How does the healthcare system work in Germany?

What is the quality of healthcare in Germany?

• Everyone living in Germany is required to have health insurance, including expats. It is possible to take out insurance with both a public (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung – GKV) and a private (private Krankenversicherung – PKV) provider, but there are rules. If you work for a German company and earn less than a certain amount per year, you must at least take out public health insurance. On the other hand, certain students (for example over 30 years old, or students of language courses) cannot take out public insurance and must take out private insurance.
• There are three different types of hospitals in Germany: public hospitals, private hospitals and non-profit hospitals (often run by churches or the German Red Cross).
• In addition, there are also many health centres and clinics, both private and public, where you can go to see general practitioners, physiotherapists, psychologists, etc.
• Pharmacies (Apotheke) are usually open from Monday to Friday and sometimes on Saturdays. In general, pharmacies in Germany are closed in the evening. In order to collect prescription medication, you will receive a note from your GP. If the note is pink, you will pay a small contribution, or in some cases the entire amount. If you receive a blue note, you will pay the entire amount yourself and can later declare it with your private insurer.
• There is increasing attention for mental health in Germany. GPs provide first aid, but can also refer you to specialists. It is also possible to go directly to a specialist, but then there is a good chance that it will not be covered by the (public) insurance.
• In the event of a medical emergency, call 112.

How does the public healthcare system work in Germany?

• It is mandatory to take out insurance. What you need for this depends on your situation. As an EU citizen, make sure that you always have your EHIC with you. If you move for a job, check whether your employer will register you for insurance. If you are self-employed or earn a lot, check whether you need to take out private insurance and if you are retired, fill in the S1 form.
• To register, find the insurer and policy that suits you and often simply fill in an online form. You will then receive a health card (Gesundheitskarte) or EHIC - an electronic medical data card (electronic Gesundheitskarte – eGK) that stores personal data.
• Your medical bills go directly to your insurer, in some cases you pay part yourself.
• The public health insurance covers all kinds of care at GP practices, hospital stays and emergency care. Vaccinations and medicines are also covered, sometimes with a co-payment. In addition, dental care, eye care, mental health care and alternative medicines are partly covered.

How does the public healthcare system work in Duitsland?

• Approximately 10% of German residents have private health insurance (PKV).
• In privatized healthcare, you often have shorter waiting times, access to more specialists and more comfort and facilities.
• Emigrants/expats also often find private insurance useful because it offers worldwide coverage and often covers additional costs.
• Private healthcare is good, but quite expensive.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Duitsland?

• The general practitioner in Germany is called Hausarzt. There are many doctors per inhabitant, which makes primary care quite accessible.
• Most general practitioners work from Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 18:00, depending on the practice. Not all general practitioners speak English, so make sure you check that in advance.
• Some practices are also open on Saturdays, but these are exceptions to the rule.
• Some general practitioners allow you to visit during consultation hours without an appointment, but most general practitioners work by appointment.
• For most specialist care, you first need a referral from your general practitioner.

How is the dentist arranged in Duitsland?

• Dental care in Germany is of high quality and semi-privatized. This means that certain treatments are covered, but more extensive treatments are often not.
• Most practices accept patients with either public or private insurance. Some practices accept both types of patients.
• Dentists (Zahnärzte) must be certified by the Kassenzahnärztliche Bundesvereinigung (KZBV). You can also find dentists via the KZBV website.
• Dental care costs are very high in Germany. Routine treatments are often covered, but more extensive treatments are at your own expense or are partially covered.
• Under public health insurance, dental care for children up to the age of 18 is usually free.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Duitsland?

• Gynaecologists can be visited in Germany without a referral from your GP. You can go here for advice on women's health issues such as pregnancy, cancer screening, contraceptives and STDs.
• Public insurance covers all costs for maternity care. With private insurance, it is important to check whether you are covered for this.
• As soon as you know you are pregnant, you can make an appointment with a gynaecologist (Frauenarzt). They will confirm your pregnancy and coordinate your medical care.
• You will receive a Mutterpass, an official document that records all details of your pregnancy. You must carry this with you in case of emergencies.
• Check-ups usually take place every 4 weeks, and every 2 weeks in the last trimester.
• Three ultrasound scans are standard: around the 10th, 20th and 30th week of pregnancy.
• In addition to gynaecologists, midwives play a major role in maternity care. You can hire a midwife to help you during pregnancy, during delivery (at home or in hospital), and for postpartum care after birth.
• You have a lot of freedom to choose where you want to give birth: at home, in a maternity center (Geburtshaus), or in a hospital.
• Many hospitals offer tours so you can see the facilities and make a choice.
• There is a lot of emphasis on natural births, with options such as water births or giving birth in maternity centers under the supervision of a midwife.
• Medical interventions such as caesarean sections are only done if medically necessary.
• After giving birth, you are entitled to maternity care by a midwife, who will help you at home with breastfeeding, the recovery of your body, and the care of your baby. This is unique and a great advantage of the German system.
• Pregnancy tests, contraceptives, and the emergency contraceptive pill are all available from pharmacies. Technically, abortion is illegal in Germany, but it is not punishable in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and after mandatory counseling. In some cases (e.g. risks for the mother) abortion is possible up to 22 weeks.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Germany?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Germany?

• Germany is generally a safe country. However, pickpocketing does occur in tourist areas.
• Crime rates are low, cities are clean and well-organized, and there are many public initiatives.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Germany?

• In Germany, you do not really have to worry about suddenly catching serious diseases.
• Do pay attention to tick bites if you often visit tick-infested areas.
• In winter, there is a good flu season, and in spring, hay fever and pollen allergies can be a problem.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Germany?

• Traffic in Germany is well-organized, but there are some special features that expats should pay attention to.
• Germany is known for its motorways without speed limits, but some parts do have restrictions. Stick to the rules and stay alert for fast cars in the left lane.
• A defensive (but not too defensive) driving style is crucial, especially if you are not used to high speeds. In cities like Berlin and Munich, cycling is popular. Make sure you ride on cycle paths and know the traffic rules.
• It is recommended to wear a helmet.
• Trains, trams and buses are efficient and safe. Always buy a valid ticket; checks are strict, and fines for fare dodging are high.
• Be careful in busy stations and trains to avoid pickpockets.
• Make sure your car has winter tyres, which is mandatory in winter conditions. Be careful on slippery roads.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Germany?

• Is the trip to and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Germany if you are going to live there for a while?

• As a resident, you are usually obliged to join either the public (in most cases) or the private health insurers. For a wider choice and to cover the costs of repatriation or, for example, more extensive dental care, expats sometimes also take out their own international insurance.
• Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.