🇩🇪
Healthcare in Germany
Healthcare in Germany starts with the right insurance or registration. For immediate danger call 112; for non-urgent care use the national or local health service listed below.
Healthcare offices in Germany
Krankenkasse (TK, AOK, Barmer…): Statutory health insurance — required by law.
How to get covered
Address registration (Anmeldung): Mandatory within 14 days of moving in. Without it you can't get a bank account, tax ID, health insurance, or phone contract. Book a Bürgeramt appointment — Search '[city] Bürgeramt Termin'. In Berlin/Munich, slots fill in minutes — refresh early morning. Bring documents — Passport, rental contract (Mietvertrag), Wohnungsgeberbestätigung signed by your landlord, marriage/birth certificates if applicable. Receive Meldebescheinigung — You'll also get a Steuer-ID by post within 2–3 weeks. Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel): After arriving on a visa, you apply for an Aufenthaltstitel at the Ausländerbehörde before the visa expires. Book early — Waiting lists run 2–6 months. Apply for an appointment immediately after Anmeldung. Typical documents — Passport, biometric photo, Anmeldung, health insurance proof, income/job offer or study enrollment, rental contract, fee ~100 €. Fiktionsbescheinigung — If your visa expires before the appointment, ask for a Fiktionsbescheinigung — it legalizes your stay while waiting. Health insurance: Mandatory for everyone. Employees and students use statutory (gesetzlich, ~14.6% of gross). Freelancers can choose private. Pick a Krankenkasse — TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK are largest. Service quality varies — TK has strong English support. Get your insurance card — Arrives in 1–2 weeks. Show it at any doctor. Children of insured parents are free. Find a doctor — Use jameda.de or call 116 117 to be assigned one. Many GPs accept new patients only by recommendation in big cities.
Emergency and urgent care
Emergency number: 112. Medical help: 116 117 (non-urgent doctor). Police: 110. Use emergency care for serious or life-threatening situations; for routine problems, start with a GP or local clinic.
Prescriptions, interpreters and costs
Ask for an interpreter when booking if you are not confident in German. Bring ID, residence documents and insurance proof. Public care is usually free or low-cost after registration; without registration, ask clinics or NGOs about community care.
Frequently asked questions
What number do I call for an ambulance in Germany?
Call 112. It works for urgent medical, fire and police emergencies.
Which office should I contact first in Germany?
Start with Krankenkasse (TK, AOK, Barmer…). For broader newcomer help, also check Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt, Ausländerbehörde, BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration).
What language will offices use in Germany?
The main administrative language is German. Larger offices often offer English or interpreters, but bring translated documents when possible.
Do I need private insurance?
In most EU countries, once you are legally resident, public healthcare covers you. Private insurance is optional and used for faster access to specialists.
What does a doctor visit cost?
Usually free or a small copayment (5–25 EUR). Costs are much higher without a residence permit — use community clinics if that is your situation.