How to find a doctor in Germany [10.11.22]

We have updated our info on finding a doctor, what a Hausarzt/Hausärztin is, and some differences between statutory and private health insurance. Find answers to the most pressing questions you'll have when you're new to Hohenheim.

What is a “Hausarzt” / “Hausärztin” and why do I need one?

A “Hausarzt”, or “Hausärztin” literally translates to “general practitioner”. A general practitioner is your first contact person in Germany if you are sick in any way and/or cannot go to work or university. These practitioners will also issue a “Krankmeldung”, or “sick leave”. It is common to choose one doctor and stick with them, unless you do not feel comfortable with them or move somewhere else, of course. Having a regular doctor makes a lot of things easier for you. They know your medical history, you know directly who you can turn to in case of illness, and in principle you simply feel safer if you have a direct point of contact and don't have to look for one first.

How can I find a general practitioner?

Below are three ways you can search for a general practitioner.

1. Ask your insurance company
Usually, they have tools you can use to search for doctors, including websites. They can help you find a specific type of doctor and area, as well as find addresses and phone numbers for them

2. Search Google by yourself for doctors in the area

3. Ask friends, fellow students, or staff in the Office of International Affairs

How do I know if they speak English?

Usually, most doctors in Germany speak English. However, if you want to be sure beforehand, you can either call and ask over the phone or search specifically for English-speaking general practitioners in the area using this link: find-a-doctor

What do I need to bring to my first appointment? ·

Bring your passport or ID and health insurance card
Be prepared to fill in an information sheet including a medical history form, which asks you about your own and, if applicable, your family’s medical history
Be sure you know your current address and phone number

How can I find a specialist?

If you have a special problem or condition you can search for a specialist the same way as you would search for general practitioners. Once you have found a specialist:

Go to your general practitioner and ask for a referral to a specialist
Call or email the specialist to make an appointment
Or, you can also ask your general practitioner directly for recommendations, they usually have 2 – 3 specialists at hand

How can I get psychological help?

If you feel that your mental health is declining, don’t hesitate to go to your general practitioner as they can help you to evaluate the situation and refer you to a specialist. There are several ways to find psychological help in Germany. Here are some examples of how to find a mental health practitioner. Go to a psychological counseling center. We have two of these right here at Hohenheim. Call or email the Student Counselling Center (ZSB) to make an appointment or make an appointment via the central office of the Psychotherapeutic Counselling of the Studierendenwerk by phone or email (located in the AStA building at Kirchnerstrasse 5).

Another possibility is to go directly to a psychotherapist, psychiatrist, or psychotherapeutic outpatient clinic. Find one of these clinics by:

Google searching for practices near Hohenheim or Stuttgart (many can be found in the city center of Stuttgart)
Make an appointment for an initial consultation once you have found a provider
Be prepared to be placed on a waiting list until you can start therapy

Important: In the case of an emergency, go to a psychiatric practice with emergency services, an outpatient psychotherapy department, or a specialized psychiatric or psychosomatic clinic! Do not hesitate to seek help!

Costs of psychological therapy
If you are in need of treatment, all the costs should be covered by your insurance company. However, you can also pay for therapy privately. If you need psychological help and do not know where to go, please ask the staff of the Student Counselling Center (ZSB) or the staff of the Office of International Affairs! We are here to help!

Other doctors you might need to visit

How can I find a gynecologist?

You do not need a referral from your general practitioner to see a gynecologist. You can simply look them up on the internet and make an appointment. You will again need to bring your insurance card and fill in a medical history form.

What should I know before seeking a gynecologist?

Your health insurance covers a preventive screening once a year
You can also go more than once which is also covered by the health insurance
Keep in mind that not all treatments are covered by the insurance
Gynecologists can prescribe contraception
Contraceptives are covered by health insurance until the age of 22
Gynecologists will also advise you in the case of (unwanted) pregnancy
In case of pregnancy, the most common examinations are usually covered by your insurance. However, if you want special examinations, you may have to pay additional costs

How can I find a dentist?

You do not need a referral to go to the dentist. Instead, you can just look them up on the internet or in our Welcome Guide.
What should I know before seeking a dentist?

Your insurance usually covers two preventive screenings per year as well as a dental cleaning
You might need to pay additional costs for a professional dental cleaning but as a student, this cost is discounted

Do I need an appointment to see a doctor?

Yes, you should make an appointment before visiting a doctor. Due to Covid, it is best to make an appointment beforehand for seeing a general practitioner.

For urgent health problems

Call the practice of your general practitioner, explain your situation, and ask for an appointment
It’s best if you call as soon as possible, for example, call early in the morning until they answer (might take a couple of calls, don't give up!)

For accidents or illness

Examples include flu, Covid, psychological problems, broken bones, etc.
You will need a verification of sickness (“Krankmeldung”) for work or university
Often a call is enough to receive a verification of sickness, meaning you don’t need to visit the practice in person. This way, they will send you the note via email or tell you when you or a friend of yours can pick it up

Specialists

For appointments with specialists, it’s normal to have weeks or months of waiting time
For this reason, it’s best to make an appointment several months in advance if possible

I have private health insurance. How does this work?

After you have been to the doctor, you will receive an invoice in the mail days or weeks after your visit
You need to pay this bill yourself
Keep a copy of the bill for your own documents
Send the invoice to your insurance asap
The insurance will review it and repay your expenses

What do I do in case of an emergency?

Less severe medical emergencies

1. Call your general practitioner and make an appointment. However, they are not available on the weekend or public holidays. In that case, call 116 117, which is a medical on-call service.

They are available 24/7
They can advise you or send a doctor to your address if necessary

2. Go directly to the hospital/emergency room. Depending on the kind of wound or sickness, you might face longer waiting hours

3. Find emergency clinic locations at: www.stuttgart.de/service/notdienste/

Severe medical emergencies

Examples of severe medical emergencies include stroke, heart attack, alcohol poisoning, fainting, life-threatening accidents, etc.
Always call 112 for an ambulance
You can also call the police at 110 (especially in cases of rape, assault, etc.) if there has been a crime or an immediate threat. If you call 112 once the threat is no longer immediate, the police are usually informed by the hospital later
Always provide answers to the following questions when reporting an emergency as well as answer any further inquiries asked: Who is calling? Where did it happen? What has happened? How many people are involved? What type of injuries has occurred?
Insurance covers the ambulance costs (please note that this is ONLY true for emergencies!)

Be prepared and check the info sheet from the Housing Department distributed in the halls of residence regarding information on what to do in the case of an emergency.

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