Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment: Difference Explained

Whether you’re visiting a doctor for a quick check-up or spending a few nights in the hospital for surgery, medical care in Germany falls into one of two categories: inpatient or outpatient treatment.

But what is the difference between inpatient vs. outpatient treatment?

Inpatient care typically requires an overnight stay in the hospital, while outpatient care means you go home the same day. And which type of treatment you receive can affect where you go, how much you pay, and what your policy covers.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

What inpatient and outpatient treatment means
How they differ in terms of care and cost
What each type of insurance plan typically covers
The steps to take if you need either form of treatment

By the end, you’ll understand how the German healthcare system handles treatment and how to make sure you’re fully prepared, whether it’s a routine appointment or a major hospital stay.

Let’s get started.

What is inpatient treatment?

Inpatient treatment refers to staying overnight in a hospital for medical care. This type of treatment is necessary when your condition is severe or requires ongoing monitoring.

Common examples include:

Surgeries
Childbirth
Emergency care after a heart attack or stroke
Treatment for major illnesses or injuries

So, how does inpatient treatment work in Germany?

Let’s say you need ligament reconstruction surgery. Here’s what the process would look like:

You’ll first have a few outpatient appointments for scans and evaluations.
The actual surgery takes place during your hospital stay.
While admitted, you’ll get post-surgery monitoring and may start physical therapy.
After you are discharged, outpatient visits will continue to support your recovery.

The hospital you go to often depends on your health insurance:

With private health insurance, you can choose your hospital and even your doctor.
With public health insurance, you’ll typically go to the hospital that your doctor recommends.

When selecting a hospital, make sure:

It has specialists for your condition
It accepts your insurance (most accept public insurance, but not all)
You bring the right documents:
- Insurance card
- Doctor’s referral
- Passport or ID

Upon arrival, nurses will guide you to your room and explain what to expect during your stay.

What is outpatient treatment?

Outpatient treatment refers to any medical care that does not require an overnight stay. You attend your appointment, receive treatment, and return home on the same day.

Outpatient care in Germany covers a wide range of medical services. Common examples include:

Doctor’s visits
Lab tests
Physical therapy sessions
Minor surgeries without overnight stay
Checkups or visits for illness
Dental care or psychotherapy sessions

General practitioners, specialists, dentists, and therapists all provide outpatient care. With public health insurance, specialists require a referral from your primary doctor, but with private health insurance, specialists don’t need a referral.

Just like with inpatient care, it’s important to choose a clinic or practice that:

Offers the specific type of care you need
Accepts your health insurance

How much do inpatient and outpatient treatments cost?

Healthcare costs in Germany depend on the type of insurance you have. Here’s what to expect with public, private, and expat health insurance, along with examples of out-of-pocket costs.

Public health insurance

If you are covered by public health insurance, most standard treatments, including inpatient and outpatient care, are fully covered.

However, there are still some costs you may need to pay:

Inpatient treatment: €10 per day, up to 28 days per calendar year.
Outpatient treatment: Usually a €10 copayment per doctor visit or per prescription.
Optional services: You pay the full price for extras like private rooms or choosing a specific doctor.

Aside from these, most necessary treatments are free at the point of care. However, coverage under public insurance can be limited, especially for services such as preventive or alternative treatments (e.g., chiropractic care without a GP referral). These are typically not covered and must be paid in full out of pocket.

Tip: Public insurance doesn’t automatically cover every treatment. Always check with your insurer beforehand to confirm coverage and costs.

Private health insurance

Private insurance offers more flexibility, but coverage and reimbursement vary depending on your insurer and the specific plan you have.

Here’s how it works:

Outpatient treatment: You receive a bill after your appointment, pay it yourself, then submit the invoice to your insurer for reimbursement.

Example: A visit to a chiropractor without a referral is reimbursed at 100% with Feather (check this with other providers). However, some treatments, such as a dental bridge, may only be refunded at 70–90%, depending on your policy.

Inpatient treatment: You can either pay upfront and get reimbursed or have your insurer pay the hospital directly. Most plans cover inpatient stays at 100%, including extras such as a private room or treatment by the head physician, if these are included in your policy.
Deductibles: Some private plans require you to pay a deductible—a fixed amount before your insurance starts covering costs. At Feather, most plans come with no deductible, unless you request one from our team when you sign up.

Tip: Reimbursement rates vary by treatment and insurer. Ask your provider for a breakdown of what percentage of each treatment is covered.

Expat health insurance

If you’re new to Germany, expat insurance is often a short-term solution that functions similarly to private insurance. Here’s what to expect:

How it works: You receive a bill from the doctor or hospital, pay it, and then request reimbursement from your insurer.
Deductible: With Feather’s expat insurance, you pay a €25 deductible per event—whether inpatient or outpatient.
What’s covered: These plans cover accidents, emergencies, and new illnesses. Most treatments are reimbursed at 100%, with exceptions for:
- Pre-existing conditions (not covered)
- Some dental treatments
- Psychological therapy
- Maternity care

Tip: Expat insurance doesn’t distinguish much between inpatient or outpatient care; it’s more about the specific treatment type. Always confirm coverage in advance, especially for any care beyond basic or emergency services.