Finding a Hausarzt (GP)

Role of the Hausarzt

First point of contact for all health concerns. Diagnoses common illnesses, prescribes medication, writes sick notes (Krankmeldung / Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung), and refers you to specialists. Manages your ongoing health records in Germany.

Gatekeeper for specialists

For most specialist appointments (Facharzt — dermatologist, cardiologist, orthopaedist etc.), your health insurer expects you to first see your Hausarzt and get an Überweisung (referral). Without a referral, you can still see a specialist directly but may pay a Selbstbeteiligung (co-payment) or the appointment is harder to book.

Sick notes (Krankmeldung)

If you are ill and cannot work, your Hausarzt issues an AU-Bescheinigung (sick note). You must give this to your employer and health insurer within 3 days of falling ill. For the first day, you typically self-certify. From day 4 onwards (sometimes from day 1 per employer policy), a Hausarzt note is legally required.

Why register before you are ill

Finding a Hausarzt takes time, often 2–8 weeks for a registration appointment in major cities. Do not wait until you are sick. Register with a GP in your first month so you have one when you need them urgently.

Difference from India

In India, you can walk into any hospital or specialist clinic directly. In Germany, the Hausarzt system means your GP coordinates your care. Many Indians are surprised that even a dermatology appointment typically needs a GP referral.

Public insurance (GKV)

Most employed Indians in Germany have GKV (TK, AOK, BARMER, DAK etc.). You receive a Krankenkassenkarte (health insurance card / eGK). Accepted by all Vertragsärzte (contracted GPs). Bring your eGK to every appointment — it contains your insurance data.

Private insurance (PKV)

Self-employed, high earners (above the Versicherungspflichtgrenze), and some civil servants have PKV. Private patients often get faster appointments and sometimes see the Chefarzt (senior doctor) directly. Some GP practices only accept PKV patients or limit GKV slots.

Student insurance

Students enrolled at German universities must have health insurance. Most opt for GKV (AOK, TK, BARMER, DAK) at a discounted student rate (~€120–140/month). DAAD scholarship recipients often have private travel insurance initially, check coverage carefully.

Acceptance quotas

German GPs can limit how many GKV patients they accept (their Kassenzulassung). Many popular or English-speaking GPs in cities are full and not accepting new GKV patients. You may need to call multiple practices.

Expat/incoming private insurers

Some Indians arrive on private expat health insurance (Care Concept, Mawista etc.) for the first months before GKV kicks in. These are often accepted by GPs — but confirm before your appointment as not all practices accept every insurer.

Jameda.de

Germany's largest doctor review and booking platform. Search by city, postcode, and speciality. Filter by "Hausarzt". Shows whether the practice accepts GKV/PKV, languages spoken, and online appointment booking. Many English-speaking GPs list themselves here.

Doctolib.de

Online booking platform, increasingly popular in Germany. Search your postcode + "Hausarzt". Many practices offer instant booking without having to call. Useful if your German is limited.

Kassenärztliche Vereinigung (KV)

The regional association of GKV-contracted doctors. Search at arztsuche.kbv.de (national) or your state KV website (e.g., kvb.de for Bavaria, kvberlin.de for Berlin). This is the most complete list of GKV-accepting GPs.

Call directly

Compile a list of GPs within 1–2 km of your home. Call each one. Ask: "Nehmen Sie noch neue Kassenpatienten an?" (Do you accept new GKV patients?) or in English: "Do you accept new patients with public health insurance?" Many will say no, keep calling.

Ask your employer or colleagues

Colleagues who have been in Germany longer often have GP recommendations. Indian community WhatsApp groups in your city are invaluable — ask for "English-speaking Hausarzt near [your area]".

Indian doctors in Germany

There are many doctors of Indian origin practising in Germany. They may not always speak English at the practice (their staff may be German-only), but the cultural familiarity and often bilingual conversations can be a comfort. Ask in your local Indian community group.

Documents to bring

Your Krankenkassenkarte (GKV) or insurance card. Your passport. Any existing medical records, vaccination records (Impfpass), or previous prescriptions — especially important if you have a chronic condition or take regular medication.

Indian vaccination records

Germany uses the yellow international vaccination booklet (Gelber Impfpass). If you only have an Indian vaccination certificate, bring it, the GP can enter it into a German Impfpass and identify any missing vaccinations (MMR, hepatitis, tetanus, COVID).

What happens at registration

Your GP takes a medical history (Anamnese) — current health status, existing conditions, medications, allergies, family history. A basic physical check may be done. Bring any chronic medication you take to show the brand and dosage.

Prescriptions in Germany

Indian prescriptions are not valid in Germany. Your GP must issue a German prescription (Rezept) for any ongoing medication. Bring the packaging or a clear photo of your Indian medication. Many brand names differ, the generic (INN) name helps (e.g., Metformin, Atorvastatin).

Follow-up appointments

Book follow-up appointments (Folgetermine) at the end of your registration visit for any ongoing management. Regular patients get better access — one reason to register with a GP before you urgently need one.

Regular appointment (Termin)

Book by phone, online (Jameda/Doctolib), or in person at the practice. Typical wait: 1–3 days for regular patients, 1–3 weeks for new patients. For non-urgent matters — prescription refills, check-ups, referral letters.

Akutsprechstunde (urgent/walk-in hour)

Most German GP practices have a daily Akutsprechstunde, usually first thing in the morning (7–9 AM) or midday. For acute illness (fever, infection, rash). Arrive early, expect a queue. No appointment needed but you may wait 30–90 minutes.

Kassenärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst — 116117

Germany's out-of-hours medical service. Available evenings, weekends, and public holidays when GP practices are closed. Call 116117 for advice or to find an on-duty doctor. For non-life-threatening issues that cannot wait until Monday.

Notaufnahme (Emergency Room)

Hospital emergency departments in Germany. For genuine emergencies only (chest pain, broken bones, severe allergic reaction, accidents). Not appropriate for fever or flu, German ERs are strict about triage. Using the ER for non-emergencies leads to long waits and potentially a self-pay bill.

Notruf 112 (Emergency)

For life-threatening emergencies: 112. Ambulance is dispatched immediately. Free to call. Do not call 112 for mild illness — call 116117 instead.

Jameda language filter

On Jameda.de, search for Hausarzt and use the "Sprachkenntnisse: Englisch" filter. This lists GPs who speak English. Most in international districts (Mitte/Prenzlauer Berg in Berlin, Schwabing in Munich, Sachsenhausen in Frankfurt) are English-comfortable.

International practices

Some cities have dedicated "international medical centres" or expat-focused practices. These are often more expensive or operate on a private basis — useful for a transition period but confirm if they accept your GKV card.

Practice website

Check the GP practice website for language information. Many English-speaking practices mention it prominently to attract international patients.

Your health insurer's search tool

TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), one of the most popular health insurers for international workers — has an English-language interface and a doctor search tool at tk.de/en that allows filtering by language.

If appointments are only in German

Google Translate voice mode works reasonably well for basic medical conversations. DeepL on your phone handles most clinical vocabulary. Many medical terms are cognates (Diabetes, Hypertension, Antibiotika). Bring a German-speaking friend for complex discussions.

How referrals work

Your GP issues a paper or electronic Überweisung specifying the speciality and reason. Valid for 3 months within the same quarter (Quartal). Present it at the specialist's reception. The specialist bills your Krankenkasse directly.

Wait times for specialists

Specialist wait times in Germany can be long — 4–12 weeks for non-urgent appointments is common for dermatology, gynaecology, and orthopaedics. For urgent referrals, your GP can mark the Überweisung "dringend" (urgent), which speeds things up.

Terminservicestelle (appointment booking service)

If you cannot find a specialist within 4 weeks, call your health insurer's Terminservicestelle (appointment booking service). By law, GKV insurers must help you get a specialist appointment within 4 weeks. TK: 0800 285 0000.

Gynaecology and dentistry

Exception: you can see a Gynäkologe (gynaecologist) and Zahnarzt (dentist) directly without a GP referral. Most insurers also cover annual preventive check-ups at these specialists without a referral.

Emergency specialist access

If you need a specialist urgently (e.g., severe skin reaction, eye injury), go to the specialist's Notfallsprechstunde (emergency hours) or the hospital Notaufnahme directly, referral can be obtained after.