Frankfurt

🏥

Healthcare Services

Access to doctors, hospitals, and medical services in Frankfurt, including the healthcare system and insurance requirements.

Sections

Comprehensive Guide to Healthcare Services in Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt, as one of Germany’s largest and most international cities, offers a highly developed and efficient healthcare system. Whether you are a visitor, an expat, or a new immigrant, understanding how to access healthcare in Frankfurt is essential for maintaining a healthy life. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate the healthcare system in Frankfurt.

1. Overview of the German Healthcare System

Germany has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, characterized by its universal coverage, high-quality care, and accessibility. The system is divided into public (statutory) health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung or GKV) and private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung or PKV).

  • Public Health Insurance (GKV): Covers the majority of residents and is mandatory for most employees earning below a certain income threshold (€66,600 annually as of 2023). Contributions are income-based.
  • Private Health Insurance (PKV): Available for higher earners, self-employed individuals, and certain other groups. Premiums are based on individual risk factors like age and health status.

Both systems provide access to the same high standard of care, but private insurance may offer shorter waiting times and additional services.

2. Types of Healthcare Services Available in Frankfurt

Frankfurt has a wide range of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, general practitioners, specialists, and pharmacies. Here’s a breakdown:

a. Hospitals (Krankenhäuser)

  • Frankfurt is home to several world-class hospitals, including:
    • Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt (University Hospital Frankfurt): A leading teaching hospital offering specialized care and advanced treatments.
    • Krankenhaus Nordwest: Known for oncology, cardiology, and geriatrics.
    • Sankt Katharinen Krankenhaus: A private hospital offering a range of services.
  • Hospitals in Germany are categorized as public, private, or non-profit. Emergency care is available 24/7 in most hospitals.

b. General Practitioners (Hausärzte)

  • General practitioners (GPs) are the first point of contact for non-emergency medical issues.
  • You can find a GP near your residence or workplace. Many clinics in Frankfurt cater to international patients and may have English-speaking staff.

c. Specialists

  • If you need specialized care (e.g., dermatology, cardiology), you will typically need a referral from a GP unless you have private insurance.
  • Frankfurt has a high concentration of specialists, many of whom are multilingual.

d. Pharmacies (Apotheken)

  • Pharmacies are widely available and easily recognizable by the red "A" sign.
  • Prescription medications can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription, while over-the-counter medications are also available for minor ailments.
  • Emergency pharmacies (Notapotheken) operate outside regular hours. You can find the nearest one online or posted on pharmacy doors.

e. Emergency Services

  • Dial 112 for medical emergencies. This number connects you to ambulance services and is free of charge.
  • For non-emergency medical advice, you can call the 116 117 hotline to reach on-call doctors.

3. Costs of Healthcare

  • Public Insurance (GKV): Covers most medical costs, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. Patients may need to pay small co-payments (e.g., €5-10 for prescriptions or €10 per day for hospital stays).
  • Private Insurance (PKV): Costs vary depending on the plan but often include more comprehensive coverage.
  • Uninsured Visitors: If you are visiting Frankfurt without insurance, you will need to pay out-of-pocket. A GP visit typically costs €50-100, while hospital stays can cost several hundred euros per day.

4. Health Insurance Requirements

  • Residents and Immigrants: Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Germany. You must enroll in either public or private insurance upon arrival.
  • Visitors: It is highly recommended to have travel health insurance that covers medical expenses in Germany. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for basic care.
  • Students: International students are required to have health insurance, either through GKV or a private provider.

5. Procedures for Accessing Care

  1. Finding a Doctor:
    • Use online directories like Jameda or Doctolib to find doctors in Frankfurt. Many platforms allow you to filter by language.
    • Call the clinic to book an appointment. Walk-ins are uncommon, so scheduling is essential.
  2. Visiting a Doctor:
    • Bring your health insurance card (if insured) and ID.
    • Be punctual, as German healthcare providers value timeliness.
  3. Specialist Referrals:
    • If you need to see a specialist, your GP will provide a referral unless you have private insurance.
  4. Emergency Care:
    • In emergencies, go directly to the nearest hospital or call 112 for an ambulance.

6. Language Considerations

  • While many healthcare professionals in Frankfurt speak English, especially in larger hospitals and private clinics, not all do. It’s helpful to learn basic German medical terms or bring a German-speaking friend.
  • Some clinics specifically cater to expats and advertise English-speaking staff. Look for “Englischsprachige Ärzte” (English-speaking doctors) in online directories.

7. Local Tips and Cultural Nuances

  • Appointments: Germans value punctuality. Arrive on time for appointments, and if you need to cancel, do so well in advance.
  • Pharmacy Advice: Pharmacists in Germany are highly trained and can provide advice for minor ailments. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
  • Preventive Care: Preventive health check-ups are encouraged and often covered by insurance. This includes vaccinations, cancer screenings, and dental check-ups.
  • Privacy: Germans take patient confidentiality seriously. Your medical records are protected, and doctors will not share information without your consent.
  • Cash Payments: If you are uninsured, be prepared to pay for services upfront. Many clinics accept credit cards, but smaller practices may prefer cash.

8. Resources for Visitors and Immigrants

9. Summary

Frankfurt’s healthcare system is efficient, accessible, and of high quality. Whether you are a visitor or a new resident, understanding the basics of health insurance, how to find a doctor, and what to do in an emergency will ensure you can access care when needed. With a little preparation, navigating the healthcare system in Frankfurt can be straightforward and stress-free.