So, you’ve prepared everything for your short-term vacation in Germany. But, what happens if you need to see a doctor or renew your electronic prescription? In this guide, we discuss all the strategies you need for seeing a doctor in Germany as a tourist, whether you’re visiting Berlin, Düsseldorf, or a small German village.
7 Proven Strategies for Seeing a Doctor in Germany as a Tourist
How much does it cost to see a doctor in Germany?
Below, we discuss the expected costs when seeing a doctor (“Arzt” in local language) in Germany as a tourist.
Is healthcare in Germany free for foreigners?
No, healthcare in Germany isn’t free for foreigners.
If you’re a foreigner on holiday in Germany, you can use your EHIC (for EU residents) or GHIC (for UK residents) to get medical care through the public healthcare system. This gives you the same access to medical services as residents who are registered with public healthcare.
The EHIC and GHIC don’t guarantee free medical care. But, they may fully or partially cover some costs, so you may still have to make co-payments if you visit a local doctor or spend some time in hospital.
If you’re a non-EU tourist, you may benefit from certain deductions if you have a travel insurance plan in place. If you need emergency care, travel insurance helps you avoid high medical costs.
Without insurance, you’ll need to cover the full cost of your medical care out of pocket.
But don’t worry—with Doctorsa, you can see a doctor on short notice for just 20 euros. Plus, you’ll get a prescription that you can easily fill at the nearest pharmacy in Germany, making it both quick and affordable.
Doctor visit cost without insurance
On average, these are the costs for doctor visits in Germany without insurance:
- A consultation with a public doctor usually costs around EUR 30, but they’re often not available to help foreigners. It also depends on the type of doctor and where the medical center is located.
- Specialists, such as dermatologists, cardiologists, and neurologists charge more. Without insurance, a consultation with a specialist costs between EUR 50 – 200 or more. A private doctor usually charges more, so it may be expensive for travelers.
- Private clinic costs are also more expensive.
With Doctorsa, you don’t need to be insured. Consultations are cheaper than in-person visits. Every medical provider has their own fee – You’ll see the total cost after completing the booking form and before selecting your preferred doctor.
There are no hidden fees – What you see, is what you pay.
Plus, you don’t have to look for doctors yourself and check who speaks English and who can assess your symptoms – Doctorsa does all this for you! It simplifies healthcare in Germany for foreigners:
- No language barrier: Doctors treating patients via Doctorsa speak fluent English.
- Personalized treatment: When booking through the platform, you’ll have to indicate what symptoms you’ve developed. This helps licensed providers check if they can help treat your symptoms.
- Reviews: Reading online reviews is time-consuming, especially if you’re new to Germany. Not every doctor’s office has online reviews, and it can be difficult to get in touch with the front office team and ask if they accept travelers for urgent care appointments. Doctorsa provides you with doctors’ reviews so you can compare before making a decision.
- Free follow-up: This is why foreigners love Doctorsa! – You get a free 7-day follow-up service so you can follow up with your doctor within 7 days at no additional cost.
Talk to a doctor online and get a prescription
Seeing a doctor in Germany as a tourist can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with how the healthcare system works. But don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be! Thanks to online doctor services, getting medical care while traveling has never been easier or more convenient.
Think of it like a smart travel hack. Instead of stressing over where to go or how to communicate in another language, you can consult with a doctor right from your hotel or Airbnb. No navigating public health directories or figuring out local customs—just straightforward, easy access to care. Here are some of the key perks of using telehealth when you’re on the road in Germany.
Accessibility
Many online doctor services are available 24/7. This means you can get help whenever you need it, even outside of regular clinic hours. Whether it’s late at night or during a holiday, you’re never left without care.
Convenience
With an online doctor, you don’t have to leave your hotel or Airbnb. You can have a consultation from the comfort of wherever you’re staying, saving time and avoiding the hassle of finding a local clinic. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for travelers on the go.
Electronic Prescriptions
One of the best features of telehealth services is the ability to get electronic prescriptions. During your consultation, the doctor can prescribe medication and send it directly to your email. This allows you to easily pick up the medicine from the nearest pharmacy without any delays.
Cost-Effective
Telehealth services are often cheaper than visiting a doctor in person. You can see a doctor and get prescriptions for as little as USD 20, making it an affordable option for tourists who need medical help without breaking the bank.
No Language Barrier
Many online platforms offer consultations in multiple languages, so you don’t have to worry about not speaking German. This is especially helpful for tourists who might struggle with communication in a local clinic.
Follow-Up Care
Some online services, like Doctorsa, even offer free follow-up for seven days after your consultation. This ensures continuity of care, so if anything changes, you can easily reach the same doctor again.
Using an online doctor service while in Germany can save you time, money, and stress. It’s the best way to ensure you get the care you need while traveling.
Health concerns that can be easily managed via telehealth
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Respiratory Infections (colds, sinus infections, mild asthma)
- Strep Throat and Tonsillitis
- Allergies and Hay Fever
- Skin Conditions (rashes, eczema, acne)
- Gastrointestinal Issues (diarrhea, nausea, acid reflux)
- Eye Infections (conjunctivitis or stye)
- Headaches and Migraines
- Minor Injuries (sprains, strains)
- Sexual Health Concerns (STI consultations, birth control)
-
Prescription renewals
View the complete list of conditions treatable online.
How do I find a general practitioner near me in Germany using Google Search?
Using Google search to find the nearest doctor in Germany is a straightforward process.
Use relevant keywords – for example, “doctor near me in Germany“, “medical clinic near me” or “general doctor in (city name)”.
You can, instead, be more specific and use these keywords: “English-speaking doctor near me” or “English emergency doctor near me”.
You can also use Google maps and look for clinics near your accommodation – This also offers a list of customer reviews and contact details.
Why using public health directories to book a doctor in Germany might not be the best option for tourists
On online health directories, such as Doctorlib, Jameda, and Doctena, you can find hundreds of different doctors on a wide range of specialties.
But there are downsides.
These platforms are designed for locals, not travelers needing urgent care.
They offer a long list of professionals, but they usually depend on self-reported language skills, which aren’t always verified. So, sometimes, you might book an appointment and not get the right care because of a language barrier.
After booking, all support messages are often in the local language, so you may need to use an online translator to help you understand how to connect with your doctor.
The booking process can be slow, as you often have to wait for the doctor’s confirmation. Plus, there’s no guarantee the doctor will accept your request, especially if you’re trying to book on short notice. This is a major downside for travelers who need immediate access to care.
Additionally some platforms ask for a German phone number to create an account and schedule a visit with a physician.
This is where Doctorsa comes in. – The website content is in English and online doctor appointments also take place in English. The company checks that all providers can treat international patients and have the right credentials.
Also, you can use any international phone number to book a doctor visit. Signing up isn’t required, so booking is done in just a few minutes.
How to find English-speaking doctors in Germany
As a tourist, it’s important to know how and where you can access medical services in Germany if you’re looking for a primary care doctor, a specialist, or simply a prescription renewal.
Do doctors in Germany speak English?
A lot of German doctors do speak English, but some might not speak it fluently. However, in some clinics, front office receptionists don’t speak English. This means that it can be difficult to find medical staff who can provide medical services in English, especially if you’re visiting a small village.
With Doctorsa, you don’t have to deal with language barriers. All doctors taking bookings via Doctorsa speak English fluently – Yes, the platform tests their language skills. They’re also trained to treat international patients.
Use Embassies list of doctors in Germany
Many embassies have a list of English-speaking doctors and health clinics in your area. However, these doctors are often fully booked and the lists are not updated regularly, so they might not be ideal for urgent care or same-day appointments.
Also, the embassy does not take responsibility for the doctors’ abilities or the quality of medical centers.
For minor ailments and urgent visits, Doctorsa can be a better alternative – Created for tourists on the go, prioritizing quick and easy access and fair pricing.
It offers appointments within minutes, starting from EUR 20.
Some users have concerns about follow-up care, but Doctorsa addresses this by providing a free 7-day open channel with the chosen Arzt via online chat to handle any ongoing issues.
Some people have concerns about follow-up care, as follow-up visits add up healthcare costs in Germany.
However, Doctorsa has a free 7-day open channel where you can chat with your doctor for up to 7 days (without any additional fees) if you have any issues about your prescription or need to ask something about your symptoms.
Ask in a local expats group
Facebook groups can help you connect with expats residing in Germany. You can read about their experience and ask for doctor recommendations.
These groups can be helpful if you’re looking for a regular doctor, but they may not be the best option for urgent care recommendations.
Expats have access to long-term medical care, while tourists don’t.
Different processes and fees may apply, depending where you’re from.
Ask for a family doctor (Hausarzt) to your hotel concierge or Airbnb host
Your hotel concierge or Airbnb host may have a list of doctors offering medical treatment in Germany for foreigners, so they can definitely help you find a family doctor nearby.
They may also call the doctor or clinic themselves to help you book an appointment.
However, this may come with disadvantages. These consultations could be more expensive, especially if you request a “home visit” at your hotel or Airbnb.
Ask for the total price beforehand to avoid unpleasant surprises, and if it also includes prescription services.
You can also ask your hotel receptionist if there are other cheaper alternatives you can opt for to help you save money as a traveler.
With Doctorsa, you can receive immediate medical care in your hotel room. The platform allows you to book either an online consultation or an in-person visit in your hotel room (in some locations).
Booking is quick and there’s no need to sign up. are no hidden fees.
Here’s how you can book a consultation with a general physician or specialist via Doctorsa when seeing a doctor in Germany as a tourist:
- Complete the online booking form: Select the type of appointment you want to book – urgent care, same-day appointment, or prescription refill. Enter the patient’s detail – Booking is available both for adults and children.
- Pick your doctor: After booking has been made, you’ll receive appointments requests from physicians. There are no hidden fees – The total price will be listed and you can compare reviews and choose what’s best for you.
- Pay: Payment is done online, which is very convenient for travelers on the go. Plus, you don’t need to have insurance to use Doctorsa.
- Connect with your doctor: It’s time to chat with your physician. Online consultations are available 24/7… just minutes after booking. The e-prescription is then sent to your email and you can ask your GP follow-up questions for free for up to 7 days.
Is urgent care a thing in Germany?
Yes, urgent care is available in Germany. This is usually available at hospitals, local emergency services, and medical practices that handle out of hours care. This is a good option for non-life-threatening situations that don’t require a hospital visit but are too serious for an online consultation.
Urgent care services may apply if you need to get x-rays, vaccinations, or have a need that can’t be treated online, such as:
- A sprain.
- Tooth pain that requires urgent care.
- A minur burn that requires immediate treatment.
- You need an intramuscular injection
How does urgent care treatment in Germany for foreigners work?
If you need an urgent in-person visit, many cities have walk-in clinics called Notdienst (emergency medical services). These clinics are open after business hours, including weekends and public holidays.
Alternatively, you can call 116117, the urgent care number available across Europe. This medical on-call service (available only in German) is there to help when the following conditions are met:
– You either speak some German or are ready to deal with a potential language barrier when speaking with the operator.
– Your symptoms appear when regular doctor offices are closed, such as on weekends or public holidays.
– The issue is something you would typically see a doctor for under normal circumstances.
– The situation requires treatment and cannot wait until the next day.
After hours doctors
Most doctors in Germany don’t work after business hours and on public holidays. For emergency cases, you might have to call 112 or go to the hospital.
But, what if it’s a non-urgent care case? How can you get a prescription if you have a cough, sore throat, or a skin rash?
With Doctorsa, you can book a doctor’s appointment at any time—even after business hours —whether you need a doctor in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg or anywhere else in Germany!
Doctorsa’s booking system is open 24/7 and helps you get immediate care from your hotel room, Airbnb, or the train station while waiting for your ride to Cologne.
How to get a prescription in Germany
Getting a prescription in Germany as a tourist follows a straightforward process. First, you need to visit either a hospital, urgent care center, or a clinic where you can talk with an Arzt who may suggest a treatment plan.
Many health centers accept walk-ins, but it’s always best to schedule an appointment in advance.
These are the types of prescriptions GPs may provide in Germany:
- Green prescriptions: These are used when you need over-the-counter medications – These are medications you can get without a prescription.
- Blue or pink prescriptions: These are used for prescription-only medications, like for example, antibiotics.
You can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if you’re seeing a doctor in Germany as a tourist. Make sure to apply for the travel health card before traveling to Germany.
With the EHIC or GHIC, you can benefit from the same medical services as people registered with the statutory (public) health insurance system. This is what you can benefit from:
- Doctor visits: The EHIC or GHIC can fully or partially cover your doctor visit costs as long as these are part of the public healthcare system.
- Emergency or urgent care: If you have an emergency, you can receive medical treatment without being incurred out-of-pocket costs, for most services. Depending on the treatment, the card may fully or partially cover your costs.
- Prescriptions: You may use the card to cover your prescription costs. However, this depends on the medications prescribed, so the pharmacist may advice accordingly.
If you’re not from the EU, you can either pay out-of-pocket or use a travel insurance plan that covers medical expenses, including emergency services. Check that your plan can cover a minimum of EUR 30,000 in medical services.
Travel insurance is great for serious emergencies, like breaking a leg, as it covers big expenses like hospital stays and surgeries. In these cases, it really helps ease the financial stress.
However, for minor issues like a UTI, using travel insurance can be a hassle. You’ll likely have to go through a long process—calling the insurance company, waiting for approval, and being sent to a doctor who might not be nearby. Even when you do get to the doctor, there could be long waits, and the care might feel impersonal. Plus, you might have to pay a deductible.
For minor concerns, using telehealth platforms like Doctorsa or paying out-of-pocket for a local doctor is usually faster and simpler. You can get quick advice or a prescription without the stress and delays of dealing with insurance.
Travel insurances usually cover serious issues, but you may still pay a deductible if you have a minor issue, like an infection for example.
Once you have the prescription or e prescription at hand, you can visit a nearby pharmacy (Apotheke) so that the pharmacist can dispense your medication. There are a lot of pharmacies to choose from, especially in big cities like Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Cologne.
And, you can easily recognize them by their red “A” sign.
Prescription Renewals
Prescriptions in Germany are only available for a few months or up to a year, depending on your condition and the medication prescribed. The same Arzt will have to issue a new prescription if you need ongoing treatment.
If are from outside the EU and you’ve received the prescription in your home country, you may probably have to consult a local doctor to provide you with a new prescription.
Even if you present your original prescription, you may still need a German prescription accepted by German pharmacies – Pharmacies can only fill prescriptions issued in Germany.
This means that you may have to pay for the medical appointment, prescription, and medication.
Also, finding a new doctor who speaks English and takes on new patient appointments can be time-consuming. – Some health centers don’t accept new patients, and you may have to wait in a long queue to get seen by a medical professional.
Online prescription refill (online e rezept)
An online prescription refill (online e-rezept) can easily be obtained during a video consultation.
You don’t have to call medical clinics to ask if they refill prescriptions, speak English, or accept walk-ins.
Book an online doctor visit via Doctorsa – that’s right, there’s no need for in-person visits. In-person visits are only mandatory if you’re prescribed controlled substances, such as narcotics.
If the physician confirms that the medication is right for your condition, then, they issue an e rezept. Go to the nearest pharmacy so you can start your treatment right away!
How to get antibiotics in Germany
Antibiotics are medications that can treat some bacterial infections, like for example, urinary tract infections and strep throat.
Antibiotics can be prescribed online. It’s the fastest option in Germany, so you don’t have to spend any extra traveling fees to see a medical doctor in-person.
During the online doctor consultation, the doctor may ask about your symptoms and send you an e-prescription if necessary.
Can pharmacists prescribe antibiotics in Germany?
No, pharmacists cannot prescribe antibiotics in Germany. They can only dispense them.
You can only buy antibiotics if you have a doctor’s prescription. The pharmacist then, can check the validity of the script and the medicinal product you need.
If the medication isn’t available, the pharmacist can order it from the supplier and ask you to collect it the following day.
How much do antibiotics cost in Germany?
The cost depends on your condition and medication prescribed. But, the most common antibiotics, like azithromycin, penicillin, and amoxicillin cost between EUR 5 – 20.
Brand-name antibiotics are more expensive than generic antibiotics. To save money, you can ask your physician to prescribe generic medications.
How to get an express prescription in Germany
If you need an express prescription during your temporary stay in Germany, Doctorsa can connect you with an English-speaking Arzt who can provide a prescription on the same day.
Complete the online booking form. Then, you’ll receive requests from doctors available to assess your symptoms and issue a prescription.
The medical doctor can then send the e-prescription directly to your inbox or a local pharmacy for a fast pickup.
Most pharmacies in Germany are open:
- From Monday – Friday from 8 am to 6 pm or 6.30 pm.
- On Saturday from 8 am to 1.30pm.
If you need a pharmacy at night or during the weekend, you can use an online pharmacy service to look for pharmacies open near your hotel or Airbnb.
An emergency service fee of EUR 2.50 may apply if you visit an emergency pharmacy during the night, on Sundays, or on public holidays.
Experiences: Doctor Online Erfahrungen
The process of seeing a doctor in Germany as a tourist can be overwhelming. Here’s what you can do if you end up in the following situations:
I am looking for a gynecologist near me
If you have reproductive health concerns, you’re probably looking for a gynecologist near your hotel or Airbnb. This can take a lot of time, because, as a tourist, you don’t have enough information on local gynecologists – You don’t know whether they speak fluent English, accept new patients, or take on urgent appointments.
Some health concerns and symptoms can be discussed with an online primary care doctor. These include:
- Contraception advice, including emergency contraception.
- Period cramp relief.
- Infections, like urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
If you need further evaluation in-person, the online doctor may refer you to a specialist for pelvic or Pap smear exams.
Doctorsa allows you to schedule a visit with a primary care physician or a specialist. If you’re not sure which option to choose, go for the primary care option.
I am looking for a pediatrician near me
A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in children’s health. However, as a starting point, you can contact an online family doctor (Hausarzt) or GP if you’re looking for immediate advice or treatment for the following conditions and / or symptoms:
- Seasonal allergies.
Mild fever. - Allergic reaction symptoms, like skin rash or hives.
- Mild asthma symptoms, like wheezing and coughing.
- Stomach issues like vomiting and nausea.
Through Doctorsa, you can consult with a primary care doctor if your child is unwell and has minor symptoms. If your child has had an injury, you’ll need in-person care.
I am looking for a urologist near me
A telehealth doctor can provide immediate advice and treatment for common urinary issues via a video consultation, without scheduling an in-person visit with a urologist.
They can help with the following:
- Cystitis symptoms, such as burning sensations and frequent urination.
- Sexual health advice if for example, you ejaculate prematurely or have erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Purulent discharge due to an infection like N. Gonorrhoeae
- Kidney stones.
In complex cases, you’ll be referred to see a specialist face-to-face to undergo physical examination and some tests (e.g. ultrasound).
I need to find a gastroenterologist near me
Online consultations are a great way to get timely care, especially if you’re dealing with digestive issues. In many cases, a primary care doctor can give you helpful advice on managing symptoms like an acute bout of diarrhea or painful, but uncomplicated, hemorrhoids.
An online primary care doctor can help you out without needing to see a specialist, and in many cases, they can even issue an e-prescription (e rezept), like when you’re dealing with:
- Constipation or diarrhea
- GERD
- Nausea and vomit
- Food poisoining.
If your symptoms persist, then it may be time to schedule a visit with a gastroenterologist. However, a primary care physician can offer immediate treatment for minor ailments.
I need an online dermatologist (online Hautarzt)
Dermatologists are doctors specialized to diagnose and treat skin and hair conditions. For minor issues, a primary care provider can help treat the following:
- Eczema and rash
- Cellulitis
- Hair loss medications
- Acne
- Insect bites
However, if they think you have something serious, such as a suspect mole, they may ask you to see a skin doctor in-person.
The Hautarzt then may perform some tests, such as skin cancer spot test to check if your skin spots are a cause for concern.
How do I get emergency medical help in Germany?
112 is the number you should call and it connects you with emergency services departments, including health and fire services. The operators are usually fluent in English, so you can get all the help you need without language barriers.
Describe the situation – What’s the emergency? Where are you located? Let the operators know if you or the other person in medical emergency has a chronic condition or takes medication.
Follow the operator’s instruction until help arrives.
Can I go to the ER in Germany?
Yes, you can go to the ER in Germany – Emergency departments are open to everyone, including tourists. You don’t need a referral from a doctor, but the nurse will ask you to complete a medical form with all your details upon your arrival as part of the triage (prioritizing evaluation).
There may be a long waiting queue, but the waiting time depends on how serious your symptoms are.
Why you shouldn't go to the ER for a non-life-threatening issue
Heading to the ER for something minor can mean long waits and added risks. Instead, a service like Doctorsa gives you quicker, safer care for non-urgent issues without the hassle.
– Long waits: In the ER, you’ll likely wait for hours because more serious cases will always be treated first.
– Risk of exposure: While waiting, especially during the winter, you’re exposed to illnesses like COVID and the flu.
– Strain on emergency services: Going to the ER for minor issues adds unnecessary pressure on services meant for life-threatening situations.
– No follow-up: ERs don’t offer follow-up care, so you won’t have the continuity of treatment you might need for minor ailments.
Why Doctorsa is a better option:
– You can see a doctor online immediately.
– There’s no risk of exposure to other diseases by maintaining social distancing.
– It’s a more responsible choice, reducing strain on emergency services.
– You get a free 7-day follow-up with the same doctor who treated you, ensuring better care.
What is considered urgent but not an emergency?
Some conditions or medical situations are considered urgent but not an emergency. These can easily be evaluated and treated online during a video consultation via Doctorsa.
Here are some not-so-uncommon examples:
- You’ve lost your luggage and you don’t have your regular medication.
- You’ve stayed in a hotel where there was a bed bugs infestation.
- You woke up with urinary tract infection
And many others
In all these cases you can easily find assistance through an online doctor service like Doctorsa.
What to expect when seeing a doctor in Germany as a tourist
When visiting a doctor in Germany, make sure to present your original prescription and any other medical document to the receptionist, if applicable.
The Arzt may ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam. The treatment plan will depend on your condition and symptoms. They may also refer you to a specialist if you need further examinations or diagnostic tests.
The process of seeing a doctor in Germany as a tourist can be overwhelming. Understanding the above steps will help you navigate medical care for foreigners n Germany with more confidence, ensuring that you get the care you need without disrupting your travel plans.
Looking to see a doctor but don’t speak German? Doctorsa makes healthcare in Germany for foreigners an easy process – fill out the online booking form and you’ll hear from medical professionals within minutes!
How to get immediate care with an online doctor appointment
Immediate medical care and quick prescription is possible when booking an online doctor appointment. This can be done anytime through Doctorsa.
Here’s how you can book a consultation with an emergency doctor online:
- Step 1: Fill out a quick intake form. Select the type of appointment you want to book – urgent care, same-day appointment, or prescription refill. Choose whether you are booking the medical appointment for you, your child, or someone else.
- Step 2: Pick your doctor. Doctors will send appointment options. You can compare prices, see reviews, then choose what works best for you. Pay online with credit card or with your insurance.
- Step 3: Connect with your doctor. Video visits are available 24/7, just minutes after booking. Prescriptions will be sent to you via email. You can contact your doctor with follow-up questions for free within 7 days.
