Dermatology in Germany: Cost & Insurance Coverage Explained

Dermatologists are the experts you turn to for skin, hair, and nail health. But in Germany, getting an appointment—and understanding what your health insurance will pay for—can be confusing.

Depending on the type of issue and your insurance, visits may be fully covered or come with out-of-pocket costs. A basic consultation can start at around €60, while more complex tests or treatments may cost significantly more, sometimes in the thousands.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What dermatologists treat and when you should see one
• How much dermatology appointments cost in Germany
• What public, private, and expat insurance plans cover
• What to expect from diagnosis to treatment
• Tips for booking appointments quickly

Let’s get started.

What does a dermatologist do?

A dermatologist specializes in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions. 

In Germany, dermatologists are board-certified specialists with years of training in both medical and cosmetic skin issues.

Common conditions they treat include:

• Acne, eczema, and psoriasis
• Suspicious moles and skin cancer checks
• Fungal infections and rashes
• Allergies and skin irritations
• Hair loss or excessive hair growth
• Nail disorders like fungal infections or brittle nails

Many dermatologists in Germany also offer cosmetic treatments such as Botox, fillers, or laser therapy—but these services aren’t typically covered by health insurance (more on that below).

Appointments usually last 10–30 minutes, depending on the issue. If additional tests, such as skin biopsies, allergy tests, or lab work, are needed, a follow-up visit may be required.

How much does dermatology cost in Germany?

Prices vary depending on your insurance, the city you’re in, and whether your visit is medical or cosmetic.

Here’s a rough overview of standard dermatology costs in Germany:

Does German health insurance cover dermatology?

Most insurance plans will cover part or all of these costs if your doctor deems the visit medically necessary. 

However, if your appointment is for cosmetic reasons or purely preventive, you may have to pay out of pocket.

Let’s take a look at the three main types of health insurance available in Germany:

With public health insurance (GKV)

The core rule: if a treatment is medically necessary, it’s covered. If it’s purely cosmetic or aimed at general well-being, it’s not. 

Doctors assess whether a legitimate health issue exists, and the insurer pays for the most cost-effective solution.

Public insurers like TK, AOK, and Barmer typically cover:

Skin diseases:

• Eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections
• Severe acne (if there’s risk of infection)
• Symptomatic rosacea
• Chronic conditions needing long-term care

Skin cancer prevention:

• Screenings every 2 years (age 35+)
• Mole checks, biopsies (if medically indicated)
• Removal of suspicious or cancerous lesions

Infections & inflammation:

• Bacterial/viral infections
• Abscesses, ulcers, and wound care

Allergy-related conditions:

• Atopic/contact dermatitis
• Allergy testing (with doctor referral)

However, to be reimbursed, you’ll need:

• A referral from your general practitioner
• To pay a small co-payment (usually €10 per quarter or per prescription)

With private health insurance (PKV)

Private health insurance generally offers more flexible and comprehensive coverage for dermatology, especially if the treatment is medically necessary.

All private plans differ; but looking at coverage from the ones at Feather should give you a general idea of what to expect:

To make sure your visit is reimbursed properly:

• Confirm that your dermatologist bills within GOÄ limits (Germany’s medical fee schedule)
• Submit a cost plan in advance for any treatment expected to exceed €1,000

With expat (incoming) insurance

Here are the rules on our expat health insurance plans when it comes to dermatology:

• Medically necessary appointments are typically covered
• Cosmetic procedures are not
• A €30 co-payment per event may apply
• A referral from a doctor is required
• Only new conditions are covered—pre-existing issues are excluded

How to access dermatologic treatments in Germany

Follow these simple steps:

1. Get a referral (if needed)

Are you on public health insurance? Then you will need a referral from your GP (Hausarzt). 

The same thing applies to expat health insurance customers.

Are you on private insurance? Then, referrals aren’t always required. But they help document the process and can ensure you get reimbursed to the fullest extent.

The referral usually states the suspected diagnosis and reason for the visit.

2. Find a dermatologist

Use platforms like Doctolib to search by:

• Location
• Language spoken
• Insurance type (public vs. private)
• Appointment availability

To speed things up, and find an appointment in the shortest amount of time possible, try:

• Calling clinics directly if you don’t see online availability
• Ask your GP for a recommendation or referral note
• Be open to practicians working nearby cities or suburbs

3. Confirm your coverage

Before booking, check if:

• The dermatologist accepts your insurance
• Your plan covers the procedure or screening
• They can offer a cost plan during your visit

This step is especially important for private or expat insurance.

4. Attend your appointment

At your visit, make sure to:

• Bring your insurance card and referral (if applicable)
• Ask if any proposed procedures will incur extra costs
• Request a treatment plan or invoice if you’re paying upfront

5. Get reimbursed (if applicable)

If you pay out of pocket (if you have private health insurance, submit your documents for reimbursement:

• Referral
• Treatment invoice
• Proof of payment
• Cost plan (if applicable)

Use your insurer’s claims portal, like Feather’s, to upload the documents and receive your refund.

When should you see a dermatologist?

You should consider visiting a dermatologist if you experience:

• New or changing moles
• Persistent acne or skin inflammation
• Unexplained rashes or irritation
• Sudden hair loss
• Nail discoloration or deformation
• Any skin issue not resolving with over-the-counter care

Even without symptoms, skin cancer screening is recommended every two years if you’re over 35 (or more frequently if you have a family history or high risk).