Healthcare system and emergency care
Make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage in case of illness or emergency. Health insurance is mandatory for all employees and students. If you do not have health insurance, you cannot work or study in Germany.
Health insurance systems
There are two parallel health insurance systems in Germany: Statutory health insurance is run by the German government. Most people (from Germany and abroad) are obliged to take out statutory health insurance. Private health insurance can only be obtained in certain cases. You should first determine if you are even able to choose between statutory and private health insurance. To read more about the two health insurance systems, see here. Check the Gelbe Seiten (German Yellow Pages) for a list of health insurance companies.
Proof of health insurance and health insurance card
Make sure you obtain proof of health insurance from your health insurance company. You will also receive a health insurance card that you must carry with you at all times. If you become ill, you can go directly to a doctor. Check the Gelbe Seiten for the addresses and telephone numbers of doctors in Hamburg. If you are looking for a medical specialist (Facharzt), please enter the respective German specialization, e.g., Hautarzt for a dermatologist, in the “Was” (what) search field. You can specify the location by entering a zip code or address in the “Wo” (where) search field.
Medical emergencies
If you need urgent medical care on the weekend or at night, please go to the Ambulanz (urgent care practice) or Notaufnahme (hospital emergency room) or call an emergency doctor (info sheet in German). Emergency doctors are also listed in local newspapers under “Ärztlicher Notdienst” or “Notdienst” (emergency medical services).