From Health Insurance to Doctor Visits – How It Works

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1. Health Insurance

• Statutory insurance: Once registered, you receive a membership card (similar to a credit card). Sign the back and bring it to every doctor, hospital, or emergency visit.

• Private insurance: You pay upfront for visits and medication, then request reimbursement. Coverage and reimbursement rules vary widely depending on your policy. Make sure you know your plan details.

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2. Doctor Visits

• Choosing doctors: You are free to choose or change doctors. Specialists may require a referral from your general practitioner.

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• Appointments:

  • Usually required (except in emergencies).

  • Expect possible waiting times, even with an appointment.

  • Doctor’s hours are posted online or outside their offices.

  • Many practices are closed on Wednesday afternoons.

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• Costs:

  • Visits are free under statutory insurance.

  • Prescription medicines usually require a small co-payment (€5–10).

  • Children are exempt from co-payments.

  • Over-the-counter medicines must be paid for.

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• Outside regular hours:

  • Call the medical on-call service: 116 117 (or 31 00 31 in some regions).

  • In emergencies: dial 112 or go directly to a hospital emergency center.

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3. Pharmacies (Apotheken)

• Marked with the red “A” sign.

• Regular hours: usually until 6–8 p.m. on weekdays; closed Saturday afternoons and Sundays.

• Emergency pharmacies rotate and are listed at local pharmacies or online: www.aerzte-notdienst.de