Plan treatment in Germany

A hospital consultation, inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient therapy involve different admission processes and daily needs. First clarify the proposed care setting, provider requirements and whether accompanying family support is needed.

Consider the appointment location, accessible accommodation, transfers, language support and enough flexibility for provider decisions. Do not make irreversible travel arrangements before acceptance, documentation and relevant permissions are clear.

Many German hospitals, especially university hospitals, have an international office for patients from abroad. It usually asks for recent medical reports before a specialist can comment on treatment or a cost estimate can be prepared. Replies take longer when reports are incomplete or must be translated first.

1. 1An enquiry with the practical details reaches the international office.
2. 2The hospital names the reports it needs and how to send them securely.
3. 3A specialist reviews the reports and says whether, and how, the hospital can help.
4. 4The international office sends a written cost estimate and the conditions for admission.

Patients who pay for themselves normally receive a written cost estimate and pay an advance before admission. After treatment, the hospital settles the final invoice against the advance: you pay the difference or receive a refund. The final amount can change if the treatment or the length of stay changes.

Hospital charges

Inpatient hospital care in Germany is charged under a regulated fee system, so the estimate is based on the planned treatment.

Optional services

Treatment by the chief physician, a single room or a bed for a companion are optional, with their own charges. Ask whether the estimate includes them.

Currency and payment

Hospitals invoice in euros, usually payable by bank transfer before admission. Allow for transfer time and bank charges.

Insurers and sponsors

If an insurer or a sponsor pays, the hospital usually needs its written cost guarantee before admission.

German rehabilitation clinics usually plan inpatient programmes over several weeks, with a daily timetable of therapies. When rehabilitation follows a hospital stay, the hospital’s discharge report helps the clinic decide whether its programme fits. The clinic sets the actual duration and intensity after its own assessment.

Staff in German hospitals speak German, and many doctors also speak English. Arabic interpreting can be arranged for important conversations, so that nothing is lost.

Questions to ask

• Can a family member stay in the room or nearby, and at what cost?
• Are halal meals available, and is there a quiet room for prayer?
• What are the visiting hours, and how many visitors are allowed?
• Which language will the doctors use, and when is an interpreter needed?

Useful to know before you travel.

Emergency number

112 for an ambulance or the fire service, free from any phone.

Time difference

Germany is 2 hours behind Riyadh, Kuwait, Doha and Manama in winter and 1 hour behind in summer; 3 hours behind Abu Dhabi and Muscat in winter and 2 in summer.

Currency

Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted, but keep some cash for small purchases.

Electricity

230 V with two-pin plugs (types C and F). Three-pin Gulf plugs (type G) need an adapter.

Flights

Frankfurt and Munich are the main airports with direct flights from Gulf cities.