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Germany · Health System

Healthcare in Germany

Verified data Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

Before you move to Germany, the question that matters isn't "is the healthcare good" — it's "can I, on a temporary visa, actually use it, and what happens in an emergency?" Here's how the system works for a nomad, and where private insurance fits.

At a glance

System
Social health insurance (Bismarck)
Public access (nomads)
No — private insurance needed
Emergency number
112
Private GP visit
~€35
Care in English
English care in major cities

How the system works

Germany runs a Bismarck-model social health insurance system: health insurance is compulsory for all residents, and most (around 89% of the population) are covered by statutory health insurance (SHI/GKV) funded by income-based contributions on a solidarity principle, while the rest hold substitutive private health insurance (PHI/PKV). The system is self-administered by sickness funds (96 funds in 2023) rather than run directly by the state.

Substitutive private health insurance (PKV) covers roughly 11% of residents (notably civil servants, the self-employed and higher earners above the compulsory-insurance income limit); privately insured patients usually pay providers themselves and claim reimbursement. Digital nomads and short-stay foreigners not enrolled in statutory insurance typically rely on international/expat private health insurance, since official guidance advises arranging such cover for the start of a stay.

OECD reports Germany has near-universal coverage with very low unmet need for medical care (0.8% of people, versus an OECD average of 3.4%), and 81% of residents satisfied with the availability of quality healthcare (OECD average 64%).

Good to know

  • Universal, high-capacity system: ~89% on statutory funds plus ~11% private cover, near-zero uninsured
  • Free choice among the statutory sickness funds (96 in 2023); statutory cover usually pays providers directly
  • Very low unmet medical need (0.8%) and high patient satisfaction (81%) per OECD
  • Single emergency number 112 (ambulance/fire) is free from any phone; 116 117 for urgent non-emergency care

Watch out for

  • Health insurance is compulsory for residents; a nomad/short-stay foreigner generally cannot simply use the public system without enrolling
  • Non-EU visitors without employment must arrange private/expat health insurance; EU citizens use the EHIC for medically necessary care
  • Official guidance (Make it in Germany): take out international health insurance for the first few days or weeks before German cover begins
  • Self-pay/private GP fees follow the GOÄ schedule and a simple consultation typically runs roughly EUR 25-45 (indicative, not an official fixed price)

🩺 Insurance you'll need

Because temporary residents largely can't lean on the public system, and the Freelance requires cover, private health insurance is part of the move — not an afterthought. We list the plans that plausibly meet Germany's requirement, ranked by fit.

See qualifying plans for Germany →

Healthcare in Germany: FAQ

Healthcare in Germany: FAQ

Can I use public healthcare in Germany as a digital nomad?

In short — the public system is not open to temporary residents, so private health insurance is the route. Substitutive private health insurance (PKV) covers roughly 11% of residents (notably civil servants, the self-employed and higher earners above the compulsory-insurance income limit); privately insured patients usually pay providers themselves and claim reimbursement. Digital nomads and short-stay foreigners not enrolled in statutory insurance typically rely on international/expat private health insurance, since official guidance advises arranging such cover for the start of a stay.

What is the emergency number in Germany?

112. Call it for life-threatening emergencies; emergency departments will treat you regardless of insurance, but you may be billed afterwards if you're not covered.

Do I need private health insurance in Germany?

Yes — beyond being prudent, the Freelance requires it (required (explicit)). See the qualifying plans for Germany.

Sources