Hospitals in Germany: How to access healthcare & get treated

Whether you're living in Germany or simply visiting, needing hospital care can feel overwhelming if you're unfamiliar with how the system works.

The good news? Germany has one of the most advanced and accessible hospital systems in the world.

From emergency services to specialized treatment, the country’s hospitals are well-equipped and well-regulated.

However, your experience may differ depending on whether you have public or private insurance, so knowing how to navigate the system makes all the difference.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The different types of hospitals in Germany, and how to access them
• What your insurance covers during a hospital stay
• How referrals, emergency care, and hospital admissions work
• What to expect during your stay at hospital
• And our tips for choosing the right hospital, and getting support after you’ve left

Let’s get started.

How does hospital care work in Germany?

Understanding the different types of hospitals, and how they serve patients with varying insurance plans, is the first step for making the most of what’s on offer.

Types of hospitals

While all residents can access hospital care, the type of hospital you’re referred to can vary depending on your insurance and lifestyle.

There are three kinds of hospitals in Germany:

• Public hospitals are the most common, especially for emergencies and general care.

• Private hospitals are more often chosen for planned procedures by those with private insurance, or who are willing to pay.

• University clinics provide advanced care, such as cancer treatment or experimental therapies.

Access to hospitals often depends on the type of insurance you have:

• Statutory (public) insurance (GKV) patients generally access public and university hospitals without issues. Costs are almost entirely covered, but you generally cannot choose your doctor or request a private room.
• Private insurance (PKV) patients often have faster access to specialists, can choose their doctor, and are covered for upgraded amenities. Many private hospitals tailor their services for this group.

How to access hospital care

Germany’s hospital system is incredibly accessible, and knowing how to navigate it makes things even easier. Here’s how to understand the different entry points into care, and what steps to take in each case.

1. Getting a referral from your doctor (Hausarzt)

If you have public health insurance, the first step will be to visit a Hausarzt (general practitioner). Your doctor will run any necessary tests and issue a referral if hospital treatment is needed.

You’ll need a referral for ongoing treatments, planned hospital stays, or specialist consultations.

A referral helps the hospital determine what services are required and ensures the treatment is covered under your insurance.

Here’s what to do to get a referral:

1. Register with a local Hausarzt (You can find one on online directories like Jameda.de)
2. Make an appointment, and explain your symptoms to the doctor
3. Bring your insurance card (to organize coverage)

After completing these steps, you’ll receive a referral form (Überweisungsschein), which will include your diagnosis code and the department or specialist you’re being referred to.

When do you not need a referral?

If you’re on public health insurance, you don’t need a referral for gynecology, psychotherapy, or emergency care.

Patients with private health insurance usually do not need a referral to consult with a specialist. For major surgeries, however, we recommend always submitting a cost plan to your insurance provider to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

2. Getting admitted to a hospital

There are two ways to be admitted to a hospital in Germany:

• Elective (planned): You’ve been referred and have an appointment for a procedure, consultation, or diagnostic test.
• Emergency (unplanned): You go to the hospital suddenly, due to pain, injury, or severe symptoms.

For elective admissions, the first step is to contact the hospital and schedule an appointment. Wait times can then range from a few days to several weeks, depending on urgency.

In a medical emergency, on the other hand, speed matters. In such cases, here’s what you should do:

1. Call 112 for an ambulance. It’s free, available 24/7, and staffed with trained dispatchers.
2. Tell them where you are, what’s happening, and if the person is conscious or breathing.
3. Wait for paramedics, who will decide if hospital transport is needed.

Alternatively, you can go directly to a hospital’s Notaufnahme (emergency department). Depending on the severity, you’ll be admitted immediately or complete intake forms and wait.

Learn more about emergency services in Germany.

What to expect during a hospital stay

German hospitals run on a predictable daily schedule. Doctor rounds are usually brief, taking place between 9:00 – 11:00am – so be ready with any questions early in the day.

Meals are generally served at 8:00am, 12:00pm, and 6:00pm.

Most hospitals offer shared rooms with 2–3 beds. You’ll have:

• A curtain or screen for privacy
• Shared bathroom facilities
• A small locker or nightstand for personal items

Private rooms are available in most hospitals, but often require private insurance or additional payment.

Language access is not guaranteed in German hospitals. Whilst many medical staff do speak English, here are some tips to make sure you have the support you need:

• Ask at intake whether English-speaking staff are available
• Bring a German-speaking friend or relative, if possible
• Request an interpreter for major procedures or consultations (This is not covered under statutory insurance, unless medically necessary)
• Use Care to Translate - a medical translation app for patients and professionals

How to choose a hospital in Germany

Choosing the right hospital can make all the difference in your treatment experience.

Understanding when and how to make this decision can help you feel more in control of your care.

When you can choose your hospital

You can usually choose your hospital when you’re referred by a specialist for planned treatments, need a second opinion, or prefer a facility with specific expertise.

You often cannot choose in emergencies, or if you require highly specialized care that’s only available in certain facilities (e.g., transplant centers).

Your insurance type also affects your choice in hospital:

• Statutory insurance (GKV): Referrals typically remain within the public network. In the case of exceptions, your GP will provide further detail.
• Private insurance (PKV): You can often choose freely among hospitals, including private clinics and university departments.

Comparing hospitals by quality, specialty, and location

Germany offers several tools that help patients make informed hospital choices:

If you’re looking for the best hospitals in Germany, here are some of the top performers across specific medical fields – according to Focus Klinikliste and Newsweek.

What happens after being discharged from the hospital?

Once discharged from hospital, you’ll likely be provided with:

1. A discharge summary (Entlassungsbrief) outlining your diagnosis, treatment, and recommendations.
2. Medications, and a prescription for follow-up meds.
3. Advice on follow-up appointments

Some hospitals may schedule your first follow-up, but in many cases, it’s your responsibility to arrange it with your GP. Ensure you consult with your treating physician before leaving.

You can also request copies of your lab results, referral letters, or a second opinion – especially after complex or serious diagnoses.

Medical leave and sick notes (Krankschreibung)

Hospitals can issue sick notes (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung) if your recovery affects your ability to work.

Here are the key points concerning sick notes:

• Issued during your hospital stay or upon discharge
• Sent to your employer and your insurance (this is often automatic)
• Covers hospital stays, and recovery periods in some cases

Read our full guide to sick leave.

Hospital costs and health insurance coverage

Understanding how hospital costs are handled in Germany before being admitted can ease a lot of anxiety and make for a smoother overall experience.

Here’s how billing and coverage typically work.

German hospitals operate under a standardized billing system known as DRGs (Diagnosis-Related Groups). This system assigns a fixed cost to specific treatments or diagnoses, which simplifies the billing process.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Upon discharge, the hospital codes your treatment under a DRG category.
2. That DRG has a corresponding flat fee that the insurance company pays.
3. This covers most costs, including your room, treatment, and routine services.

If you’re covered by GKV, you’ll typically pay €10 per day, up to a maximum of 28 days per calendar year. You can pay either during your stay or by invoice after your stay.

If you’re covered by Private insurance (PKV), the hospital sends you an itemized invoice. You pay this and seek reimbursement from your insurer afterwards. In some cases, it is also possible to request that the hospital bill the insurance company directly.

Visiting someone in a German hospital

When visiting a patient in a German hospital, it’s essential to respect the hospital's policies and local customs.

Most hospitals allow visitors between 2:00 and 6:00 pm, although some extend their hours or permit visits until 8:00 pm. Nurses may restrict visits temporarily if the patient needs rest or care.

A small gift can brighten a hospital stay, but it’s best to avoid certain items.

Homemade dishes and latex balloons are often prohibited – so we’d recommend sticking to flowers, a handwritten card, or a good book!

Specialized hospital services

Germany’s hospital system offers a range of specialized services. Whether you’re preparing for childbirth, supporting a sick child, or recovering from an illness, here’s what to know:

Maternity wards and childbirth options

Expecting parents in Germany can choose between:

• Public hospitals: Broadly accessible and usually close to home.
• Private hospitals or clinics: Offer more comfort and flexibility for those with private insurance.
• Birthing centers (Geburtshäuser): Midwife-led and focused on natural birth in a home-like setting.

Most hospitals recommend booking your spot by week 30 of pregnancy. This ensures a place in the maternity ward and allows time for an introductory consultation.

Rates for pain management options (e.g., epidurals and C-sections) vary by facility and are dependent on type of insurance.

Every mother is assigned a Hebamme (midwife), and support is available during and after birth.

Read our full guide to maternity in Germany.

Pediatric care and children’s hospitals

Children’s hospitals (Kinderkliniken) are staffed with pediatricians, child psychologists, and pediatric nurses.

Many hospitals offer Eltern-Kind-Zimmer (parent-child rooms), allowing one parent to sleep overnight with their child.

Read our full guide to pediatric care in Germany.

Rehabilitation and long-term care facilities

Germany distinguishes between two main types of post-hospital care:

Reha stays are often covered by health insurance, but you’ll need to have a medical recommendation, insurance approval, and be willing to participate in therapy.

Learn more about long-term care insurance in Germany.

Comfort upgrades and supplemental insurance

If you’re in the statutory system (GKV) but want comfort features like a private room or treatment by the department head (Chefarzt), Zusatzversicherung (supplemental insurance) may be the solution.

Costs for supplemental insurance vary, depending on age, health, provider, and what you’re looking for – but here’s a general guide:

• For a semi-private room, your monthly premium will fall between €10–25
• A private room and chief doctor, the estimated monthly premium is €30–70
• For a full private plan, you can expect a monthly premium above €50

It is best to apply before you're hospitalized, as pre-existing conditions may limit options.

After your hospital stay you can submit the invoice to your insurer for reimbursement, though in many cases the hospital will handle this directly.