Global Affairs Study and Teaching

Doctors & hospitals

Going to see a doctor

With minor problems and illnesses it is advisable to go to a general practitioner (Arzt für Allgemeinmedizin, often referred to as Hausarzt)

You can find a list of general practitioners near you via: www.weisse-liste.de

A visit to a general practitioner (GP) has the following advantages:

• If you only have something minor such as a headache or a cold, the GP can help and you don’t need to go to a hospital.
• A GP has a broad education covering a wide range of illnesses and knows when to send you to a specialist. Your Hausarzt keeps track of your personal health record. If necessary, your GP will transfer you to a specialist (or a hospital). However, you can also consult a specialist directly.
• You should definitely call ahead for an appointment and take your insurance card every time you visit a doctor.
• In case of accidents or acute illness you should be able to get an appointment immediately or on the same day.
• Language difficulties? Here you can find English speaking doctors in Frankfurt: https://www.frankfurt-doctors.de/ or Arztsuche TK

If you are insured with the statutory health insurance in Germany or have an EHIC card, they will cover the costs of the following treatments:

• Outpatient treatment e.g. in a doctor’s practice
• Dental care
• Medication and therapeutic products – only if prescribed by a doctor, and you have to pay an Eigenanteil, or own contribution
• Inpatient stay and treatment, e.g. in a hospital
• Rehabilitation treatment for which there is a medical need
• Costs of pregnancy and childbirth

Medical emergency services

If you have a medical emergency at the weekend or on a public holiday, you can go to a medical emergency service.

In case of a serious accident and danger to life, dial the 112 emergency number. It works in all of Germany and is free of charge. An ambulance will get to you within 15 minutes at the latest!

If your case is less serious, you can take yourself to the emergency ward at the nearest hospital. The emergency wards are open 24/7.

If you dial 116 117, you will reach a doctor no matter where in Germany you are. This call is free of charge for anyone who is insured with a German health insurance.

Hospitals in Frankfurt

There are public hospitals in Frankfurt as well as private clinics, hospitals operated by church-run charitable organisations and of course the university clinic. As a rule, the costs of staying in hospital are covered by your health insurance, but they can run very high. When in doubt, check with your insurance whether all of the treatment is covered.