Doctor Visit Navigator
How doctor visits work in Germany: health insurance, referrals, and pharmacies explained. For immigrants. Free, no signup.
Visiting a Doctor in Germany — Health Insurance, Referrals and Pharmacies
The German healthcare system is one of the most comprehensive in the world — but often confusing for immigrants. Mandatory health insurance, the referral system, copayments, prescription types, and the relationship between general practitioners and specialists: Our Doctor Visit Navigator explains step by step how visiting a doctor in Germany works.
Mandatory Health Insurance (§ 5 SGB V / § 193 VVG)
In Germany, every person must have health insurance. There are two systems:
- Statutory Health Insurance (GKV): Mandatory for employees with gross income below the annual earnings threshold (JAEG 2026: EUR 73,800). Contribution rate: 14.6% + insurer-specific supplementary contribution (average 2.5% in 2026). Employer and employee each pay half. Family insurance: spouse and children covered at no extra cost (§ 10 SGB V).
- Private Health Insurance (PKV): Available for civil servants, self-employed, and employees above the JAEG. Contribution based on age, health, and plan.
Insurance for Immigrants
- Employees: Automatically GKV-insured from day one of employment. Card arrives by mail (2–4 weeks); until then: employer certificate.
- Students: GKV mandatory until age 30 / 14th semester (§ 5 para. 1 no. 9 SGB V). Student rate: approx. EUR 120/month including care insurance.
- Asylum seekers: Benefits under §§ 4/6 AsylbLG (limited: acute care, pregnancy, vaccinations). After 18 months: regular GKV benefits (§ 2 AsylbLG). Electronic health card (eGK) depending on state.
- Newcomers without employment: Voluntary GKV possible (approx. EUR 210/month minimum contribution).
How a Doctor Visit Works
- 1. Choose a GP: In Germany, you first visit a Hausarzt (general practitioner). Book appointments online (e.g., Doctolib, Jameda) or by phone. Without an appointment: open consultation hours (long wait).
- 2. Present your insurance card: Electronic health card (eGK) at reception. Must be scanned once per quarter (3 months).
- 3. Referral (specialist): For specialists (dermatology, orthopedics, etc.) you need a referral (Überweisung) from your GP — not legally required, but many specialist practices demand it. Exceptions: gynecology, ophthalmology, pediatricians.
- 4. Prescription and pharmacy: Doctor issues a prescription (pink = prescription-only, green = recommendation, blue = private prescription). Redeem at any pharmacy (cross symbol). Since 2024: E-prescription via eGK is standard.
Copayments (§ 61 SGB V)
- Medications: EUR 5–10 per package
- Hospital stay: EUR 10/day (max. 28 days/year)
- Hardship limit: Max. 2% of gross annual income (1% for chronically ill)
- Exemption: Apply to your health insurer after reaching the limit
Emergency Care
In real emergencies: call 112 or go directly to the emergency room (Notaufnahme). No referral needed. On weekends/nights: on-call doctor service (116 117) or emergency practice at the hospital.
What Our Navigator Provides
- Step-by-step guide for your first doctor visit
- Insurance type detection: GKV, PKV, or transitional arrangement?
- Referral logic: When do you need one, when not?
- Prescription types explained (pink, green, blue, e-prescription)
- Emergency decision tree: 112, 116 117, or GP?
- Phrases for the doctor visit in German with pronunciation