Doctors and hospitals in Germany

What do I do when I’m sick?

When you are sick, you probably don’t think about the legal requirements, but some guidelines are very important in Germany.

If you are sick and cannot work, be sure to contact your employer and inform them in good time. It is best to do this before the start of your working day. If you notify your employer of your illness at a later time, you may receive a warning. Several warnings can lead to termination for reasons of conduct.

As a rule, you need a sick note from a medical surgery. The doctor will digitally send the sick leave notice to us as your health insurance provider.

Your employer will also need a medical certificate from your doctor to prove that you are unable to work. They can request the doctor’s certified sick note from us electronically.

Make sure you check which rules apply in your case: Some companies require a sick note on the first day of absence.

Where can I find a doctor who speaks my language?

In Germany, you are entitled to choose your own doctor. This means that you can decide which doctors will treat you. Members of the statutory health insurance providers have access to all doctors and dentists who are approved by the statutory health insurance providers. In emergencies, you can also be treated by other doctors.

How do I make an appointment with a doctor?

For most practices, you need to make an appointment. You should therefore call or email the doctor’s surgery first.  Some practices also allow you to book appointments online. You can find out more by visiting the practice’s website.

Can DAK help me to make doctor’s appointments?

Can I visit a specialist practice without a referral?

For most specialist practices, you need a referral from your GP practice. They can assess your health issues and arrange further treatment. 

Do I need to pay at the doctor’s? 

No. You do not usually have to pay anything when you see a doctor. However, the doctor’s surgery must have agreements with the statutory health insurance companies. The costs will be settled directly with us. All you need to do is present your insurance card.

The exceptions to this are additional treatments that are not covered by the statutory health insurance. If this is the case, the doctor must notify you of this.

Doctors’ surgeries also offer additional services, known as individual health services (IGeL). These are not usually covered by statutory health insurance.

Do I have to pay for dental treatment?

We cover many treatments, such as check-ups and standard fillings. Simply present your DAK health insurance card at the practice. For certain treatments, such as dentures, you will have to cover some of the costs yourself.

Can I go to a hospital if I am sick?

In an emergency, you can of course always go to a hospital. Otherwise, you need a referral to be treated in a hospital. If you are sick, you should first go to a doctor’s surgery near you. If necessary, you can get a referral for hospital treatment from your doctor, as some procedures can only be carried out in a hospital. You can also choose which hospital you go to, as long as the hospital has an agreement with us. Your doctor will help you find a suitable clinic.

What do I do in an emergency?

Note: You will always receive treatment in an emergency, even without an insurance card. You can present your card at a later date when you are able to do so.

Can I receive medical advice via video call? 

Can doctors issue sick notes over the phone?

Doctors can indeed issue you a sick note over the phone. This only applies if you are registered at the practice. Sick notes cannot be issued for patients with serious symptoms and are only valid for the first five days. A face-to-face examination is then required. Parents who are caring for a sick child can also obtain child sick leave notice by telephone without visiting a practice.