What are healthcare services like in Germany?

We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in Germany. They wrote...

"Medical care in Germany is of the highest order. Small towns and villages all have doctors and hospitals are nearby. Just a couple of months ago I was hospitalized for an emergency and my local internist, just a few steps from my home, quickly sent me to the hospital where I was admitted for an emergency operation which turned out to be peritonitis due to perforated appendix. The hospital is about 20 minutes away where I was taken by ambulance. Everything moved quickly and efficiently from emergency room, to surgery, etc. Being a private patient I have access to chief surgeon who was fantastic and has a great reputation. My 7 day hospital stay and care in the hospital (not one day too short nor one day too long) was superb. Over the years I have had several hospital experiences, all very positive. As my situation was life threatening I consider myself lucky to have been in Germany where I received such prompt and excellent care," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Friedrichsdorf, Germany.

"Germany has a high standard of healthcare services throughout the country. Utilizing a social insurance system, healthcare is available to German citizens through a combination of public health care insurance and private health care insurance. All German citizens are required to have health insurance, which is typically administered through the statutory health insurance fund. For those seeking private insurance, premiums vary depending on the type of care needed and on the insurance plan chosen. Outpatient services are provided through family doctors, specialists, and therapists. Inpatient services are provided through hospitals, either public or private. In general, Germany has a particularly strong focus on preventive health services, in order to limit the need for curative treatments," commented one expat who made the move to Germany.

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What are healthcare services like in Germany?

If you live in Germany, newcomers to Germany would love to hear your answer to this question.

About the Author

Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.