Germany Guide: Health

One of the most important things when going abroad is to make sure that you are covered in case of accidents or illness. Our health guide provides information on health insurance, hospitals, doctors and pharmacies.

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  Introduction

  The German health care system

  The healthcare system in Germany is highly-rated, with the Legatum Prosperity Index ranking it at 12th in the world based on basic physical and mental health, health infrastructure and preventative care. Access to healthcare in Germany is so fast that they don’t even collect data on waiting times. Being a dual-healthcare system means it is made up of both compulsory and private healthcare.

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  Doctors & Dentists

  Appointments, visits and insurance refunds

  In Germany there are numerous types of doctors, from general practitioners (Hausarzt) to specialists such as cardiologists, dermatologists, etc.

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  Hospitals

  How to deal with hospital and clinics

  Germany has state-maintained (public) hospitals, charitable/non-profit hospitals (mainly religiously affiliated) and private hospitals.

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  Pharmacies

  How to get medication in Germany

  In Germany, you get medicines from dispensing chemists/pharmacies (Apotheke), denoted by a large red A. These should not be confused with drugstores (Drogerie) where you can buy toiletries.

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  Emergencies

  Emergency numbers, hospitals and pharmacies

  If you need urgent medical treatment at night or at the weekend, go to Notaufnahme (Accident and Emergency) in the nearest hospital or call an emergency doctor (Notarzt).

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  Health insurance

  How to cover your medical expenses in Germany

  Your first priority when coming to Germany should be health insurance. Medication, doctors and hospitals are extremely expensive, so you must make sure that you are covered for sickness and emergencies.

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  Nursing care (Pflegepflichtversicherung)

  The "5th pillar" of the social security system

  Nursing care insurance is obligatory for everybody who has health insurance.

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  Sexual health in Germany

  Sexual health in Germany

  Moving abroad can release your inhibitions but make sure you still stay safe. In this guide, you will learn about German attitudes to sex, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases and abortion.

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