How Does Tourist Healthcare Work in Germany?
Last verified: 2025-01 · Europe
1The Quick Answer
Germany has excellent healthcare. EU citizens use their EHIC card. Non-EU tourists need travel insurance. Pharmacies are widely available for minor issues.
2What You Need to Know
Germany has a world-class healthcare system. EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) — this gives access to state healthcare at the same rates as German residents. Non-EU tourists will be treated at hospitals but will be billed the full cost without insurance, which can be very high. Pharmacies (Apotheke) are everywhere and pharmacists are highly trained — they can advise on and dispense many medications that require prescriptions in other countries. For urgent but non-emergency care, look for Bereitschaftsdienst (on-call doctor service) which is cheaper than emergency rooms.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1EU citizens: always carry your EHIC card — it covers emergency and necessary treatment
- 2Non-EU tourists: travel insurance with European medical coverage is essential
- 3Pharmacies (Apotheke) are excellent for minor ailments — look for the green cross sign
- 4For after-hours pharmacy needs, every district has a duty pharmacy (Notdienstapotheke) — check the door of any closed pharmacy for the nearest open one
- 5Emergency room visits without life-threatening illness cost a significant self-pay fee — use on-call doctors (Kassenärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst, 116117) instead
How does this compare?
Tourist Healthcare rules in nearby and similar countries:
The NHS provides emergency care to all. EU citizens use the EHIC/GHIC card. Non-EU tourists are charged. Travel insurance is recommended for all.
France has excellent healthcare. EU citizens use EHIC for reduced-cost care. Non-EU tourists pay upfront and claim back via insurance. Pharmacists are very helpful.
EU citizens use EHIC for free or reduced-cost care. Non-EU tourists should have travel insurance. Emergency care is available to all at public hospitals.
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