👨⚕️ How to Find a Doctor
In Germany, you usually start with a general practitioner (Hausarzt). This is your go-to contact for most health issues. They can treat you directly or refer you to a specialist if needed.
Here’s how to find a doctor:
- Gelbe Seiten: Use www.gelbeseiten.de to search for doctors in your area. An example: You would like to visit an ENT physician. Then you can either type “HNO-Arzt” into the search field or just “Arzt” and then select the most appropriate from the search proposals; in this case this would also be “HNO-Arzt”.
- Google Maps can also help, especially if you search for “Hausarzt near me” or “Allgemeinmediziner Erlangen”.
- Language tip: Not all doctors speak fluent English. Look for reviews online or call ahead and ask if they offer services in English.
Once you’ve found a doctor, call ahead to make an appointment (Termin). In urgent but non-emergency cases, you might also be able to go without one, but it’s best to check first.
For more detailed guidance, check this official overview: Choosing a doctor and finding an appointment
🆘 What To Do in an Emergency
Emergencies are situations where life or health is in danger – for example, accidents, unconsciousness, chest pain, or severe injuries.
Call 112
This is the emergency number for ambulance, fire brigade, and life-threatening situations. It works all over the EU and is free of charge.
You don’t need to speak perfect German – many dispatchers can speak English or will find someone who can.
⛑️ Other Helpful Numbers
- 116 117 – For non-life-threatening medical issues outside of regular doctor’s hours (evenings, weekends, holidays). This connects you with the medical on-call service (ärztlicher Notdienst).
- 110 – Police emergency number. Note that all police stations do also have a normal number, which you can find through the internet or Google Maps and is recommended calling in non-emergency cases.
- Pharmacy emergency service: If you need medication at night or on the weekend, check which pharmacy is open at www.aponet.de (click on Notdienstsuche). On this page, you can also search for pharmacies or drugs.
💡 Quick Tips
- Always carry your health insurance card (Krankenversicherungskarte) with you when seeing a doctor or going to the hospital.
- Hospitals (Krankenhäuser, in Erlangen it’s the Uniklinikum) also have emergency rooms (Notaufnahme), but only go there if it’s truly urgent.
- If you’re not sure what to do, calling 116 117 is a good first step for advice.
If you’ve had a medical experience here in Germany – good or bad – and want to share tips with other students, let us know in the comments below!
Stay safe and healthy!
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