Life-threatening emergency

Non-emergency situations

Which doctor should you go to?

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Most important steps for case of (life-threatening) emergency

  1. In case of a life-threatening emergency, contact:

<aside> 💡 Number for medical or fire related assistance: 112

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<aside> 💡 Number for police related assistance: 110

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The numbers are free of charge and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones. When calling 112, you will reach the dispatch center, where operators can communicate in German and English.

Note: It is advisable to first seek medical assistance at regular doctor’s offices during regular opening hours, and only call the emergency number in life-threatening situations or when regular options are not available

  1. Make sure to have your Health Insurance Card at hand. Note that you do not have to pay for any medical expenses, neither the transport in an ambulance! This is all covered by your health insurance. The healthcare system provides comprehensive medical coverage, including access to doctors, specialists, hospitals, and emergency services.
  2. Once the emergency services are notified, they will provide the necessary medical assistance and, if necessary, transport to the appropriate medical facility (possibly the *Notaufnahme* = emergency department in a hospital). Germany has a well-developed healthcare system with a network of hospitals and medical practitioners, ensuring that people in need of medical care receive prompt attention.

<aside> 💡 If in doubt or in need for advise concerning medical assistance outside of regular office hours, you can also dial 116 117 to reach the local on-call medical unit. They will provide guidance on the necessary steps to take, whether it involves a doctor’s visit or other medical assistance. Upon calling the emergency number, a doctor will be dispatched to provide on-site medical care, and if necessary, an ambulance will be called for transportation to the hospital. Depending on the situation, you may be directed to a hospital, an open emergency doctor’s practice, or a local emergency pharmacy to obtain necessary medication.

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Non-emergencies: Doctors’ Offices, General Practitioners & Pharmacies

Opening hours:

Usually, doctors’ offices, general practitioners & pharmacies are only open Monday – Friday and during the day. They close in the afternoon. You can check the opening hours on their website or on Google.

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What to do in a non-emergency situation on weekends & holidays:

If you encounter non-emergency situations that still require immediate attention when doctor’s offices are closed, call the above mentioned national hotline 116 117 or go to a nearby hospital.

If a doctor is on holiday, they usually have a stand-in doctor’s office nearby that will take care of their patients. Which stand-in is in charge is usually published in a recorded phone message of the respective doctor’s office or at the door of the doctor's office.

<aside> 💡 In Germany**, pharmacies** (*Apotheken*) have regulated operating hours, and many are closed on Sundays and at night. However, if you need a pharmacy during these times, you can find an "*Apothekennotdienst*" (emergency pharmacy) that is open outside of regular hours. Here are the steps you can take:

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  1. Check Online: Use the website apotheken.de or the https://www.aponet.de/apotheke/notdienstsuche to find the nearest emergency pharmacy. These resources provide up-to-date information on pharmacies open during off-hours.
  2. Call the Local Pharmacy: Many pharmacies have a recorded message that provides information on the nearest emergency pharmacy when they are closed.
  3. Look for Notices: Some pharmacies post notices on their doors listing the nearest emergency pharmacies and their operating hours.
  4. Visit the Nearest Hospital: Hospitals often have information on nearby emergency pharmacies or may have a pharmacy on-site that can assist with urgent medication needs.
  5. Call the Emergency Service Number: You can call the local emergency service number (116 117) for assistance in finding an open pharmacy.

Which doctor’s office for which medical treatment?

When you feel sick or in case of a non-life-threatening situation, you can seek medical attention at local doctor's offices/ general practitioners (*Hausarzt*), medical centers, or walk-in clinics. Patients usually go to their general practitioner, who will then refer them to a specialist (*Facharzt*) or hospital, if required. Note that referrals from a general practitioner are often necessary to see specialists in the first place!

General Practitioners (GP)

In Germany, it is common to have one general practitioner (*Hausarzt*) close to your home. Patients are free to choose their own GP. It is not necessary to register with a specific doctor, but it is common to stick with one GP for continuity of care. Some GPs may offer home visits for patients who are too ill to come to the practice.

GPs provide a range of services, including general medical consultations, preventive care, management of chronic illnesses, minor surgeries, and initial diagnosis of health issues. As explained earlier, if specialized care is needed, GPs will provide referrals to specialists (*Fachärzte*). GPs keep detailed medical records for their patients, ensuring continuity of care. This is important for tracking chronic conditions, medications, and any specialist treatments or hospitalizations.

Process for visiting doctor’s offices & specialists

Patients typically need to make an appointment beforehand. This can be done via phone, online booking systems (see doctor’s office website or doctolib), or sometimes in person. For urgent issues, many practices offer walk-in hours or same-day appointments.

<aside> 💡 Do not forget to bring your health insurance card to your doctor’s appointment!

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Further Info