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Quick Summary
Getting sick in a foreign country is scary. Not knowing who to call makes it worse. In Germany, there is a strict difference between life-threatening emergencies (Call 112) and out-of-hours sickness (Call 116117). This guide breaks down the German emergency response system, what to expect at the hospital, and how your health insurance handles the bill.
1. The Emergency Numbers You Need to Know
Germany does not use 911 for emergencies. Instead, the system is split into two primary numbers for acute danger, and one number for non-life-threatening medical issues.
Call 112 (Fire & Medical Emergencies)
criticalWhen to call: Heart attacks, strokes, severe bleeding, breathing difficulties, unconsciousness, or fires. Who answers: The dispatch center for the Fire Brigade (Feuerwehr). They coordinate both the fire trucks and the ambulances (Rettungswagen).
Call 110 (Police)
requiredWhen to call: Crimes in progress, severe traffic accidents, domestic violence, or immediate physical threats. Who answers: The local police dispatch.
Call 116 117 (On-Call Doctor)
optionalWhen to call: High fever (over 39.5°C), severe stomach pain, or cuts that need stitches, especially on weekends or nights when regular doctors are closed. Who answers: The medical on-call service (Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst). They will either tell you where the nearest open clinic is, or send a doctor to your home.
Language Barrier Warning
While operators in major cities like Berlin or Munich usually speak English, this is not guaranteed in smaller towns. If you call 112, try to clearly state "English please" and state your address immediately.
2. Going to the Hospital (Krankenhaus)
If your situation is serious but you can still walk or take a taxi, you can go directly to the hospital yourself.
Look for the signs pointing to the Notaufnahme (Accident & Emergency / A&E) or Ambulanz. Do not go to the main reception.
What you must bring with you:
Hospital Visit Checklist
- GesundheitskarteSource: Your Health Insuranceeasy
- Passport or IDSource: Home Countryeasy
- Current Medication ListSource: Yourselfeasy
The Waiting Room Reality
The Notaufnahme operates strictly on a triage system. If you arrive with a broken arm but someone else arrives with a suspected heart attack, they will be treated first, regardless of who was there earlier. Expect long waiting times (sometimes 3-6 hours) for non-life-threatening injuries.
3. Who Pays for the Ambulance and Hospital?
The cost of emergency treatment in Germany is almost entirely covered by your health insurance, but the process differs depending on your provider.
What if I don't have insurance yet?
If you have a life-threatening emergency, you will always be treated immediately, regardless of your insurance status or ability to pay. The Hippocratic Oath and German law guarantee this. However, if you are completely uninsured, you will receive a bill for the treatment afterward, which can easily amount to thousands of Euros.
If you are new to Germany, getting insured is your top priority.
TK (Techniker Krankenkasse)
Top Benefits
- Voted Germany's best health insurance
- Excellent English customer service
Keep in Mind
- Slightly higher additional contribution rate
Key Details
4. Pharmacies (Apotheke) at Night
Regular pharmacies in Germany have strict opening hours and are usually closed on Sundays and after 8:00 PM.
If you need medication urgently at 3:00 AM, you must find an Apotheken-Notdienst (Emergency Pharmacy). By law, there is always at least one pharmacy open 24/7 within a certain radius.
- You can find the nearest one by searching online at apotheken-umschau.de or looking at the notice board in the window of any closed pharmacy.
- Be aware: There is a small legal surcharge (usually around €2.50) for buying medicine outside of regular hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
About Oliver
Founder of expats.de, former cooperative bank advisor (Bankfachwirt IHK) with 12 years of banking experience, and a §34d licensed insurance broker. Since 2014, Oliver has helped over 10,000 expats navigate the German financial system. Read Oliver's full story →
Educational Notice & General Advice
This content is educational and reflects analysis based on our 11 years of market experience, our 200,000+ community insights, and current regulatory knowledge.
As a 34d-licensed insurance broker and experienced financial advisor, I provide this guidance in good faith. However, for personalized advice especially regarding insurance, mortgages, or tax-specific decisions—please consult with a qualified financial advisor or tax professional in your specific situation. Past expat experiences and historical market data do not guarantee identical results for your unique circumstances.