What International Students Should Know About Healthcare in Germany

How to Find a GP (Hausarzt) in Germany

In Germany, a general practitioner (GP) is called a Hausarzt. This is your first point of contact for most health concerns, prescriptions, and referrals to specialists.

1. Use Your Health Insurance Provider’s Directory

Most public and private health insurance companies in Germany have an online directory of approved doctors. You can search by:

• Location (city or postcode)
• Language spoken
• Specialty (e.g., Allgemeinmedizin for general medicine)

2. Check Online Platforms

Websites like:

• Jameda.de
• Doctolib.de
• Weisse-liste.de

Let you filter by ratings, availability, language, and location. Many GPs allow online booking for appointments.

What to Know When Going to the Doctor in Germany

Whether it’s your first visit or a follow-up, here are key things to keep in mind when seeing a doctor (Hausarzt or specialist) in Germany:

Bring Your Health Insurance Card

• If you’re publicly insured (e.g., AOK, TK), bring your eGK card (electronic health card) to every appointment.
• Private insurance holders may need to pay upfront and submit receipts for reimbursement.

Make an Appointment (Termin)

• Many clinics require appointments. You can book by phone or online (Doctolib, Jameda).
• Walk-ins are possible for general practitioners but may involve waiting.

Be On Time

Punctuality is important in Germany. Arrive 10–15 minutes early for your first visit to complete paperwork.

Prepare Key Information

• Your symptoms and medical history
• List of any current medications
• Vaccination record (if relevant)

Language

Many doctors in Germany speak some English, but knowing basic German medical terms or using a translation app can help you explain your symptoms more clearly.

Referrals May Be Required

If you need to see a specialist, your GP may give you a referral (Überweisungsschein).

Prescriptions and Pharmacies
Doctors may issue:

• Green prescription: over-the-counter advice (you pay)
• Pink prescription: partially covered by public insurance
• Pick up medicines at an Apotheke (pharmacy), not supermarkets.

When should you go to the hospital in Germany?

In Germany, hospitals handle serious illnesses and emergencies. Go to the emergency department if you have severe symptoms like chest pain, breathing difficulties, or major injuries.

In a medical emergency, knowing how to respond quickly can save lives. The first and most crucial step is to call for help.

In Europe, dial 112 to reach emergency services. This number is available 24/7 and is free of charge.

When you call, clearly provide your exact location, explain the nature of the emergency, and share any important details. Although it’s normal to feel anxious, try to stay calm and speak slowly to ensure the dispatcher understands you.

*If you need medical help outside of regular office hours but it’s not a life-threatening emergency, you can call the medical on-call service at 116117.

This service provides guidance on the best next steps for your health issue. The responder may advise you to:

• Visit the hospital
• Go to an on-call medical practice (ärztliche Bereitschaftspraxis)
• Wait to see your general practitioner (Hausarzt) when they are next available
• This ensures you get appropriate care without unnecessary emergency room visits.*

Getting to Know Pharmacies in Germany

In Germany, pharmacies—known as “Apotheken”—are a key part of the healthcare system. Because of strict pharmaceutical regulations, many drugs that are available without a prescription in other countries can only be dispensed with a doctor’s prescription in Germany.

Pharmacists are well-qualified and can offer expert advice on how to take medications, potential side effects, and drug interactions.

While most pharmacies are open during standard business hours, there’s always at least one pharmacy in each area available after hours—including nights, weekends, and public holidays—through a rotating emergency service.

You can find the nearest on-duty pharmacy by checking online or looking at the emergency service list posted at your neighborhood pharmacy.

Understanding Dental Care in Germany

Germany offers high-quality dental care through a well-established healthcare system. However, it’s important to understand that dental treatments are not always fully covered by public health insurance.

Basic procedures—such as routine check-ups, fillings, cleanings, and simple extractions—are generally included in statutory health coverage. In contrast, more specialized treatments like orthodontics, crowns, or dental implants may not be fully reimbursed and could involve significant out-of-pocket costs. To cover these expenses, many residents opt for supplementary private dental insurance.

Finding a dentist in Germany works much like finding a general practitioner (Hausarzt). You don’t need a referral to see a dentist, and many practices are open to new patients.

How to Access Specialist Care in Germany

In Germany, medical specialists—such as cardiologists, dermatologists, and neurologists—are referred to as “Fachärzte.” Access to these professionals typically requires a referral from your general practitioner (Hausarzt), who will assess your symptoms and decide whether specialist care is needed.

Once you have a referral, you’re free to choose any specialist covered by your health insurance, although your GP may recommend someone specific. Most specialist visits are covered by public health insurance, but it’s wise to double-check with your provider to avoid unexpected costs.

Appointments with specialists often take longer to secure than those with a GP, so it’s best to book as soon as you receive the referral.

Note: You do not need a referral to see a gynaecologist—appointments can be scheduled directly.

Navigating Mental Health Services in Germany

Germany continues to reduce stigma around mental health, offering access to psychologists, psychotherapists (for talk therapy), and psychiatrists (for medication and treatment).

Public health insurance often covers mental health care, though with limits on sessions and possible co-payments. A referral from your GP is usually required, and waiting times can be long due to high demand.

In urgent situations, free and confidential helplines like Telefonseelsorge are available 24/7. Mental health professionals follow strict confidentiality, unless there’s a serious risk to yourself or others.

Summary

Germany’s healthcare system is accessible to all, whether you have public or private insurance. Though it can seem complex at first, understanding how it works allows you to access the right care when you need it. Being informed helps you make the most of the system and supports a better quality of life.