Health Info

Health Info for Travellers

Germany offers an excellent health care system. You will find medical practitioners, dentists and pharmacies even in small villages and hospitals in all cities including many specialists and a medical emergency service for assistance on nights and weekends.

Treatment costs and medical insurance
Medical treatments are usually more expensive in Germany than in South Africa and you should contact your insurance company to find out whether your policy is applicable in Germany or not, and if the coverage is adequate.

If you pay for your flight or your travel package with your VISA CARD or MASTER CARD, a travel and medical insurance is normally included. However, you should have that confirmed by your bank and also insist to get a policy or at least a policy number from the associated travel insurance company. You should also know the contact details of this company. In case you should need medical treatment in Germany, you will have to phone the travel insurance company and get authorization for the treatment. Failure to do so can result in the insurance company refusing to cover the treatment costs. In any case, the first 2000 Rand of the costs are usually not covered.

Pharmacies
A pharmacy is called Apotheke in Germany. They are open from 9:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday and from 9:00 to 12:00 Saturday. All pharmacies give alternative addresses of the closest on-duty pharmacy and medical services available outside the normal opening hours. Only pharmacies have the right to sell medicine. Pharmacists are usually well-trained. They can give advice for minor illnesses and sell over-the-counter medication.

Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to travel to Germany.

Emergencies
If you are in an accident, you can call the police at the emergency number 110. This number is used throughout Germany and is free of charge from public telephones. You can contact the fire department anywhere in Germany by calling the number 112.