🇩🇪 Germany Healthcare Guide
Germany's healthcare system is highly rated, and EHIC or GHIC cardholders from EU and EEA countries are covered for medically necessary treatment at public providers. What catches many visitors off guard are the co-payments — expect to pay around 10 euros per quarter for your first GP visit, and pharmacies charge a flat fee per prescription even when treatment is otherwise covered.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 112
- Healthcare system: universal-public
- Average GP visit: $40 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: Yes
- Language barrier: low
Healthcare overview
Germany’s dual public-private system means visitors encounter two different standards of service. Public facilities are well-equipped, with university hospitals in Berlin (Charité), Munich (LMU Klinikum), and Heidelberg among Europe’s best. EHIC holders pay statutory co-payments (€10 per quarter per practice). Walk-in GP access is possible through Bereitschaftspraxis (out-of-hours practices) or by calling 116 117.
Bereitschaftspraxis access
Call 116 117 or visit a Bereitschaftspraxis for same-day GP-level care without an appointment. Available evenings and weekends.
Co-payment structure
German co-payments are per-quarter, not per-visit. Once you’ve paid €10 at a practice, subsequent visits that quarter are covered.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Prescriptions and pharmacies
German pharmacies (Apotheke) are heavily regulated and well-stocked, with pharmacists who provide detailed medication counselling. Many medications available OTC elsewhere require a prescription (Rezept) in Germany, including most antibiotics and some antihistamines. Carry your prescription with the international nonproprietary name, as brand names frequently differ from other European countries.
Notdienst night pharmacies
A rotating Notdienst system ensures one pharmacy in each area stays open overnight. Find the current one at apotheken.de or posted on any pharmacy door.
Tips for travellers
The Charité in Berlin, LMU Klinikum in Munich, and university hospitals in Heidelberg and Tübingen are leading specialist centres for chronic conditions. EHIC holders access specialists with a GP referral (or directly in some specialties). Having your treatment history saved and accessible in German or English helps specialists at these institutions continue your care efficiently, since German hospitals rely heavily on written documentation.
Direct specialist access
Some specialties (dermatology, ophthalmology) allow direct booking without GP referral. For others, a Hausarzt referral (Überweisung) is needed.