What actually happens to travelers here.
Sunday emergency pharmacies rotate — look for Notdienst signage. Tap water is universally safe.
Private clinics generally accept major international cards. Public hospitals (Krankenhaus) may require cash upfront for non-emergencies.
The system.
System: Universal (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung / GKV — statutory health insurance, mandatory for residents)
Quality: ★★★★★ Excellent
One of the best healthcare systems in the world. Highly trained doctors, excellent hospitals. English is commonly spoken in medical settings in major cities. Wait times are generally short. Everyone pays for health insurance — even tourists should have coverage.
Germany is a top destination for medical tourism, particularly for cancer treatment, cardiovascular procedures, and orthopedics. High quality, moderate costs compared to the US.
Where to actually go.
Europe's largest university hospital. International patient office.
Technical University of Munich hospital. Excellent emergency care.
Major university hospital with international patient services.
University hospital near Frankfurt's main tourist areas.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Most pharmacies open 8:30am-6:30pm weekdays, 9am-4pm Saturdays. Some pharmacies in major cities have late-night hours. An 'Apothekennotdienst' (emergency pharmacy) is always available nearby — check online or ask any pharmacy for the nearest on-duty pharmacy.
Prescription rules: EU prescriptions are accepted. Non-EU prescriptions require a German doctor's verification. Germany has strict prescription rules — many antibiotics and medications require a prescription.
Pharmacies (Apotheke) are widely available. Most medications require a prescription. Pharmacists are highly trained and can advise on minor ailments. Look for the red 'A' sign.
Available over the counter
- ibuprofen (Ibuflam/Ben-u-ron)
- paracetamol/acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
- antihistamines
- antacids
- cough remedies
- nasal sprays
Useful pharmacy phrases
- Ich brauche etwas gegen Kopfschmerzen
- Ich habe Magenschmerzen
- Ich bin allergisch gegen...
- Wo ist die nächste Apotheke?
- Ich brauche einen Arzt
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Paracetamol generic or ben-u-ron
ben-u-ron is a well-known brand; the generic name is also widely used. - ibuprofen → ibuHEXAL or Dolormin
Common German ibuprofen brands. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium akut
Available OTC at any Apotheke.
What you can't bring in.
Carry a doctor's letter and prescription (ideally in German or English) for all medications. Bring sufficient supply in original packaging. For controlled substances, carry prescription documentation at all times. EU citizens should carry the EHIC card.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Adderall · Codeine · CBD · Xanax
Codeine products require a prescription in Germany. Small quantities may be available with pharmacist consultation.
Controlled substances requiring a German prescription or special import permit from the Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel (BfArM). Some ADHD medications are not available in Germany.
Controlled substances. A valid prescription is required. Germany has strict rules around benzodiazepine prescriptions.
Medical cannabis is legal for specific conditions but requires a prescription from a German doctor. Tourists cannot bring cannabis products into Germany.
If something breaks.
Availability: Excellent dental care throughout Germany. Dentists (Zahnarzt) are plentiful and well-equipped.
Cost range: €30-80 for consultation; €80-300 for fillings; €100-400 for extractions
German dental care is high quality. Many dentists in tourist areas and cities speak English. Dental emergency services (zahnärztlicher Notdienst) available on weekends.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $40-70/week
Hospitals will treat emergencies without payment upfront in most cases, but you may be billed later. Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and 24/7 assistance is essential. German hospitals are excellent but costs can be high without insurance.
Filing a claim
German doctors provide Rechnungen (invoices) after treatment. Keep all documentation including Arztbrief (medical letter). EU citizens with EHIC can access emergency care. Non-EU travelers should contact their insurer before treatment when possible. Pharmacies provide itemized receipts.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $60-150 |
| ER visit | $200-700 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $400-1,200 |
| Ambulance | $100-500 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Local treatment is world-class
Secondary destination: Cross-border to a major European center
Typical cost band: $10,000-40,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Local hospitals handle the vast majority of cases — air evacuation is rarely needed for tourists. If a condition exceeds local capacity: Western European hospitals are among the best in the world. Cross-border air evacuation is uncommon and usually only for highly specialized cases.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Hepatitis A (for close contact with locals)
- Hepatitis B
- Tick-borne encephalitis (FSME — for rural areas, especially southern Germany)
- COVID-19 (following current guidelines)
- MMR (ensure routine vaccines are current)
No mandatory vaccinations for travelers. FSME vaccination is recommended if visiting rural/forested areas in spring/summer.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Safe to drink — Tap water is safe to drink throughout Germany. Germany has some of the best drinking water quality in the world.
Food safety
Excellent food safety standards. German cuisine is hearty — be aware of rich foods, pork, and sauerkraut if your stomach isn't used to them. Raw minced meat (Mett) is popular — it's safe from reputable sources. Cheese and dairy are generally safe. Watch out for pork-heavy dishes.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: 0800 111 0 222 (alternative line)
English-speaking therapists: English-speaking therapists available in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and other major cities. International practices cater to expats and travelers.
Germany has extensive mental health services. Waiting times for therapists can be long (months). Private practitioners may have shorter wait times. Costs: €80-150 per session privately.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Germany has strong accessibility standards. Modern buildings and public transport are generally accessible. Historic city centers may have cobblestone challenges.
Hospital accessibility: German hospitals are wheelchair accessible with adapted facilities throughout.
Accessible transport: Deutsche Bahn trains have wheelchair spaces and assistance services (book via Mobilitätsservice). U-Bahn/S-Bahn systems have elevators at most stations. Low-floor buses throughout.
Book Deutsche Bahn Mobilitätsservice at least one day ahead for station assistance. Many tourist attractions offer wheelchair rentals. The ADAC provides accessible travel information.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry.
Mask policy: No mask mandates. Individual healthcare facilities may require masks.
Testing availability: Tests available at pharmacies and Testzentren. Antigen: €5-15. PCR: €50-80.
Germany removed all COVID restrictions. Some healthcare settings maintain their own mask policies.
Germany travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- US Embassy Berlin
- Germany Federal Ministry of Health (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit)
- WHO International Travel and Health