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Germany: Healthcare system

In Germany, health insurance is compulsory: most people have statutory insurance (GKV) and some have private insurance (PKV).

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a lit path to a clinic.
Figure 1.Doctor’s practice — Germany: Healthcare system

01Short answer

Statutory insurance is run by health insurance funds (Krankenkassen); the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) decides what it covers. You usually see your family doctor (Hausarzt) first, who refers you to a specialist or hospital when needed. For non-emergency medical help out of hours call 116117; for danger to life call 112. Some services carry small co-payments (Zuzahlung).

02Simple explanation

GKV and PKV: two systems.

Hausarzt: first contact.

116117 and 112: urgent contact.

03Scientific explanation

G-BA: decides which services statutory insurance pays for.

Co-payments have an annual upper limit, which is lower for people with serious chronic illness.

04What happens in the body?

Family doctor

The Hausarzt assesses symptoms and writes a referral.

Insurance

Bring your insurance card to every appointment.

On a dark navy background, cards side by side.
Figure 2.Two cards — Germany: Healthcare system

On-call service

At night and at weekends call 116117.

On a dark navy background, a phone under a moon.
Figure 3.On-call service — Germany: Healthcare system

05Finding your way

Four steps.

Family doctor — Choose one.1Family doctorChoose one.
Specialist — Referral.2SpecialistReferral.
Fund — Know yours.3FundKnow yours.
116117 — Remember it.4116117Remember it.
AccessThe route to a doctor is clear.
CostsThe excess is known in advance.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Family doctorThe Hausarzt assesses symptoms and writes a referral.
InsuranceBring your insurance card to every appointment.
On-call serviceAt night and at weekends call 116117.

07Key terms

Krankenkasse
Health insurance fund.
Überweisung
Referral.
Zuzahlung
Co-payment.
116117
On-call medical service.

08Key points

  • Choose a family doctor.
  • Carry your insurance card.
  • Know 116117 and 112.
  • Ask your fund questions.
  • Keep co-payment receipts.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I see a specialist without a referral?

For many specialists yes, but hospital care usually needs a referral.

GKV or PKV?

It depends on income and employment status; ask a fund for advice.

What do I do at night?

Non-emergency: 116117; danger to life: 112.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I see a specialist without a referral?

  2. GKV or PKV?

  3. What do I do at night?

My questions

12Sources

  1. Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (G-BA). Official website (in German)
  2. Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung. 116117 – the on-call medical service
  3. Krebsinformationsdienst (DKFZ). Official website (in German)
  4. GOV.UK (Department of Health and Social Care). The NHS Constitution for England
  5. NHS. What is PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)?
  6. Food Standards Agency. Official website
  7. Drinking Water Inspectorate. Official website
  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). How to Make Water Safe in an Emergency
  9. GOV.UK. Disability rights: employment
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia — Patient Version
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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