Health insurance is essential
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Statutory and private systems have different eligibility rules and benefits. Employees usually see contributions deducted through payroll; how family members are covered depends on the insurance model and family situation.
Learn Hausarzt versus Kinderarzt
Adults often use a Hausarzt as the main primary-care contact, while children commonly see a Kinderarzt. Popular practices in larger cities may limit new patients, so start searching soon after arrival.
Separate emergencies from routine care
Call 112 for life-threatening emergencies. For urgent but non-life-threatening medical help outside normal practice hours, 116117 is an important service. Routine care normally goes through a doctor's appointment.
Bring your child's medical records
Keep vaccination records, previous test results, chronic-condition documentation and medication lists in both digital and paper form when possible.
Ask what your insurance actually covers
Dental extras, glasses, therapies or private hospital options may not be covered in the same way. Ask your insurer before assuming a service is included.
First-week goal: confirm insurance status and save nearby Hausarzt and Kinderarzt options.
Where do you actually stand?
Answer a few questions to see which residence route fits your profile — or talk it through with a consultant.
