Germany has a well-developed healthcare system, known for its high quality of medical services.
Quality of medical services
Germany is known for its high quality healthcare services, advanced technology, and skilled medical professionals. The country pays considerable attention to medical research, innovation and training, which contributes to its reputation as a leading country in the healthcare industry. German hospitals and clinics are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and adhere to strict quality standards.
German hospitals, such as Charité in Berlin or the University Hospital of Heidelberg, are famous for their expertise in various fields of medicine (oncology, cardiology, neurology and neurosurgery, transplantation) and advanced medical technologies.
Accessibility for foreigners
Germany provides affordable health care for both its citizens and foreigners. As a foreign visitor or resident, you are entitled to emergency medical care and necessary medical services. Non-EU nationals are generally required to have health insurance for the duration of their stay, although the specific requirements may vary depending on the type of visa and length of stay.
Medical insurance
Germany has a compulsory health insurance system known as the National Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV). It provides comprehensive coverage for a wide range of medical services, including doctor's visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and preventive care. To access healthcare services, citizens must have health insurance, either through the public system or private health insurance.
State health insurance (GKV)
Most people in Germany are covered by public health insurance, which is financed by contributions from both employees and employers. Coverage is based on income, and contributions are deducted from salaries. GKV offers a high level of service and ensures that citizens receive the necessary medical treatment. Examples of insurance companies that provide public health insurance in Germany are AOK, Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), Barmer, and DAK. These insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage for medical services, prescription drugs, and preventive measures.
Private health insurance (PKV)
Private health insurance is an alternative option for individuals who meet certain criteria, such as high income or self-employment. Private insurance offers additional benefits and provides more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. However, the cost of private health insurance may be higher compared to public insurance;
Medical specialties in demand
Germany has a high demand for qualified medical professionals in various fields. Some of the medical specialties that are in high demand include:
- General practitioners and specialists (e.g., internal medicine, pediatrics, dermatology)
- Nursing and care for the elderly
- Dentistry and oral hygiene
- Pharmacists and pharmaceutical workers
- Biotechnology and medical research
- Medical technology and engineering
Germany is actively recruiting healthcare professionals from other countries to address the shortage of personnel and improve its healthcare system.
Who can get a visa for treatment?
Every foreigner with health problems can receive medical care in Germany. However, depending on your country of origin, you may need a visa to enter the country. You will be exempt from the visa requirement only if you are a passport holder of one of the following countries:
- European Union
- Australia
- Canada
- Iceland
- Israel
- Japan
- Liechtenstein
- New Zealand
- Norway
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- United States of America
Applicants from the rest of the world must obtain a visa to receive medical treatment in Germany.
Requirements for obtaining a medical visa to Germany
If you are planning to receive medical treatment in Germany due to your health condition, you should follow certain procedures before applying for a visa. Find these procedures listed below step by step:
- Find the hospital or clinic where you want to be treated and contact them.
- Send them a medical diagnosis from a doctor in your country of residence and any other document you have regarding your condition. The medical team at the hospital you are applying to may ask you for additional documents regarding your health condition;
- If they agree to treat your disease, they will develop a treatment plan and provide an estimated cost of treatment.
- Once you have determined the payment method, the hospital/clinic will send you an invitation letter. Only then can you start applying for a visa.
Documents required for a medical visa to Germany
As with any other visa, you have to submit several documents to the German embassy/consulate in your country of residence;
Documents required to obtain a long-term medical visa to Germany:
- Documents required for a visa to Germany.
- A personal cover letter with a full travel plan (itinerary).
- Leave a letter from your company (if you work).
- Proof of the need for special treatment. A certificate from a doctor from your home country or elsewhere confirming that you need special treatment that can be provided in Germany.
- Confirmation of the appointment for treatment. A certificate from a German doctor confirming the possibility of the necessary treatment and an appointment.
- Confirmation of prepayment for treatment / financial arrangements with a doctor in Germany.
- Correspondence between the referring physician and the receiving physician.
PLEASE NOTEthat all documents must be submitted in original, in two A4 copies. Do not staple any document.
The procedure for applying for a medical visa to Germany
The process of applying for a medical visa in Germany consists of several steps that you must follow in the order given. These steps are as follows:
- Fill out the application form online.
- Gather the necessary documents for a medical visa to Germany as described above.
- Make an appointment via the website of the German mission in your country, embassy or consulate. It is recommended to apply for a visa at least 3 weeks before your planned trip to avoid any delays in processing.
- Attend the interview. On the day of your appointment, be there on time with all the necessary documents in order.
- Pay the visa fee .
- Once you receive your visa sticker, check it for possible errors. Pay particular attention to the start and end dates of the visa, the correct spelling of your name, and the number of entries allowed.
Can you extend your visa for treatment?
If your health has not improved and you need to be treated for a longer period than stipulated, you can apply for an extension of your visa for treatment. The hospital can be of great help in this regard.
Make an appointment at the foreigner registration office in the city where you are receiving treatment in Germany. On the day of the appointment, bring all your documents with you.
It is important to have a letter or document from the hospital stating that you need to stay in Germany longer in order for your health condition to improve.
Please note that if you are planning to travel to Germany only for a medical examination and you do not have any diagnosis regarding your health condition, you are not eligible for this type of visa. You will have to apply for another type of visa depending on your situation.
Upon arrival in Germany with a visa for treatment
When you arrive in Germany with a German medical visa, you must also register your address, even if it is a hospital, sanatorium or other medical facility. If your health condition does not allow you to go to the registration office, the staff of the facility where you are staying should do this for you.
You must also obtain a residence permit to stay in Germany for medical treatment. Again, if you are unable to go to the registration office for health reasons, the responsible persons at the facility where you are staying should call an immigration officer.
In Germany, there are emergency medical services that provide immediate medical care in case of emergencies.
General emergency hotline
The general hotline number for immediate medical assistance as well as for fire and police assistance is 112. This number can be dialed free of charge from any landline or mobile phone and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout Germany. When you dial 112, an operator will assist you and direct you to the appropriate emergency services.
Ambulance and emergency medical care
To call an ambulance or emergency medical service directly, you can also contact your local emergency medical service (Rettungsdienst) by dialing 112. The operator will send an ambulance with qualified medical personnel to your location.
Hotline for emergency assistance in case of poisoning
In the event of poisoning or accidental consumption of harmful substances, you can contact the poisoning hotline (Giftnotruf) at 030 19240. The hotline provides specialized advice on managing poisoning emergencies and is available 24/7.
Are the emergency numbers different for foreigners?
For foreigners in Germany, the emergency services remain the same as for the general population. The emergency hotlines mentioned above, such as the general emergency hotline (112), the ambulance and medical hotline (also 112), and the poisoning emergency hotline (030 19240), are available for both German residents and foreigners in need of immediate medical attention.
When contacting the emergency services, it is important to clearly communicate the details of the emergency and your location. If you need help in a language other than German, hotline operators can often provide translation services or connect you to someone who speaks your language.
Some regions may also have special hotlines or support services for foreigners in need. These services can provide guidance, support and information in different languages. It is advisable to find regional or local organizations that specialize in assisting foreigners during emergencies or in critical situations in your area of residence.
It can also be helpful to have the contact information for your embassy or consulate on hand. They can provide guidance and assistance during emergencies or put you in touch with the appropriate support services.
To find contact information for embassies in Germany, you can turn to several reliable resources. Here are a few options:
- Website of the Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt). The official website of the Federal Foreign Office provides a comprehensive list of foreign embassies and consulates in Germany. You can visit their website at www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/ and navigate to the "Embassies and Consulates" section or use the search function to find a specific embassy.
- Websites of foreign embassies. Many foreign embassies have their own official websites where you can find contact information, including address, phone numbers and email addresses. You can find the specific embassy you are interested in using search engines by entering the name of the country and "embassy in Germany" (e.g. "US Embassy in Germany").
Special visa at birth
There is no special visa category for giving birth in Germany. If a pregnant woman is legally residing in Germany, she can access prenatal care and give birth to a child within the healthcare system.
Citizenship of the child
In Germany, the principle of jus soli does not provide for automatic granting of citizenship by place of birth. However, there are exceptions. If at least one of the parents has been legally residing in Germany for at least eight years and has a permanent residence permit or an EU Blue Card, their child born in Germany can acquire German citizenship at birth.
Registration of a child
After the birth of a child, parents must register the birth at the local civil registry office (Standesamt). This process involves providing the necessary documents, such as the child's birth certificate, the parents' identity cards, and any other required documents.
Citizenship/residence permit of parents
The birth of a child in Germany does not automatically entitle the parents to citizenship or a residence permit. The immigration status of the parents is determined by their individual circumstances, such as citizenship, employment or family ties.
If the parents are already legally residing in Germany, they may be eligible to apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit based on their immigration status (e.g., work, study, family reunification).
If a child is granted German citizenship at birth, this may enable the parents to obtain citizenship later or facilitate the path to naturalization, depending on their length of residence and other requirements.
Germany