Finding Medical Care in Germany: a comprehensive guide on GP’s and more

Getting quality medical care does not have to be a headache. While navigating the German healthcare system could seem complex at first, this friendly guide is here to walk you through everything – from finding the right doctors and making appointments to understanding insurance and knowing what to do in an emergency. By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll know every important detail about healthcare in Germany!

Seeing a General Practitioner (GP) / Hausarzt

What is a Hausarzt?

A Hausarzt (literally “house doctor”) or Allgemeinarzt (general practitioner) serves as your primary healthcare contact in Germany. This doctor acts as the central coordinator for your medical care, maintaining your health records and serving as the gateway to specialized medical services. The Hausarzt system is fundamental to how healthcare operates in Germany, ensuring continuity of care and proper medical coordination.

Why Choose a Primary GP?

Having a dedicated Hausarzt offers numerous advantages beyond convenience. Your GP becomes familiar with your medical history over time, enabling more personalized and effective treatment. This relationship proves invaluable during medical emergencies when quick access to your complete health background can be crucial. Additionally, many insurance plans offer financial incentives for maintaining a consistent relationship with a primary care physician.

Services Offered by a GP

German general practitioners provide comprehensive primary care services including routine health check-ups, basic diagnostic tests, treatment of common illnesses, vaccination administration, and preventive care counseling. They also manage chronic conditions, perform minor procedures, and coordinate your overall healthcare needs. When your condition requires specialized expertise, your GP will provide the necessary referrals to appropriate specialists while maintaining oversight of your treatment plan.

Do You Need to Register with a GP?

While formal registration with a specific doctor isn’t legally required, establishing a relationship with a Hausarzt is considered essential for optimal healthcare access in Germany. Registration simplifies appointment scheduling, ensures continuity of care, and can be crucial during medical emergencies. Having a registered GP also facilitates the referral process to specialists and helps maintain comprehensive medical records.

How to Find a Doctor in Germany

Searching Online for GPs and Specialists

The most straightforward way to find medical care is through online searches using German medical terms. Search for “Allgemeinarzt” or “Hausarzt” followed by your city name to find general practitioners in your area. For specialists, use “Facharzt” combined with the specialty and location. This method provides quick access to doctor locations, contact information, and often patient reviews.

Finding English-Speaking Doctors

Many German medical professionals speak English, particularly in larger cities and university towns. Enhance your online searches by adding “Englisch” to your search terms to specifically locate English-speaking healthcare providers. This is especially helpful for complex medical discussions where language barriers could impact care quality.

Helpful Resources and Platforms

Several specialized platforms make finding healthcare providers easier. Jameda offers comprehensive doctor reviews and appointment booking, while Doctolib provides online scheduling services. For Berlin residents, Mobi Doctor offers additional local options. The official gesund.bund.de portal includes a doctor search function with detailed provider information. Expat social media groups often share recommendations and experiences with English-speaking doctors.

• See doctor reviews here: Jameda website
• Find doctors here: gesund.bund

Health Insurance Provider Support

Your health insurance company serves as a valuable resource for finding appropriate medical care. Major providers like BARMER and TK offer English-language services and can help locate doctors who accept your specific insurance plan. They may even assist with appointment scheduling and can ensure your chosen provider accepts “Alle kassen” (all types of German health insurance).

Telemedicine and Online Consultations

Digital healthcare options are expanding in Germany, offering convenient access to medical professionals from home. Services like Mobidoctor provide online consultations without requiring insurance verification upfront. However, verify that telemedicine services comply with German medical regulations and that any prescriptions or referrals will be accepted by pharmacies and specialists.

Making Appointments

How to Book a Doctor’s Appointment

Medical appointments in Germany typically require advance scheduling, especially for specialists. Contact doctors’ offices by phone during business hours, as this remains the most reliable booking method. Many practices also accept in-person appointment requests. Online platforms like Doctena and ZAVA offer digital booking options, though availability varies by provider.

Wait Times for Appointments

Expect to wait several days to weeks for routine GP appointments, while specialist consultations may require waiting periods of weeks to months. Public insurance patients often experience longer wait times compared to private insurance holders. Plan ahead for non-urgent medical needs, and consider that popular doctors or specialized services may have extended booking delays.

Walk-in Options and Open Consultation Hours

Many medical practices offer Sprechstunde (walk-in hours) for urgent matters or when you need immediate sick leave documentation. Primary care specialists like ophthalmologists, gynecologists, and dermatologists are required to provide at least five open consultation hours weekly. These walk-in options can be invaluable for urgent but non-emergency situations.

Appointment Service Centers (116 117)

The nationwide 116 117 service helps patients find appointments, particularly when you have a referral with an arrangement code. This service can schedule specialist appointments, psychotherapeutic consultations, and help locate pediatric or general practitioners. They typically arrange appointments within four weeks, or two weeks for urgent psychotherapeutic treatment. Online booking through this service is also available.

Being Punctual and What to Expect

Punctuality is crucial in German medical settings. Arriving more than 10 minutes late may result in appointment cancellation and rescheduling fees. Plan to arrive slightly early, as appointments often run behind schedule. Waiting 15-30 minutes beyond your scheduled time is normal, and delays of one to two hours can occur during busy periods.

Referrals to Specialists

When Do You Need a Referral?

The German healthcare system generally requires referrals from your GP before seeing specialists. This ensures appropriate care coordination and helps control healthcare costs. Without a referral, most specialists cannot provide treatment, making your Hausarzt the essential first step for accessing specialized medical care.

How Referrals Work in Germany

When your GP determines specialist care is necessary, they’ll provide a referral (Überweisung) that includes relevant medical information and specifies the type of specialist needed. This referral is valid for the current quarterly period but can extend across quarters if treatment continues. The referral system ensures specialists have necessary background information and prevents unnecessary duplicate consultations.

Exceptions to the Referral Requirement

Certain medical services don’t require referrals, including routine gynecological check-ups for women. Emergency situations also bypass referral requirements. Some specialists in laboratory medicine, radiology, and other diagnostic fields may require referrals even for basic services. When uncertain, contact the specialist’s office directly to confirm referral requirements.

Referrals and Health Insurance Type

Private health insurance policies may allow direct specialist appointments without GP referrals, though this varies by plan. Public insurance holders must generally follow the referral system unless accessing emergency care. Review your specific insurance terms to understand your options for accessing specialized care.

Health Insurance and Medical Costs

• See also: Healthcare and Insurance in Germany

Mandatory Health Insurance in Germany

All German residents must maintain health insurance coverage. This requirement applies to citizens, permanent residents, and most temporary residents including students and workers. Failure to maintain insurance can result in significant financial penalties and limited access to medical care.

Public vs. Private Insurance

Approximately 85% of Germans use public health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung), which covers most residents including university students and employees below certain income thresholds. Higher earners and self-employed individuals may choose private insurance (private Krankenversicherung), which often provides shorter wait times and additional services but requires upfront payment for most services.

Using Your Gesundheitskarte (Health Insurance Card)

Your electronic health insurance card (elektronische Gesundheitskarte or eGK) is essential for accessing medical care. Always carry this card, as doctors and hospitals require it for service verification. If you forget your card, contact your insurance provider for confirmation, but you’ll still need to present the physical card later. Most doctors can refuse non-emergency treatment without proper insurance verification.

Coverage and Limitations of Public Insurance

Public insurance covers most necessary medical treatments, prescribed medications, and preventive care. However, some services like homeopathic treatments or certain dental procedures may have limitations or require additional coverage. Regular dental check-ups are expected; neglecting them may result in reduced coverage for future dental expenses. Vaccinations, including routine and travel vaccines, are typically covered, though coverage details may vary.

How Private Insurance Works

Private insurance requires upfront payment for medical services, with reimbursement following later. After appointments, you’ll receive invoices that must be paid directly to providers. Submit original invoices to your insurance company for reimbursement, which typically takes one to three weeks. For medications, pay at the pharmacy and submit prescription copies and receipts for reimbursement.

What If You Don’t Have Insurance?

Without insurance coverage, you’ll need to find private doctors willing to treat self-paying patients. GP consultations typically cost €30-€60, while specialist visits range from €80-€150 or more depending on services provided. Emergency treatment cannot be refused, but you’ll be responsible for all costs. Tourists and temporary visitors should ensure they have appropriate travel health insurance.

Getting a Sick Note (Krankschreibung)

When and How to Get a Sick Note

When illness prevents you from working, visit your doctor promptly to obtain a Krankheitsbescheinigung or Krankschreibung (sick note). This official document verifies your medical condition and is typically required for work-related absences. The timing and duration of sick leave will be determined by your doctor based on your medical condition.

Notifying Your Employer

Immediately inform your employer when you cannot work due to illness. Make a personal phone call rather than sending emails or text messages, as this demonstrates professionalism and ensures clear communication. Submit your sick note according to your employer’s specific requirements, which may vary regarding timing and delivery methods.

Sick Pay During Illness

Public health insurance members typically receive full salary coverage from their employer for up to six weeks during illness, provided they have proper medical documentation. After six weeks, you may qualify for government sick pay (Krankengeld), which provides a percentage of your income for up to 78 weeks maximum. This system ensures financial protection during extended illness periods.

Self-Employed and Sick Pay Insurance

Self-employed individuals don’t automatically receive sick pay benefits and should consider private sick-pay insurance for financial protection during illness. This additional coverage can provide income replacement similar to what employees receive through public insurance. Review options carefully, as coverage terms and benefit levels vary significantly between providers.

Medication and Medical Tests

Getting a Prescription and Visiting a Pharmacy

Prescribed medications (Rezept) can be filled at any German pharmacy (Apotheke). Pharmacies are well-distributed throughout cities and towns, and pharmacists are highly trained to provide medication counseling and answer questions about your prescriptions. Keep your prescription until you’ve completed the medication course, as you may need it for insurance or medical record purposes.

Costs and Reimbursement for Medications

Public insurance typically requires copayments (Zuzahlungen) of €5-€10 for prescribed medications. Private insurance holders pay full pharmacy costs upfront and seek reimbursement from their insurance provider. Some medications may not be covered by insurance, requiring full out-of-pocket payment regardless of insurance type. Generic alternatives are often available at lower costs.

Common Testing Practices in Germany

German doctors generally order fewer routine tests compared to some other healthcare systems, focusing on medically necessary diagnostics. Blood and urine tests can often be performed in the doctor’s office, with results available during your visit or communicated later by phone or mail. More complex tests requiring external laboratories may take several days for results.

Your Rights as a Patient

Choosing Your Doctor

All patients in Germany have the fundamental right to choose their healthcare providers freely. This includes both general practitioners and specialists, allowing you to seek care from providers who best meet your needs and preferences. However, practical limitations exist based on your insurance type and appointment availability.

Limitations for Statutory Insurance Members

Public insurance members can only choose doctors approved as affiliated providers (Kassenarzt) who accept statutory insurance. Not all doctors participate in the public insurance system, particularly specialists who may focus exclusively on private patients. Verify that your chosen provider accepts your insurance type before scheduling appointments.

Hospital and Emergency Treatment Restrictions

During hospital stays, you typically cannot choose your specific treating physician, though you can select which hospital to visit. You’ll be treated by whichever doctor is on duty. For occupational accidents, special rules require initial treatment by designated accident insurance doctors (D-doctors) rather than your regular physician.

Hausarzttarif and Its Implications

Some public insurance plans offer Hausarzttarif agreements that provide financial benefits in exchange for always visiting your designated GP first before accessing specialist care. While this can reduce costs, it limits your freedom to directly access specialists and may extend treatment timelines for some conditions.

Emergency and Out-of-Hours Medical Care

• See also: Emergency and Support Services in Germany

Call 116 117 for Urgent But Non-Emergency Help

For medical situations requiring attention outside regular office hours but not constituting emergencies, call 116 117 for the non-emergency medical service. This service can direct you to available practices or arrange home visits by qualified medical professionals. Use this service for urgent symptoms that cannot wait until the next business day but don’t require emergency room treatment.

When to Use the Hospital Emergency Room (Notaufnahme)

Hospital emergency departments (Notaufnahme) are reserved for genuine medical emergencies requiring immediate intervention. Appropriate situations include severe chest pain, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness, serious injuries, or other life-threatening conditions. Emergency departments may have long wait times for non-urgent cases, as they prioritize patients based on medical severity.

Calling 112 for Life-Threatening Emergencies

Call 112 immediately for life-threatening emergencies requiring ambulance services. This includes situations like heart attacks, severe accidents, unconsciousness, or any condition where delay could result in permanent injury or death. Emergency medical services will respond quickly and transport you to the most appropriate medical facility for your condition.

How to File a Medical Complaint

Where to Report Medical Issues

If you experience problems with medical care or believe your patient rights have been violated, several organizations can assist with complaints and resolution. Document all relevant details about your concerns, including dates, healthcare providers involved, and specific issues that occurred.

Organizations Handling Patient Rights

The Federal Government’s Patient Representative (Stiftung Unabhängige Patientenberatung Deutschland – UPD) provides advice on patient rights issues and can guide you through complaint processes. They offer independent consultation services and can help you understand your rights within the German healthcare system.

Filing Complaints Against Doctors

Complaints about medical professionals can be filed with the German Medical Association or the Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung (KBV) for public doctors. Malpractice complaints are treated seriously and may require legal involvement. All investigative proceedings are conducted in German, so consider seeking translation assistance if needed.

Glossary of Common German Medical Terms

Essential Terms for Doctor Visits and Medical Needs

Medical Professionals and Facilities:

• Allgemeinarzt / Hausarzt: General practitioner
• Facharzt: Specialist doctor
• Arztpraxis: Doctor’s office
• Apotheke: Pharmacy
• Notaufnahme: Hospital emergency room
• Krankenkasse: Health insurance company

Appointments and Documentation:

• Termin: Appointment
• Sprechstunde: Walk-in consultation hours
• Überweisung: Referral to specialist
• Krankheitsbescheinigung / Krankschreibung: Sick note
• Gesundheitskarte / elektronische Gesundheitskarte (eGK): Health insurance card
• Rezept: Prescription

Common Symptoms and Conditions:

• Schmerz: Pain
• Kopfschmerzen: Headache
• Bauchschmerzen: Stomach ache
• Rückenschmerzen: Back pain
• Fieber: Fever
• Husten: Cough

Financial and Insurance Terms:

• Zuzahlungen: Copayments
• Krankengeld: Sick pay from insurance
• Privatarzt / Selbstzahlerarzt: Private doctor (direct payment)
• Vertragsarzt / Kassenarzt: Doctor accepting public insurance

Emergency Services:

• Bereitschaftsdienst: On-call medical services
• Notdienst: Emergency pharmacy services
• Schmerzmittel: Pain medication

Understanding these terms will help you navigate medical conversations and paperwork more effectively, ensuring you can access appropriate care when needed.