prefer.

When people experience a health problem, most go first to their family doctor (a doctor in general practice - or for children, a paediatrician). They will either coordinate the treatment themselves or refer you to a specialist doctor, possibly at a hospital.

Specialist doctors such as gynaecologists or ear, nose and throat doctors specialise in a particular field. If necessary, your family doctor will refer you to a specialist doctor. However, you can also go to a specialist doctor directly.

Doctors usually offer appointments for treatment. If you are not registered, you will often have to wait. Whenever possible you should call in advance and make an appointment. Keep in mind that the next possible appointment in a specialist practice might be in a few weeks or even months.

If you need medical help at night, at the weekend or on a public holiday you can call the on-call medical service on the telephone number 116 117. (Note: this number is the same nationwide)

If you suffer from acute illness or injury but you can still walk, go to the emergency centre (Rettungsstelle) of the nearest hospital. You may have to wait some time there.

In the event of an emergency (acute, life-threatening condition) call the emergency number 112. An ambulance will then take you to a hospital.

You find pharmacies everywhere in your town. At night and at the weekend, you find the addresses of nearby "emergency pharmacies" at every pharmacy.

Information about Health Insurance

All residents in Germany must take out health insurance. Most people are insured with a statutory health insurance company. The largest statutory health insurance companies include, for example, Barmer or AOK. When you are insured, as a rule your health insurance fund will pay the costs for treatment by a doctor or in hospital. However you may have to pay some extra money for special treatments.

If you exceed a certain income threshold, you can also select a private health insurance policy.

You will be issued with an electronic health card from the health insurance fund that insures you. The card displays your name, date of birth, address, insurance policy number and a picture of you. You present this health card before every treatment from the doctor or in hospital.

Information for Refugees in the Asylum Process

People who are seeking asylum in Germany are not initially insured. Asylum-seekers can receive treatment from a doctor if:

they have an acute illness
they are in pain
they are pregnant.

The costs of healthcare in these situations are covered by the German state. For this, you must first get a special health insurance certificate from a social welfare office. In some federal Länder, refugees are also given an electronic health card.

Finding a Doctor by Language in North Rhine-Westphalia

In North Rhine-Westphalia, you can find a doctor who speaks your language using the online doctor directory of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians.

External Links

Online Doctor Directory of the North Rhine Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians

Online Doctor Directory of the Westphalia-Lippe Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians

Finding a Doctor by Language in Baden-Wurttemberg

You can find doctors and psychotherapists who speak other languages at the Baden-Wurttemberg Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians.

To find a dentist, you can use the Online Dentist Search of the Baden-Wurttemberg State Chamber of Dentists.

These websites are only available in German.

Finding a Doctor by Language in Bavaria

You can find doctors, dentists and psychotherapists who speak other languages at the Bavaria Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. To choose the language spoken, please use the Expert Search.

To find a dentist, you can use the Online Dentist Search of the Bavarian State Chamber of Dentists.

These websites are only available in German.