Health insurance and going to the doctor

In Germany, health insurance (Krankenversicherung) is mandatory for everyone. Most people are insured under the public system (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) through one of the insurance funds — for example, TK, AOK, Barmer or DAK.

How it works:

• once your insurance is arranged, you receive an electronic card (Gesundheitskarte);
• with it you go to a family doctor (Hausarzt) — this is the first point of entry;
• if needed, the doctor refers you to a specialist (Überweisung).

What you should do:

• choose a health insurance fund and submit an application to join;
• find a Hausarzt nearby and book an appointment (Termin);
• in emergencies call 112 (ambulance) or 116117 (on-call doctor outside working hours).

The details depend on your status and your insurance fund — check with your chosen fund or on official resources.