How to See a Doctor in Germany

Moving to a new country involves many adjustments, and finding a doctor is often high on that list.

But in Germany, navigating doctor appointments can be confusing, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the language, local customs, or health insurance rules.

You might wonder: How do I find a doctor who speaks English? Do I need a referral? What if it’s urgent?

In this guide, you’ll learn:

How to find the right doctor for your needs
What to expect when booking and attending an appointment
The difference between GPs and specialists—and when to see each
What documents to bring with you
How insurance affects costs
And our top tips for getting an appointment faster

By the end, you’ll feel more confident about seeing a doctor in Germany.

Step 1: Find a doctor

In Germany, you can choose any doctor you like without registering in advance.

You can also switch doctors at any time. Still, many people stick with one general practitioner (GP) for consistency and comfort.

Finding a GP can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the country or don’t speak German. But some tools make it easier.

Use doctor-finding platforms

Start with Doctolib, Germany’s most popular doctor-booking site. It’s available on both desktop and mobile. You can search and filter doctors by:

Specialty (e.g., GPs, dermatologists)
Insurance type (public or private)
Languages spoken (over 13 options)
Location and appointment availability

Try a basic Google or Bing search; type “Hausarzt near me” for local options with ratings and reviews.

Check the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung (KBV) website if you have public insurance. It lists certified doctors and psychotherapists across Germany. There’s also a national support hotline: 116117.

Ask your community

Word of mouth still goes a long way. Ask friends, coworkers, or expat forums for recommendations, especially for English-speaking doctors or clinics familiar with international patients.

Language tips

Doctors aren’t required to speak English, but many in big cities do. Use Doctolib’s language filter to find one that does. If you’re in a smaller town, consider bringing a German-speaking friend to your first visit, just in case.

Step 2: Book an appointment

In Germany, most doctors require you to book an appointment in advance.

While a few general practitioners (GPs) accept walk-ins, this exception is not the rule. Specialists rarely accept walk-ins unless it’s an emergency (called Sprechstunden).

Should you expect wait times?

If you’re insured under the public system, be prepared to wait. You might get an appointment with a GP within a few days, but specialists can take several weeks or months.

Private patients usually get faster access to both GPs and specialists.

When to see a GP vs. a specialist

If you’re unsure what’s wrong, you should see a GP first. They’ll examine you and give you a referral if needed.

If you already know the issue, try contacting the right specialist directly. For example, if you have vision problems, call an ophthalmologist, or if you have ongoing back pain, an orthopedist.

If you contact a specialist directly, let them know what kind of insurance you have. In some cases, people with public health insurance will be asked to visit a GP, even if they know what type of treatment they require.

Urgent but not an emergency?

Call ahead. If the issue is time-sensitive but not life-threatening, the staff may tell you to come in the same day. You’ll likely have to wait, but the doctor will see you before the end of the shift.

Doctors’ assistants manage the schedule and will do their best to fit you in.

Most practices prioritize you if you show up with a sick child. Parents and staff understand.

Step 3: See your doctor

When it’s time for your appointment, don’t forget to bring the essentials:

Health insurance card (elektronische Gesundheitskarte – eGK)
Photo ID

Your eGK proves you’re insured and stores important health information. It also allows the doctor to issue digital prescriptions, if needed.

If you don’t have health insurance, bring your wallet and be prepared to pay out of pocket.

The same applies if you have private health insurance. You’ll be asked to pay at the doctor’s office, and your insurance will reimburse you later.

Once at the medical center, you should expect delays. Waiting 15 to 30 minutes is normal, and it could be an hour or more in busy practices. While this can be frustrating, it’s usually because doctors take their time with each patient.

How to get an appointment faster in Germany

Appointments with public doctors, especially specialists, can involve long wait times.

But there are several ways to speed up the process:

1. Use your health insurance’s booking service

Some public insurers, like TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), support your appointment scheduling.

They may help you find a doctor and book an appointment faster than if you called yourself.

Check your provider’s website or welcome materials for details.

2. Call the 116117 hotline

You have a legal right to see a specialist within 4 weeks. Call 116117, the nationwide hotline for the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung (KV), which manages public doctors and clinics.

They’ll book an appointment for you with the next available provider, though you won’t be able to choose the doctor.

Alternatively, if you want to see a specialist sooner, ask your GP to call them directly and explain the situation.

This often helps get you seen faster.

3. Access urgent mental health care

Since 2017, all licensed therapists must keep 250 minutes weekly available for urgent sessions called Akutsprechstunden. These are for people in immediate need of mental health support.

Call your local KV office to find out where and when these sessions happen.
Therapists must also be reachable by phone for at least 100 minutes per week, so keep calling if the line is busy.

Read our mental health guide for more info.

4. Try hospitals for urgent but non-emergency needs

Some hospitals have outpatient departments for urgent but not life-threatening issues, especially after regular office hours.

You may be seen faster here than at a standard practice, though it varies by region. For example, Dortmund’s hospital offers this type of care.

5. Talk to your GP first

Not every problem needs a specialist.

GPs in Germany (Hausärzte) can treat various issues and prescribe most medications.

They can often manage your symptoms while you wait for a specialist appointment.

6. Try a walk-in

If you’re flexible, show up 5 minutes before opening time and explain your situation.

The staff might fit you in if the practice isn’t overwhelmed.

You may need to wait, but you can often stay in the waiting room or return later.

7. Try online doctor services

Virtual care often allows you to talk to a doctor much faster, as it increases your reach. These platforms offer video consultations with licensed doctors:

If Feather’s expat health insurance covers you, you get two free video consultations annually. Just book directly through your Feather account.

8. Consider private health insurance

Doctors often reserve short-notice appointments for privately insured patients.

That’s because private care is generally more profitable and easier to manage than billing public insurance.

You’ll usually get faster access to GPs and specialists if you have private coverage.

How to see a doctor in Germany as a tourist

Visiting Germany and need medical care? Here’s what to do if you get sick or need to see a doctor while traveling.

Step 1: Know what insurance you need

Whether you’re an EU or non-EU tourist, health insurance is required to access care in Germany:

EU citizens: Bring your EHIC card. It allows you to access state-provided healthcare under the same conditions as locals.
Non-EU travelers: You’ll need travel health insurance. Most private providers cover doctor visits and hospital care in Germany. Be prepared to pay upfront and submit a claim later unless the clinic directly bills your insurer.

We recommend you bring printed or digital proof of coverage in English or German in case of an emergency.

Step 2: Choose the right type of care

Germany’s system is structured but can be confusing at first. Here’s where to go:

Mild illnesses (colds, infections, skin issues): Visit a general practitioner (GP or “Hausarzt”). They diagnose and, if needed, refer you to a specialist with an “Überweisung” (referral letter).
Specialist care (e.g., dermatologists, orthopedists): Usually requires a referral. Wait times for non-urgent care can be weeks to months.
Urgent but not life-threatening issues (e.g., flu, minor injuries): Call 116 117, Germany’s medical helpline. They connect you to nearby on-call doctors, some of whom even offer home visits.
Emergencies (e.g., severe chest pain, heavy bleeding): Go directly to the Notaufnahme (emergency room) at the nearest hospital or call 112 for an ambulance.

Step 3: Book your appointment

Some clinics accept walk-ins, but calling ahead or booking online is safer. Look for doctors who list “Fremdsprachen” (foreign languages) like English.

Step 4: Bring these documents

When visiting a doctor, have:

Your passport or ID
Proof of health insurance (or your wallet)
Any prescriptions or recent medical history (translated if possible)

How much do doctor visits and checkups cost in Germany?

Medical costs in Germany depend on your insurance status, the type of doctor, and where you get care.

Here’s a clear breakdown for both insured and uninsured patients.

Without insurance

If you don’t have valid health insurance in Germany, here’s what you can expect to pay:

For a general practitioner (Hausarzt): €40–70 per visit, depending on the complexity (e.g., short consultation vs. physical exam with diagnostics).
For specialists (e.g. dermatologist, cardiologist): €80–150+, especially if tests or procedures are involved.

Additional services can quickly rack up too:

Bloodwork or lab tests: €20–100 depending on what’s ordered.
Imaging (e.g. X-ray, ultrasound): €30–200.
Prescriptions: Prices vary, but expect €10–50 per medication if uninsured.

Costs are billed using Germany’s GOÄ (Gebührenordnung für Ärzte), a national fee schedule for private billing. Clinics may require payment upfront, usually by card or cash.

If you’re uninsured and get treatment in Germany, you should:

Call ahead to confirm the clinic accepts self-pay patients.
Ask for a cost estimate (“Kostenvoranschlag”) before your visit.
Save all receipts; they may be reimbursable later through travel insurance or retroactive enrollment.

With public health insurance (GKV)

Most essential care, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and medically necessary treatments, is covered by public insurance.

But there are standard copayments:

Prescription medications: €5–10 per item.
Medical aids (e.g., crutches, braces): Typically 10% of the cost.
Hospitalizations: €10 per day (up to 28 days/year).

Some services, like travel vaccinations or extra dental cleanings, aren’t covered and must be paid by you.

With private health insurance (PKV)

Private insurance holders usually:

Pay the doctor upfront.
Submit invoices for reimbursement.
Have broader access to private clinics and specialists (often with shorter wait times).

Doctors bill based on the GOÄ and can charge 2x–3.5x the base rate, especially for extended appointments or urgent care. Always check with your insurer whether full reimbursement is guaranteed.