Seeing a doctor without German health insurance

[eurobabs 644]

Has anyone seen a doctor without insurance before. My insurance isnt sorted yet and I have a bad cold and think I need to see a doctor for some antibiotics.

 

Any recommendation?

Thanks, Babs

[Topsy 35]

an acquaintance of mine is not insured.

he also pays €30 per visit for a standard doctor, and says it's usually about double the price when he goes to a specialist. it depends what you have done, though...

[eurobabs 644]

Thanks Topsy, any others have any info???

[roots 59]

I went to see GP this morning for ear infection (thats what he told me cuz I was feeling dizzy last 2-3 days). I didn't even bother with insurance cuz I will file claim when I go back to the US in a coupe of weeks. I paid 40 Euros for consultation and 25 Euros for medicine. Hope this helps.

[interplanetjanet 177]

I just flipped through my old bills and found one for an ENT (cuz I'm one of those sick people who has them all neatly filed away). My visit for sinusitis, where he just stuck a metal tube up my nose till he practically touched my brain, was 185 EUR.

[eurobabs 644]

@ IPJanet

I am one of those too organized people as well - see it does pay to store things away

 

Anyway, I dont think I want either - the bill or the brain torture

 

Did you have ins when you had the 185 bill?? Most times, they have diff prices for those with and those without - am hoping that was with

 

Guess it really doesnt matter though, as I have to go, was just hoping maybe someone knew an ENT that they had been to that didnt charge much.

[interplanetjanet 177]

Yes, I did have insurance, and you're probably right about the amount being different without insurance. Good luck!

[grtho 8]

If you are genuinely hard up, there are places that offer immigrant workers who can't get into the system "under the table" health care on a social sliding scale. I can find out a contact if need be.

[Jeeves 41]

I doubt if it's any consolation but even if you had managed to sign the form last week you most likely wouldn't be covered yet because health insurance tends to have a waiting time (between signing on the dotted line and coverage starting)

[eurobabs 644]

Hi. Well I went to the ENT today and she only ended up charging me 45 euro. Hope this info helps someone else if they find themselves in my situation. Thanks to all that replied.

 

Will get my insurance sorted out next week. I did know that it would not take effect immediately, but just the idea of having it sorted would have put my mind at ease.

[James_Runner 12]

Here are a couple of links that may be helpful to people without insurance, waiting to be accepted into the German system or (like me) here on travel insurance and paying out of pocket for routine things:

 

HowtoGermany/doctors

 

 

You can also obtain a list of English-speaking doctors through the worldwide network of the International Association for Medical Assistance (IAMAT). IAMAT members receive a city-by-city directory of professionally qualified doctors who speak English or another language in addition to their native language. These doctors have agreed to treat IAMAT members according to a set fee schedule; presently the equivalent of $55 for an office call, $75 for a house call and $95 for a night, Sunday or holiday call. To become an IAMAT member, write to: IAMAT, 417 Center Street, Lewiston, NY 14092; call (716) 754-4833, or visit their website at www.iamat.org There is no membership fee, but donations are encouraged.

www.iamat.org

 

Link to general practitioners in Munich (in German)

[funf 1,007]

Antibiotics for a cold? Save your money! Plus, if German doctors are like Dutch doctors, they won't prescribe antibiotics willy nilly. Antibiotics do not affect colds, but doctors in the U.S. feel they have to give their patients something so they won't choose another doctor.

[James_Runner 12]

From the US Consulate in Munich, here's a link to English-speaking doctors in Munich (also in Bavaria; tax advisers and lawyers too).

[Carm 74]

problem with those lists, is they do not research it... the office just has to send in the address to be added. So, sometimes a forum like TT would be a better listing of what is out there from personal experience.

[SJ1 2,052]

I am sure it varies on where you are located, but in my little village Ilfeld. I went to the doctors three times plus had a full blood panel done and I was only charged 57€. Perhaps the low cost was due to the rural area, or the fact my husband is an established patient. I am not sure. But all in all it is pretty reasnable and when you are paying out of pocket you usually have no issue getting a same day appointment as they make more money off us uninsured.

[BigCityGirl 1]

German doctors aswell as British ones will not treat a cold with antibiotics. It has to be something more serious such as a lung infection!

 

Rx: Aspirin will work wonders making you feel a little better, Vitamin C and Zinc, and Inhalations help, there is a product called Transpulmin Balsam (produced by Viatris GmbH) in the pharmacies that is great for Inhalations. Viruses hate hot air and the Inhalation will clear your airways.

 

BCG

 

P.S. If you really need a doctor the Breitschatdienst will probably treat you out of hours even if you have lost your health insurance!

[paddinton bear 1]

Hi I am now a resident in germany and have been told you have to pay for your doctor is that true? can one ge free emergency treatment seeing has i havnt been able to find employment here as yet. any suggestions would be gladly acecpted.

Topics merged by admin

[YorkshireLad6 7,152]

In theory at least there is no free emergency treatment (but they won't turn you away either). It's a requirement to have health insurance to reside here, so if you don't have it you are living here illegally.

[fraufruit 42,482]

 

It's a requirement to have health insurance to reside here, so if you don't have it you are living here illegally.

This is exactly what I was thinking. I had to have proof of med insurance from day one in order to have staying permission. I had to present it every time I re-upped my staying permission.

 

Germans don't want to pay for furner's health care. Just like every other country.

 

ff

[Allershausen 6,414]

As the others have pointed out if you are actually resident then you should have health insurance. If, however, you are only here temporarily then you should have a European Health Insurance Card.