For many illnesses, however, you can only get certain medications with a prescription. This document specifies the medication you need. The prescription must be issued by a doctor. To get your medication, you then take the prescription to a pharmacy. You are responsible for paying part of the costs of the medication, the rest is covered by your health insurance.

Pharmacies are generally open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., on Saturday until 1 p.m. Some pharmacies in cities, stay open until 8 p.m. Pharmacies also operate an emergency service for Saturday, Sunday and at night.

Health insurance is compulsory for everyone in Germany. Read the information in the “Insurance” section.

Do you feel unwell or need medical help? It’s best to make an appointment with a general practitioner. They will answer initial questions about your complaint or illness. This kind of doctor is also known as a “Hausarzt”, a house or family doctor. It’s important to see a doctor, as they can help you get well again. If you need specialised care, they can refer you to a specialist.

If your child is unwell, consult a paediatrician. Doctors’ surgeries are typically open from Monday to Friday. For emergencies at weekends or at night, a medical on-call service is also available.

You can make an appointment by calling the practice or using their online system. Most doctors’ practices offer this convenient option. Simply go to the practice website and select a suitable time. You will receive confirmation, telling you when you can see the doctor. You may be sent a reminder by e-mail or text message on your smart phone shortly before the appointment.

When you see a doctor, you need a card from your health insurance fund, the health insurance card or health card. If it’s your first visit to the practice, you will be asked to fill in a form providing your personal details, such as name and address. In some cases, the practice may also request details about existing illnesses or medication you take regularly.

After registering, you will wait in the waiting room until your name is called. This often only takes a few minutes, but it can sometimes take longer than an hour.

In the treatment room, the doctor will ask you a series of questions: What hurts? How long have you had this pain? Have you had this problem before? It’s important to describe your symptoms as accurately as possible. The doctor may then examine you. He or she will give you a diagnosis, explaining your condition and the steps you should take. You might receive a prescription for medication, which you collect from the pharmacy. You may also be given a follow-up appointment.

If you have statutory health insurance, you don’t have to pay to see a doctor. However, you do have to pay for additional private services. Those with private health insurance will receive an invoice. They have to pay the invoice themselves, but can then claim the money back from their health insurance company.

You’re ill and unable to work? If so, it’s important that you inform your employer immediately. You must report to your employer that you are sick. Call them and tell them how long you are likely to be ill.

Have you seen a doctor? If you are unable to work due to illness, the doctor will write you off sick. This is called a doctor’s certificate (Attest). This certificate says that you are unable to work, and that you should stay at home and rest. It usually also tells you how long you should stay at home. The certificate is not issued in paper form. The doctor sends the information directly to your health insurance fund. Your employer can view the doctor’s certificate online.

Some employers want a sick note from the first day of illness, while others request one from the third day. You can get a sick note by calling the doctor’s office. For minor illnesses, this covers up to five days. If you are ill for longer, however, you will need to see a doctor in person.

There are many different types of doctor. Each specialises in a different area of medicine. This is why they are called specialists. For example, there orthopaedists who specialise in everything to do with bones and joints, for example when you break an arm. Gynaecologists are for women’s health. They carry out routine check-ups and provide care during pregnancy. There are also ear, nose and throat specialists, along with many others.

Your general practitioner may send you to a specialist. You will receive a referral for this. The specialist consultant will inform your general practitioner about your illness.

If you already know which type of specialist you need, you can go straight to that doctor. You don’t always need a referral. A referral is also not required if you want to see a dentist.

Are you feeling emotionally unwell? Are you tired and run down? Physical health is important, but it’s not just your body that can suffer – your mind can too – in other words, everything related to your thoughts and emotions. Problems, crises, stress, anxiety and violence can all make us ill. Take care of your mental health. Look after yourself, and seek help if you’re feeling depressed, overwhelmed or anxious.

Medical check-ups can help detect serious illnesses at an early stage and allow faster treatment. Some of these medical examinations are covered by health insurance. Others you have to pay for yourself.

Medical check-ups are also available for children. These are very important. Vaccinations are important preventive measures and protect against infectious diseases like measles, whooping cough and mumps. For more information, read the section “Living with children”.

From the age of 35, you can have check-ups to detect early signs of kidney and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer. Women can also have breast examinations, while pregnant women receive regular prenatal check-ups.

Depending on factors such as gender, age or illnesses in the family, certain examinations are recommended. Vaccinations are also important for adults. Discuss this with your doctor.

Everyone in Germany should know the emergency number for the police (110) and the fire and rescue service (112). There are also other contact numbers if you need help and advice. Read more about this in the section “What to do in an emergency”.