Local foods, food-safety habits, hospital daily life, travel during treatment, the health system, language and emergency numbers from reliable sources.
Source: GOV.UK — Germany
German
Keep a translation of your diagnosis, treatment plan and medication list in this language or in English. Many hospitals offer interpreters — ask in advance.
Health insurance is compulsory for residents (statutory or private). People insured in another EU/EEA country can get medically necessary state healthcare during a temporary stay with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); it does not replace travel insurance or cover planned treatment. Visitors from outside the EU need full travel insurance.
Good to know: Charité performs about 140 allogeneic transplants a year, and Heidelberg more than 300 stem cell transplants. Heidelberg, for example, asks for documents in German or English, with hematology reports no older than three weeks, and confirms an appointment only after the estimated cost has been paid.
GermanyPotato soup (Kartoffelsuppe)Well-cooked hot dish
GermanyLentil stew (Linseneintopf)Well-cooked hot dish
GermanyBeef rolls (Rinderrouladen)Well-cooked hot dish
GermanyCheese spaetzle (Kaesespaetzle)Well-cooked hot dish
GermanyPotato pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)Well-cooked hot dish
GermanyChicken fricassee (Huehnerfrikassee)Well-cooked hot dish
GermanyMett (raw minced pork)Not in its traditional form with low immunityWherever you live, the core rules with low immunity are the same: clean hands, keeping raw and cooked food apart, cooking thoroughly, chilling quickly and choosing pasteurised dairy. At local markets and street stalls, watch how food is stored. Ask your team whether tap water is fine for you; if unsure, use bottled or boiled water.
In these countries daily care is usually provided by nurses, meals come from the hospital kitchen and visiting hours are set. If you want to bring food from home, ask the ward first. An interpreter can often be booked in advance.
For people insured in another EU/EEA country, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers medically necessary state healthcare during a temporary stay; it does not replace travel insurance or planned treatment.