Complete Guide to Healthcare in Germany: From Minor Illness to Emergency Care
Germany boasts one of Europe's highest standards of medical care, yet the healthcare system can seem complex for first-time visitors. This article, prepared by a licensed pharmacist, provides practical guidance on managing illness abroad, navigating hospitals, and using insurance effectively. With proper preparation, you can handle any health situation confidently.
Understanding Germany's Healthcare System
Key Differences from Japan
Germany's healthcare system is built on social insurance—a structure quite different from Japan's. The table below outlines the major differences:
| Item | Germany | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Visit | Consult GP (family doctor) first | Can visit specialists directly |
| Health Insurance | Social insurance (mandatory) | Health insurance (mandatory) |
| Prescriptions | Doctor's prescription required | Doctor's prescription required |
| Pharmacies | Apotheke (pharmacy) | Pharmacy |
| Patient Cost Share | Fixed fee for initial visit/tests | 30% copay (with insurance) |
| Hours | Limited (dedicated facilities for evenings/weekends) | Evening clinics available (urban areas) |
Germany employs a gatekeeper system: to see a specialist, you typically need a referral from your family doctor (Hausarzt). This controls costs, though short-term visitors and tourists may sometimes access specialists directly.
Travel Insurance Is Essential
Non-EU visitors are strongly urged to purchase travel health insurance. While German medical care is relatively affordable, unexpected treatment costs can accumulate quickly.
Always verify your policy covers:
- Doctor visits and consultations
- Prescription medications
- Hospital admission and inpatient care
- Emergency medical services and ambulance dispatch
- Cashless payment arrangements with providers
Check current requirements with the Japanese Embassy or the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before departure.
Managing Illness: Step-by-Step Guide
Mild Symptoms (Common Cold, Stomach Ache)
Start by visiting a pharmacy (Apotheke). German pharmacists have extensive medical knowledge and can recommend certain medications without a doctor's visit.
Essential over-the-counter medications to bring:
| Symptom | Medication (Active Ingredient) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cold/Fever | Paracetamol | Germany's alternative to acetaminophen |
| Cold/Fever | Ibuprofen | Available in Germany; high doses need prescription |
| Stomach/Indigestion | Magnesium hydroxide | Sold as Rennie, Tums, etc. |
| Diarrhea | Loperamide | May require doctor's prescription |
| Constipation | Magnesium oxide | Medical consultation recommended |
| Allergies | Cetirizine | Sold in Germany as Allertec and similar brands |
When you arrive at a pharmacy, say "Ich bin Tourist" (I'm a tourist), and most staff will respond helpfully in English or German.
Moderate Symptoms (High Fever, Severe Pain)
You need a doctor's examination. Access medical care using these methods:
1. Ask your accommodation (hotel, hostel)
- Front desk staff maintain networks of medical providers
- They often provide English-speaking doctor contacts
2. Find a local family doctor (Hausarzt)
- Google search: "Hausarzt [city name] english"
- Use apps like "Doctolib" or "Jameda" to search and book appointments
- Local tourist information centers (Touristinformation) provide doctor lists
3. Visit a clinic (Praxis)
- Most operate by appointment
- Bring insurance card or passport at first visit
- Initial consultation fee: typically €15–30
Steps for a doctor's visit:
1. Find doctor & book appointment
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2. Arrive at Praxis (aim for 10 min early)
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3. Provide insurance information at reception
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4. Fill out intake form (German or English)
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5. Doctor's examination (usually 15–20 minutes)
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6. Tests if needed
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7. Receive prescription or medical certificate
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8. Pay (or bill to insurance later)
Severe Symptoms (High Fever + Severe Vomiting, Chest Pain, Difficulty Breathing)
Call an ambulance immediately.
Germany's emergency number:
- 112 (works on landlines and mobile phones)
- English support is available
| Response Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Notfall (Emergency Room) | Located in major hospitals; no appointment needed; typical wait time 1–4 hours |
| Rettungswagen (Ambulance) | Call 112; usually costs €150–300, but covered by travel insurance |
| Telefonseelsorge | Call 117 for mental health or emotional crisis support |
Using German Pharmacies (Apotheke)
Pharmacy Types and Hours
Apotheke (Pharmacy)
- Dispenses prescription medications
- Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–6:30 PM, Sat 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
- Closed Sundays and holidays (covered by Apothekennotfalldienst system)
Drogerie (Health/Beauty Store)
- Sells supplements and wellness products
- Limited OTC medications
- Often has extended hours
How to Use Prescriptions
German prescriptions (Rezept) have these features:
- Printed on official pink forms
- Doctor's signature and date required
- Valid for 4 weeks from issue date
- Can list multiple medications
At the pharmacy:
- Present your prescription
- Provide name and address (say "Tourist" if visiting)
- Wait while medication is dispensed (usually 5–15 minutes)
- Receive instructions on how to take your medication
- Pay
Payment methods:
- Cash (euros)
- Credit card (VISA, MasterCard)
- EC-Karte (German bank card)
Common Medications and Their German Names
Use this reference when purchasing medications in Germany:
| Japanese Medication | German Active Ingredient | German Brand Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Loxonin | Loxoprofen/Ibuprofen | Brufen, Dolormin |
| Bufferin | Acetylsalicylsäure (aspirin) | Aspirin |
| Seirogan | Not available in Germany | Kohletabletten recommended |
| Ryukakusan | Not available in Germany | Halspastillen recommended |
| Eye drops | Augentropfen | Euphrasia, Alomide |
| Multi-symptom cold medicine | Single-ingredient products preferred | Grippostad, Aspirin Complex |
Germany favors single-ingredient medications over combination products. Your symptoms are treated with targeted single components.
Insurance Claims and Receipt Management
How to File Travel Insurance Claims
Claim process:
1. Receive medical care at German clinic/hospital
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2. Obtain receipts (Quittung) and medical report (Arztbrief)
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3. After returning to Japan, submit claim to insurance company
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4. Company reviews documents
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5. Money is transferred to your account
Documents to keep:
- Receipts and invoices (in German)
- Prescription copies
- Medical reports (Arztbrief)
- Credit card statements showing payments
Cashless Insurance Coverage
Many major travel insurance providers offer cashless medical care—you contact the insurer before treatment, and the provider bills the insurance company directly, eliminating out-of-pocket costs.
To arrange cashless coverage:
- Call your insurance company's 24-hour support line before departure
- Ask: "Can I receive cashless treatment in Germany?"
- Request a list of partner medical facilities
Typical Medical Costs in Germany
Approximate fees (reference values):
| Service | Cost (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial doctor visit | 15–30 | Includes basic examination |
| Blood test | 10–50 | Varies by number of tests |
| X-ray | 30–80 | Depends on body part |
| Prescription medication | 5–30 per prescription | Subject to copay rules |
| Hospital stay (1 night) | 200–500 | With insurance |
See the German Federal Health Ministry (Bundesgesundheitsministerium) website for current rates.
Symptom Checklist: When to See a Doctor
Common Illnesses and What to Do
Cold/Cough
- Action: Ask pharmacist; purchase paracetamol, ibuprofen, lozenges
- See doctor if: Symptoms persist over 3 days or you have difficulty breathing
Stomach pain/Diarrhea
- Action: Rehydrate, eat light foods
- See doctor if: Blood in stool, severe pain, symptoms last over 3 days
Headache
- Action: Buy ibuprofen from pharmacy; drink water, rest
- See doctor if: Sudden severe pain or vision changes
Toothache
- Action: Buy pain reliever at pharmacy, apply cold compress
- See doctor: Contact a Zahnarzt (dentist) immediately
Insect bite/Allergic reaction
- Action: Buy antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream at pharmacy