How to Find a Doctor in Germany.  [01.08.22]

Studying in a foreign country is challenging and exhausting. No one wants to get sick - it happens to the best. But don't worry, here is everything you need to know about finding a doctor here in Hohenheim.

  

How to find a doctor in Germany?

For the start of your studies at the University of Hohenheim, it is reasonable to organize your life here and this also means finding proper doctors. Covid proves that it is always helpful to have a doctor in sight. In Germany, the first contact if you are sick are general practitioners or the “Hausarzt/Hausärztin”, especially if you cannot go to work or university and will need a sick note.

How do I find a “Hausarzt/Hausärztin”?

There are several methods to search for a general practitioner. Firstly, you can ask your insurance employee or search via your insurance company website. Companies normally have tools to search for doctors via filtering by what type of doctor you need, by area, as well as show addresses and phone numbers. Another possibility is searching the internet for doctors in the area by yourself, or ask friends or fellow students.

But do they speak English?

Only very few doctors speak no English but to be sure you can either ask beforehand, or you can search for English speaking general practitioners in the area, e.g. via english-speaking practitioners.

How do I find a specialist?

If you have a special problem or condition, you can search for specialists the same way as for general practitioners. First, you need to go to your general practitioner to receive a referral for the specialist and then make an appointment at a specialist’s practice. Sometimes doctors also refer you to specialists.

How can I find a gynecologist?

You do not need a referral from your general practitioner to go to a gynecologist practice. Your health insurance will cover a preventive screening once a year. Of course, you can go more than once which is also covered by your health insurance. Keep in mind there might be additional costs for some treatments or medicine you need to pay for by yourself. A gynecologist can prescribe you a prescription for contraception, which is covered by health insurance until the age of 22, afterwards you need to pay for it at the pharmacy. If you need more information on what treatments are covered, contact your insurance.

How can I find a dentist?

Like finding a gynecologist you do not need a referral to go to the dentist, just read the information in the section “How can I find a specialist”. Your health insurance usually covers two preventive screenings and a dental cleaning (you might need to pay on top, but as a student it is cheaper). If you are not sure, just contact your insurance.

Do I need an appointment to see a doctor?

Yes! Since Covid it is best to make an appointment beforehand. If you have an urgent problem that cannot wait, you can call the practice and talk to the receptionists of your general practitioner, and you will get an appointment as soon as possible. In this case, it is best to call as early as possible. If you need to see a specialist, it is normal to have some weeks, or sometimes even months, of waiting time. Therefore, it is best to make appointments in advance.

What is a “Krankmeldung” and why do I need it?

If you are sick, you will usually need a verification (“Krankmeldung”) for work or university. Oftentimes, you do not need to visit the practice in person. Call or write them an email, they either will send it to you by email or post, or will let you know when a friend can come in to pick it up. Careful, if you miss an exam due to sickness, you have to hand in the sick note on the day of the exam the latest! If you are working, always check with your workplace – sometimes, you can hand in a Krankmeldung until the third day, some companies might demand it on the first day already! Do not gamble, people.

I have a private health insurance how does that work?

If you are insured at a private health insurance, you will get an invoice after your doctor’s appointment usually a few weeks or days after the treatment. You will need to pay this bill by yourself. Make sure to have a copy of the bill for your own documents. Then send the invoice to your private health insurance provider, who will review it and repay your expenses.

What can I do in case of emergency?

If your emergency is not that severe you can always call your general practitioner and get an appointment. If they are not available, especially on weekends or holidays, there will be a recorded message about an emergency medical service doctor to whom you can turn. If not, you have the possibility, especially on weekends, holidays or at night to call 116 117, the medical on call service, which is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. They can also send a doctor to your flat if necessary. You can also go directly to a hospital to the emergency room but there will often be long waiting hours. In case of an emergency like severe accidents (car, bike, other), heatstroke, heart attack, severe alcohol poisoning, or if you suspect to have been given K.O. drops/roofies always call 112 for an emergency ambulance (same number for the fire department) or call 110 for the police. The police in Germany are trustworthy and will help and support you.

 

To sum this up: it is always good to have a general practitioner to have somewhere to go when you are sick, want a checkup or had an accident, especially when being new in a foreign country. Of course, you can also turn to the Office of International Affairs if you are having troubles finding the right doctor or need advice.

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