Can a US citizen see a doctor in Germany?

Healthcare in Germany is accessible to all residents through public health insurance – this system covers 90% of residents. While non-residents require private insurance coverage to receive medical care. Visitors to Germany usually have to pay for treatment and then claim reimbursement at a later stage.

How can a tourist visit a doctor in Germany?

Fortunately, making an appointment with a doctor in Germany is a straightforward process. You can call the practice directly, or, if the surgery offers it, book an appointment online via Doctolib, Jameda, or Doctena. You can also book a follow-up appointment directly with the receptionist.

What to do if you get sick while traveling in Germany?

Can foreigners get medical treatment in Germany?

A Germany Medical Visa is a permit that allows its holder to enter in Germany under the purpose of seeking and receiving medical treatment. This visa gives the right to foreigners to get any kind of medical service they need inside Germany, as long as they are able to afford it financially.

How much does it cost to see a doctor in Germany?

You will, however, have to find a private doctor and be responsible for the cost of the visit — a GP consultation without medical insurance costs from €30 to €60. It's vital to obtain health insurance as soon as possible when moving to Germany.

How Germany's Universal Health-Care System Works

Can I visit a doctor without appointment in Germany?

Some doctors' practices in Germany have an open consultation time called a Sprechstunde, where you can visit the doctor without an appointment. However, most doctors work on an appointment only schedule.

Can an American go to a German hospital?

Generally speaking, most hospitals in Germany accept all patients, whether they have public or private health insurance. However, it's important to keep in mind that a few smaller, private hospitals may only accept those with applicable coverage.

Can an American get healthcare in Germany?

There are three options for expat health insurance coverage while living in Germany: the government-regulated public health insurance system (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) private health insurance from a German or international insurance company (Private Krankenversicherung, PKV)

How can I visit Germany for medical treatment?

In order to get a visa for medical treatment in Germany, a German hospital must agree to treat your medical condition, come up with a treatment plan and provide an estimated cost of treatment. Only then will the visa application be considered.

Is it easy to access healthcare in Germany?

Applying for public healthcare insurance is relatively stress-free, as you simply need to register with the German authorities at your local town hall. Once you are registered, have a social security number, and are making your contributions, you will have access to the state-run healthcare.

Can US citizens get free healthcare in Europe?

Be aware that you will likely have to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment, even if your insurance company provides international health care coverage. A visit to the emergency room can be free or cost only a nominal fee, or it can be expensive, depending on where you are and what treatment you need.

What happens if I get sick in Germany?

If you fall ill, you are entitled to continue receiving your wage if you have been employed continuously for four weeks beforehand. Only then will the employer continue paying you the wage for at most six weeks if you cannot work due to illness (“continued payment of wages during illness”).

What happens if you have a medical emergency in Europe?

Most cities have at least a few 24-hour pharmacies. For accidents or life-threatening emergencies, go to a hospital. In most countries, you can call 112, the European Union's universal emergency number for ambulance, fire department or police. Most countries also have a 911 equivalent that works as well.

Can US tourists go to doctors?

Visiting a U.S. physician to receive medical treatment might not seem like a typical activity of a "tourist for pleasure," but if you want to travel to the U.S. for medical reasons the appropriate visa to request is the B-2 visitor. You will need to apply through your local U.S. embassy or consulate.

Can I go to any doctor in Germany?

First, you should be clear on which kind of insurance you have. If you have public insurance, make sure when looking for doctors that they accept “Kassenpatienten,” or patients with public insurance. If you are privately insured, you will be able to visit any doctor you choose.

Can I just go to a hospital in Germany?

Hospitals. You will be treated in a hospital only if treatment at a doctor's practice is not sufficient. A stay in hospital (Krankenhaus) must be approved in advance. Only go to a hospital without prior consultation if it is an emergency!

Can I use international health insurance in Germany?

You have three options for health insurance while living in Germany: the government-regulated public health insurance scheme (GKV – Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung), private health insurance from a German or international insurance company (PKV – Private Krankenversicherung) or a combination of GKV and supplemental PKV ...

Do you need a prescription for medicine in Germany?

Pharmacies and Medicine

There are two types of medicine: with or without a prescription. The German law on medicine is strict - most medicine is only available with a prescription (e.g. antibiotics) and pharmacies will not provide them without a prescription from a doctor.

Is medical treatment in Germany expensive?

The price of a single diagnostic or treatment procedure in Germany is higher than in most developing countries. However, the cost of medical treatment in Germany cannot be much higher or even lower, because German doctors strictly comply with the protocols.

Does my US health insurance cover me in Europe?

U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.

Can I use my US health insurance abroad?

Generally, most domestic health insurance policies are not accepted abroad, so there is a benefit to purchasing travel medical insurance as a supplement to your health insurance coverage. The travel medical coverage is only valid while you're traveling.

Is American health insurance accepted in Europe?

Many U.S. health insurance plans don't provide coverage in foreign countries, making a travel insurance plan with medical expense benefits important for trips to Europe.

What is the wait time for healthcare in Germany?

The mean waiting time for an appointment with a GP was 4.0 days (Table 2). Respondents from East Germany had to wait 6.6 days, whereas participants from West Germany waited 3.3 days. SHI insurants (4.1 days) waited only slightly longer than privately insured respondents (3.3 days).

Do tourists get free healthcare in Germany?

Healthcare in Germany is accessible to all residents through public health insurance – this system covers 90% of residents. While non-residents require private insurance coverage to receive medical care. Visitors to Germany usually have to pay for treatment and then claim reimbursement at a later stage.

Can I get antibiotics over the counter in Germany?

Your prescription (Rezept) can be filled at any pharmacy (Apotheke) in Germany. Note that the laws on dispensing drugs are very strict in Germany and you will not be able to get medication, such as antibiotics, without a valid prescription from a German doctor (foreign prescriptions are not accepted).