15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Germany

How are healthcare services Germany?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Germany, they replied:

"Healthcare services in Germany are generally of a very high quality. All German citizens, permanent residents, and those in the country on a working visa are eligible to access public healthcare, which is commonly referred to as “gesetzliche Krankenversicherung”. This covers all of the essential health needs of most individuals, including routine doctor’s visits, hospital services, lab tests, prescription medications and medical equipment. The public healthcare system ensures access to services for all members of society regardless of economic or social status. Furthermore, foreigners living in Germany with a residence permit are also eligible to use the public healthcare system. Expats in Germany often will seek private health insurance that covers at least what public healthcare does, plus additional medical services such as dental care and mental health counseling. This additional coverage often leads to quicker access to medical care, as most private facilities provide a reservation system or appointment wait times not found in public healthcare. The cost of private health insurance in Germany varies depending on the insurance and level of coverage desired, though is generally cheaper than in other European countries," said an expat in Germany.

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What are medical services in Germany like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Germany, they replied:

"Germany has advanced healthcare services and a well-developed health system, with a range of public and private medical services. The public system is subsidized by the government and provides universal access to quality care that is based on need, not an individual's ability to pay. In Germany, physicians specialize in different fields and provide a range of services, including diagnosis, treatment, and preventative services. Most medical services are provided at either a hospital or a doctor's office, depending on the type of care needed. Patients may also take advantage of special diagnostic or therapeutic services by consulting specialists such as ophthalmologists or gynaecologists. In addition, most cities in Germany have a system of chemists and pharmacies to provide prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications," mentioned one expat in Germany.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Germany?

"In general, healthcare in Germany is considered to be of high quality and is offered at a comparatively low cost thanks to the country's social insurance system. The services of physicians and hospitals are covered by public health insurance and most people can expect to pay relatively low out-of-pocket costs. Private health insurance is also available and is more expensive than public health insurance, but offers more extensive coverage and in some cases more flexibility," mentioned one expat in Germany.

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Expat Health Insurance in Germany

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What are emergency services like in Germany?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Germany wrote:

"In Germany, emergency services are very reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, you can call 112 to summon an ambulance that can respond quickly and will be adequately equipped to handle the emergency at hand. Emergency services are free of charge and are staffed with highly trained and experienced emergency personnel who prioritize the safety and wellbeing of patients," remarked one expat in Germany.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Germany is home to some of the world's leading medical facilities, with many cities offering a wide variety of specialist medical services. The major metropolitan areas such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt boast an impressive selection of both public and private healthcare facilities, hosting an array of medical specialists including cardiologists, neurologists, surgeons and oncologists. The larger cities also have a greater variety of specialized medical teams such as fertility clinics, pediatric specialists and geriatric care centers. In addition, Germany's smaller cities and towns often have a number of excellent general practitioners, providing quality and accessible healthcare for their local population," wrote one expat.

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Are common prescription medications available in Germany?

"Yes, many common prescription medications are available in Germany. Generally speaking, you can purchase medications with a prescription from a pharmacy, though some pharmacies may require a certain certification or special permission to access certain medications. In general, German pharmacies tend to stock a wide variety of medications, so finding the one you need should not be an issue," remarked one expat in Germany.

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Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Germany?

"Medical facilities and medical care in Germany are of a high quality. German hospitals have world-class infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology, and doctors and staff are highly trained and experienced. The quality of medical care in Germany is especially distinguished for its efficiency and organization. Patients are generally given accurate diagnoses and detailed treatment plans. Additionally, many German medical professionals speak English, making communication easier. In general, medical care in Germany is reliable and safe, and is provided with compassion and respect," said one expat living in Germany.

"In Dusseldorf, public hospitals offer emergency treatment as well. Private clinics are affordable only with private insurance. Costs are still cheaper than US," mentioned one expat in Dusseldorf.

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As a foreigner living in Germany, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Germany, you will have access to public healthcare. The public health care system in Germany is one of the best in the world and provides a wide range of services from emergency care to preventive health care and screening. There are also some specialized services and treatments that are provided based on special needs. The public healthcare system in Germany is affordable and largely subsidized or free of charge. The costs you have to pay out-of-pocket depend on your insurance contributions and can range from 10% up to a maximum of 10 euro per medicine package or medical service purchased. Generally, if you are able to demonstrate financial hardship, the necessary treatments are subsidized and you may not have to pay anything out of pocket. The quality of medical care is generally excellent and the waiting times for most services are shorter than in many other countries. As a foreigner living in Germany, you will be able to make an appointment with a doctor of your choice, access low cost or free prescriptions, specialized treatments and preventive health care," commented one expat who moved to Germany.

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What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Germany if they have access to public healthcare in Germany. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"In Germany, the pandemic has greatly impacted the local healthcare system. My experience during this time has been largely positive; healthcare workers have been wearing personal protective equipment and taking strict precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus. The healthcare system in Germany is well-organized, and appointments can be easily made online for both general doctor's visits and emergency hospital visits. Furthermore, the local healthcare system is both comprehensive and accessible; aside from hospitals, there are a variety of clinics and medical providers that offer a full range of medical services, including preventative check-ups and physicals. Overall, I am confident that Germany's local healthcare system is equipped to handle the demands of the pandemic," wrote one expat.

"I would not like to catch covid here. If I had to be hospitalized I would be in debt for thousands of dollars. I have health insurance," commented one expat who moved to Kandern.

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