Healthcare in Germany: Insurance, Pharmacies and Doctors
Germany boasts one of the most comprehensive healthcare systems in the world. Often discussed in debates comparing the US healthcare system to the German model, the German system relies on a dual structure of statutory (public) health insurance and private health insurance.
Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung)
It is a legal requirement for everyone living in Germany (once you do your Anmeldung) to have health insurance.
Public vs. Private Insurance
Most residents (around 87%) are covered by public statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, or GKV). If you earn above a certain threshold (around €69,300 in 2024), you can opt for private health insurance (PKV). Expat health insurance: If you are a freelancer or a high earner, you might wonder about the best private insurance plans. Companies like Allianz, DKV, or digital providers like Feather and Ottonova are popular among expats.
Comparing Public Providers
If you choose public insurance, you must pick a specific provider (Krankenkasse). When comparing the major public providers like Barmer, TK, and AOK:
- TK (Techniker Krankenkasse): Widely considered the best for expats. They offer English language support and a great digital app.
- AOK: One of the largest and oldest, with many local branches. Excellent for local support, but less English-friendly.
- Barmer: Another massive provider with excellent coverage, comparable to TK but often slightly different in optional coverage (like dental cleanings). Note: The maximum monthly contribution for TK (and all other public insurers) is capped by the state based on a maximum income assessment limit.
The KKVNR
Your health insurance number is known as the KKVNR (Krankenversichertennummer). It is printed on your electronic health card, which you must bring to every doctor’s appointment.
Doctors and Appointments
Finding a Doctor
You do not need to register with a single GP in Germany, though having a regular Hausarzt (General Practitioner) is recommended. To find English-speaking doctors, use platforms like Doctolib or Jameda. You can filter by language and book appointments online. Booking a routine blood check: Simply use Doctolib, select “General Practitioner,” choose an English-speaking doctor, and book an appointment for a “Check-up” or “Blutabnahme”.
Medical Emergencies
For extreme emergencies, call 112. For urgent but non-life-threatening issues outside of normal office hours, you need the on-call medical service (Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst). Call 116 117.
Pharmacies and Medications
The pharmacy in Germany is called an Apotheke (look for the big red ‘A’ sign).
Prescriptions and Over-the-Counter
Can pharmacists prescribe medication? No, German pharmacists cannot prescribe medications. You must see a doctor. Germany is very strict about medications. Things you might buy in a supermarket elsewhere (like ibuprofen or cold medicine) can only be bought at an Apotheke.
- Availability of specialized medication: Drugs like spironolactone require a doctor’s prescription and cannot be bought over the counter.
- Getting insulin: You need a prescription from a doctor. If you have public insurance, you will only pay a tiny co-pay (usually €5 to €10) at the pharmacy; the insurance covers the rest.
When comparing medicine costs between Germany and the USA, Germans pay a fraction out-of-pocket because the public system aggressively negotiates drug prices. This efficiency helps keep direct costs to the patient relatively low.