Health
Insurance, doctors, pregnancy, long-term care, disability status, and treatment.
8 guides
The essentials, one guide at a time
Health insuranceWho needs cover, the statutory scheme, and start and end dates.Krankenversicherung
Emergencies and doctorsCall 112 for the fire service and the rescue service, and 110 for the police. Call 116 117 when a practice is closed, you need help today, and it is not life-threatening. 116 117 answers in German.elektronische Gesundheitskarte
Pregnancy and giving birthArrange prenatal care and a midwife, plan the birth, check maternity protection and financial help, and organize recovery and the baby's first paperwork.Schwangerschaftsvorsorge
Pharmacy and sick notesUntil 31 December 2026, statutory patients aged 18 or over generally pay 10 percent for covered medicines, between 5 and 10 euros and no more than the medicine costs. From 1 January 2027 the band is 7.50 to 15 euros. Sick-note data are usually retrieved electronically, with exceptions.Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung
Mental healthStatutory outpatient psychotherapy usually starts with a consultation, with exceptions after qualifying discharge or a therapist change. You do not need a referral.Psychotherapie
Dental careStatutory insurance covers dental treatment that is sufficient and appropriate. Until 31 December 2026 the fixed subsidy for crowns and dentures is 60 percent of the standard-care amount, 70 percent with five years of check-ups, and 75 percent with ten. From 1 January 2027 those shares are 50, 60, and 65 percent. A supplementary dental policy is voluntary and does not replace that subsidy.Festzuschuss
Long-term care and applying for a PflegegradApply for care support, prepare for assessment and understand the decision.Pflegeversicherung
Disability status and the SchwerbehindertenausweisApply for disability recognition and find the responsible authority and support.Grad der Behinderung