Medicine & Veterinary Germany

State Health Insurance

Citizens with an annual income below a certain threshold are required to have state insurance. Employers automatically register employees with one of the state insurance companies.

Coverage: State insurance covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medications, preventive screenings, and dental care.

Contributions: Contributions amount to 14.6% of gross income, with this amount equally shared between the employer and the employee. Additional contributions may be required depending on the insurance company.

Benefits: The insurance includes a spouse and children without additional contributions if they do not have their own income.

 

Private Health Insurance

Private insurance is available to individuals with an annual income above 69,300 euros, freelancers, self-employed, and civil servants.

Coverage: Private insurance offers flexible and personalized plans with the option to choose additional services, such as treatment in private clinics and alternative medicine.

Contributions: Contributions depend on age, health condition, and selected coverage. For young and healthy people, private insurance can be cheaper than state insurance.

Benefits: Often shorter wait times for specialist visits and procedures; the ability to tailor the insurance plan to personal needs and preferences.

 

Supplementary Insurance

Citizens can take out supplementary insurance to cover services not included in state insurance. This may include dental services, optics, alternative medicine, and treatment in private clinics.

 

 

Can medical services be used without insurance?

Yes, the German medical system can be used even without insurance. You can visit any doctor and say that services will be paid privately, which is quite expensive, but you can negotiate with clinics and ask them to provide a preliminary estimate of treatment costs (surgery, rehabilitation, etc.) after a paid diagnosis. In this case, the clinic calculates everything at maximum and you will need to pay the entire amount before treatment (surgery) is carried out; if in the process it turns out that the treatment cost less, the difference is refunded to the patient. In such an interaction with the medical institution, payment can be made in any form (cash at the cashier, transfer to the account, or payment by bank card).

State Hospitals

 

University Clinics: University hospitals, such as the University Clinic of Heidelberg and the University Clinic of Cologne, are among the best in the country, offering a wide range of medical services and conducting advanced medical research. These institutions provide comprehensive treatment, including specialized medical services and participation in clinical trials.

 

State Hospitals: In Germany, about 50% of hospitals are public. These institutions accept patients with state and private health insurance, offering a wide range of medical services from emergency care to specialized treatment.

 

Private Hospitals

 

Private Medical Institutions: Private hospitals, such as Asklepios St. Georg Hospital and Helios Clinic, provide high-quality medical services often using advanced technology and equipment. These hospitals offer a more personalized approach and more comfortable conditions for patients, including private rooms and shorter waiting times.

 

Clinics and Private Practices

In Germany, private practices of general practitioners and specialists are widespread. Patients can receive consultation, diagnosis, and treatment without the need for hospitalization. A referral from a general practitioner is often required to see a specialist.

Advantages: Convenience, availability in the vicinity, the opportunity for regular check-ups and diagnostics.

Registering with a family doctor

 

Choosing a doctor: Find a family doctor in your area. To do this, you can use online platforms: Jameda, Doctolib, KBV. These platforms allow you to search for doctors based on specialization, location, and language skills.

 

Making an appointment: To make an appointment, you can call the clinic or use online services. When you call, you will most likely be answered by a medical assistant who will help you choose a convenient time for your visit.

 

First visit: During the first consultation, the doctor will create your medical record and discuss your health. Don't forget to bring your insurance card, which is necessary for registration and payment of medical services through insurance.

 

Making an appointment with a specialist

 

Referral from a family doctor: Visiting most specialists requires a referral from a family doctor. This referral needs to be presented when making an appointment and during the visit to the specialist.

 

Choosing a specialist: Similar to family doctors, Jameda, Doctolib, and similar platforms can be used to find specialists.

 

Making an appointment: Specialists also offer appointments over the phone or online. It is important to note that waiting times can vary depending on workload and the urgency of your issue.

 

Online consultations: Many doctors and specialists in Germany offer online consultations, which are covered by health insurance. This can be particularly convenient for initial consultations or follow-up visits. You can use the same platforms for appointments, such as Doctolib or TeleClinic.

 

Important tips

Language barrier: Make sure the doctor speaks a language you understand. The platforms for booking often list the languages spoken by the doctor.

Punctuality: In Germany, it is important to arrive on time for appointments. If you are late, be sure to call the clinic and inform them.

Insurance: Always carry your insurance card to all appointments so that the doctor can correctly issue the bill.

Emergency medical care

In emergencies in Germany, you can call the emergency service number 112. Ambulance services and emergency departments in hospitals are available to receive patients around the clock.

 

Emergency medical care in Germany is provided to anyone in need, including non-residents and tourists. Emergency medical care in Germany may be chargeable for non-residents if they do not have valid medical insurance covering overseas treatment costs. EU/EEA citizens should use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to cover expenses. All other tourists and non-residents are strongly advised to have travel insurance to cover unforeseen medical expenses, including emergency care.

 

Also, if there is an urgent need to see a specialist (for example, before a weekend), but there is no need for an ambulance (no life-threatening situation), you can call 116117, which is a nationwide phone number for those with state health insurance. The operator needs you to provide your postal code and address, describe the problem, and you will be given the contact of the nearest on-call specialist doctor whom you can call and make an urgent appointment with over the weekend or public holidays.

Referral from a doctor: The first step for most tests and examinations is to get a referral from your family doctor. The doctor will assess your condition and, if necessary, issue a referral to a specialist or specific tests.

You can book tests and examinations in several ways:

Through your family doctor: Your doctor may assist you in arranging tests and examinations by contacting the relevant medical facilities.

Independently: You can book directly through online platforms such as Jameda, Doctolib, or via the websites of laboratories and clinics. For this, you need a referral from a doctor and your insurance card.

Depending on the type of test or examination, you may need different medical facilities:

Laboratory Tests: To give blood, urine, or other samples, you can go to a medical laboratory. Such laboratories often have separate departments at hospitals or operate as independent institutions.

Instrumental Examinations: To conduct ultrasound, X-ray studies, MRI, or CT scans, you will need to contact specialized diagnostic centers or clinics. As a rule, it is possible to schedule such studies for a rather distant date since these diagnostic centers are usually overcrowded, but if you need an appointment for an earlier date, you need to explain this to the operator and ask if it is possible to book an earlier date in another diagnostic center, typically there are available dates for urgent cases.

Receiving Results

The results of tests and examinations are usually sent to your family doctor or the specialist who ordered the examination. They may also be available through the electronic portals of medical institutions.

Cost and Insurance

In Germany, most tests and examinations are covered by health insurance. However, there are exceptions. It is important to clarify coverage with your insurance company.

Important Tips

If you do not speak German, check the possibility of consultation in English or another language, or use the services of a translator.

 

Some of the largest and most popular laboratories in Germany that provide a wide range of medical tests and examinations: Sonic Healthcare, Eurofins Scientific, Synlab, Labor Berlin, MVZ Martinsried.

In Germany, you have several options for childbirth:

Hospitals: Most births in Germany take place in hospitals. Hospitals are well-equipped for all types of births, including high-risk and emergency cases. Hospitals have teams of midwives, nurses, and pediatricians.

Birth Centers: For a more intimate and less medical setting, you can choose a birth center. These facilities offer a home-like atmosphere, and births are conducted under the guidance of midwives. However, in case of complications, you will need to be transferred to a hospital.

Home Births: For low-risk pregnancies, the option of home births with a certified midwife is possible. This is an option for those who prefer to give birth in a familiar and comfortable environment.

 

Health insurance in Germany covers most expenses associated with pregnancy and childbirth:

Public Health Insurance: Covers all standard medical services, including doctor visits, tests, ultrasound examinations, childbirth, and postpartum care; covers the cost of childbirth in a hospital, birth center, or at home.

Private Health Insurance: Provides a wider range of services and allows you to choose private doctors and receive additional services, such as a separate room in the hospital. However, if you are already pregnant at the time of getting insurance, there may be difficulties with coverage.

 

Preparation for Childbirth

Childbirth Preparation Courses: Attending childbirth preparation courses is recommended. Many courses are offered in both German and English.

Hospital Bag: It is recommended to prepare two bags in advance: one for childbirth, another for the hospital stay. For the childbirth bag, include documents (insurance card, passport, maternity card), comfortable clothing, toiletries, and snacks. For the hospital stay, take comfortable clothing, nursing attire, personal hygiene products, and documents for registering the child's birth.

 

Partner Births in Germany

When registering for childbirth at your chosen facility, check if the presence of a partner is allowed during childbirth and what the conditions for this are. Most hospitals in Germany allow the presence of a partner, but it is important to confirm this in advance and learn about any possible restrictions.

 

Vaccination of Newborns

Vaccination in Germany is voluntary, except for the measles vaccination, which has been mandatory since March 2020 for all children attending kindergartens, schools, or other educational institutions. Parents have the right to refuse recommended vaccinations, except for the mandatory measles vaccination. However, in case of refusal, parents may face consequences such as: inability to attend kindergartens and schools (in the case of measles); threat to the child's health and public health due to the lack of herd immunity. Therefore, following the national vaccination schedule is the best way to protect the health of the child. Parents are encouraged to consult pediatricians for detailed information about vaccinations.

In the event of the death of a foreigner in Germany, a series of steps must be taken to arrange all necessary documents and organize the funeral or repatriation of the body.

 

Notification of authorities and registration of death

Call a doctor: A doctor must confirm the death and issue a death certificate.

Registration of death: The death must be registered at the local civil registry office within a few days. This requires the deceased's documents, including passport, residence permit, and birth certificate.

 

Notification of the consulate

Contact the consulate or embassy of the deceased's country. They can provide assistance and advice on further actions, including body repatriation or cremation. Consulates often offer support in translating documents and coordinating with local authorities.

 

Funeral, repatriation, cremation

Burial in Germany: To organize a funeral in Germany, you need to contact a local funeral home. They will assist with paperwork, cemetery selection, and ceremony arrangements.

Repatriation of the body: If you wish to return the body to the homeland, you must contact an international funeral agency specializing in repatriation. The body usually needs to be embalmed before transportation. You will also need documents such as the death certificate, permit for body transportation, and others.

Cremation: To carry out cremation, you need to provide the death certificate, cremation permit (issued by local authorities after medical examination), the deceased's passport, and other identification documents. Funeral homes offer a full range of services, including document preparation, body transportation, ceremony conduction, and cremation.

 

Financial issues and inheritance

It is necessary to settle the deceased's inheritance and financial obligations. This includes closing bank accounts, settling debts, and distributing assets. Depending on the country of citizenship of the deceased and their residence, different inheritance laws may apply.

 

Additional actions

Cancellation of documents: After the funeral or repatriation, it is necessary to annul the deceased's passport and notify the relevant authorities about their death to terminate all official documents and contracts.

In Germany, pet owners must comply with certain veterinary requirements to ensure the health and safety of their pets and prevent the spread of diseases.

 

Rabies vaccination

Mandatory for dogs, cats, and ferrets. All animals must be vaccinated against rabies at the age of at least 12 weeks.

Vaccination timing: After the initial vaccination, you must wait 21 days before the animal can travel.

 

Microchip identification

Mandatory for all pets. Information about the microchip must be recorded in the pet's veterinary passport or veterinary certificate.

 

Veterinary passport or health certificate

European veterinary passport: This document is the standard for travel within the EU. It includes information on vaccinations, microchip, and contact details of the owner and veterinarian. The passport is valid for the animal's lifetime, provided the rabies vaccination is up-to-date.

Veterinary certificate: When traveling from non-EU countries, a veterinary certificate issued by an official state veterinarian in the country of departure no more than 10 days before arrival in the EU is required.

 

Additional vaccinations and procedures

In addition to mandatory vaccinations, the following vaccinations are also recommended:

Dogs: Vaccination against distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis, and leptospirosis.

Cats: Vaccination against viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.

Ferrets: Vaccination against distemper in carnivores.

In Germany, there are various options for accommodation and care for pets, including hotels and shelters. It is worth noting that the services of such institutions can be quite expensive.

 

Pet Hotels

Pet hotels are becoming increasingly popular in Germany, especially among owners who travel frequently or are busy with work. These hotels offer various services, including:

Accommodation and care: In pet hotels, your pets receive full nutrition, walks, and medical care when necessary.

Additional services: Many hotels offer services such as grooming, training, and even spa treatments for animals.

 

Popular platforms for finding and booking pet hotels include BringFido and Booking.com, where you can find pet-friendly hotels and read reviews from other owners.

 

Animal Shelters

If you wish to adopt a pet from a shelter or need temporary accommodation for your pet, there are numerous animal shelters in Germany. Here are a few examples:

Tierschutzverein Frankfurt am Main: A shelter in Frankfurt that deals with both homeless animal sheltering and their adaptation and finding new homes.

Tierservice Eschborn: Offers services for temporary accommodation for dogs and cats, as well as day care for pets in Eschborn.

Germany is known for its respect for animal rights and strict rules regarding their care. Here are the key aspects to consider when keeping pets in this country:

Registration and Identification

Microchip: In Germany, it is mandatory to identify pets, especially dogs, with a microchip.

Registration: Dogs must be registered with the local municipal authority within 2-4 weeks of purchase or arrival in Germany. Failure to register may result in a fine of up to 10,000 euros.

Vaccination

Rabies: Vaccination against rabies is mandatory for all dogs, cats, and ferrets.

Leashes and Muzzles

Leashes: In some federal states, such as Hamburg and Berlin, there is a mandatory requirement to keep dogs on a leash in public places. In other states, such requirements may be limited to specific areas, such as parks and forests.

Muzzles: For dangerous breeds of dogs in some states, the use of a muzzle in public places is required.

Rules for Cats

Spaying: Although spaying cats is not mandatory at the federal level, it is recommended to prevent uncontrolled breeding and related issues. Some municipalities may have mandatory regulations for spaying and registering cats.

Housing

Renting with Pets: In Germany, landlords can decide whether to allow pets in rented apartments. This is usually specified in the rental agreement. If this point is not included in the contract, it is generally assumed that pet ownership is allowed, but it is always better to discuss this with the landlord in advance.

Transportation and Travel

Traveling with Animals: When traveling within the EU, an EU Pet Passport is required, which is issued by a vet and confirms the animal's identification and vaccination. For dogs from countries with a high risk of rabies, an additional blood test for antibodies may be required.

Taxes and Insurance

Taxes: In some German cities, a dog tax is levied. The tax rate may vary depending on the city and the number of dogs an owner has, as well as the dog's size and breed.

Insurance: It is recommended to have liability insurance for dogs, which covers possible damages caused by the dog.

Prohibited Dog Breeds in Germany

In Germany, there are strict rules regarding the ownership of certain dog breeds considered dangerous. These rules vary depending on the federal state, but in general, there are a number of breeds that are prohibited from being imported and owned throughout the country.

Some exceptions to the ban are possible. For example, dogs used as service, rescue, or guide dogs for people with disabilities can be brought into the country with the appropriate documents and permits. Temporary visits with a dog are also possible if the dog does not stay in the country for more than four weeks.

Rules for the Burial of Pets in Germany

Home Burial. You can bury your pet on your own property if the following conditions are met:

Location: The burial must be at least 50 cm deep and away from water sources and public places (such as roads and squares). It is not allowed to bury animals in water protection zones (Wasserschutzgebiet).

Permission: In some cases, permission from local authorities may be required.

 

Cremation. If home burial is impossible or undesirable, you can use cremation services:

Cremation at Shelters: In Germany, there are many shelters offering cremation services. The cost varies depending on the weight of the animal and the type of service (such as individual or communal cremation).

 

Animal Cemeteries. Burial in specialized animal cemeteries is also a common practice:

Animal Cemeteries: There are more than 300 animal cemeteries in Germany. The cost of burial depends on the size of the animal and the type of grave (such as anonymous or memorial).

 

Disposal. If you do not want or cannot bury or cremate your pet, there are services for the disposal of pet bodies:

Veterinary Clinics: Many veterinarians offer disposal services for a fee.

Specialized Companies: For example, the company SecAnim in Berlin is involved in the collection and disposal of dead animals.

 

Always consult with local authorities and veterinarians to obtain accurate information and comply with all necessary requirements.