Support and counseling for sudden health problems, psychological issues, or after rape. In emergencies, call 112.
Germany has a comprehensive medical health system for everyone with health insurance. For people without statutory or private health insurance, there are exceptions. Refugees, for example, are entitled to limited medical services under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act.
In Germany, health insurance is compulsory for all people who are registered in the country.
112 for acute, potentially life-threatening emergencies
For example, severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, paralysis, sudden seizures, severe injuries, or suspected fractures – call the emergency services at 112. This call is free and available 24/7.
116 117 for the medical on-call service, which advises you on sudden health problems
In urgent but not life-threatening cases, call 116 117 – the nationwide number for the medical on-call service. This is the call center for the medical on-call service, which can refer you to on-call service practices you may need to visit. In some cases, an on-call doctor may come to your home if your health condition prevents you from going to a practice, or the relevant practice is not staffed. The on-call service is available across Germany. Calls are free and available 24/7.
Everyone who is registered in Germany is required to have statutory or private health insurance. If you have health insurance, you will usually have to pay little or nothing towards the cost of treatment.
Refugees are entitled to medical benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (AsylbLG). The law defines different levels of benefits depending on the duration and status of residence.
In the case of life-threatening illnesses and serious health problems, anyone in Germany can go to a doctor's surgery or a central emergency room (regardless of health insurance).
Clearing centres in many federal states can help people with unclear or no health insurance. Overview of clearing centers.
If you have experienced physical injuries or sexual violence, e.g. rape, it is important to seek medical care as quickly as possible.
Many hospital emergency departments, forensic medical examination centers or violence protection outpatient clinics offer forensic documentation of injuries and confidential forensic evidence after sexual violence. Documentation and confidential preservation of evidence is also possible without a police report (Section 27 (1) SGB V). However, implementation varies from region to region and many examination centers (hospitals) require a police report. Treating physicians are bound to confidentiality and may not pass on any information to the police, for example. This means that the person can basically decide for themselves whether they want to use the documentation of their injuries. However, if criminal proceedings are initiated, the court can order the release of the documents.
You can find a list of forensic medical examination centres at ODABS website.
There is also a right to immediate help for mental health problems following domestic/sexual violence. Outpatient trauma centres) offer psychosocial or psychotherapeutic help.
- Further psychosocial support in cases of sexual violence is provided by counselling centres.Psychosocial support and counselling is also available through the "Violence against women" helpline and women's advice centres and women's emergency hotlines (bff search).
- Male victims of sexual violence can contact the "Violence against men" helpline.
If you are in an acute crisis, contact your doctor or call 112. Telephone counselling is available around the clock and free of charge.
The telephone counseling service offers help and support for people in difficult life situations and crises regarding mental health. You can confidentially discuss your thoughts, feelings, and situation with trained volunteers. The crisis counseling is offered in German. Counseling is free and anonymous.
Telephone counseling
0800 111 0111
0800 111 0222
116 123
Calls are free and available 24/7.
You can reach the online counselling service via email and chat on their website.
The parents' hotline offers advice on family crises and being overwhelmed. All calls are free. Counselling is mostly in German.
Parents' Hotline
0800 111 0550
Monday - Friday 9 - 17
Tuesday and Thursday 9 - 19
The children's and youth hotline offers advice to children and young people in challenging situations and personal crises. All calls are free. Counseling is mostly in German.
Children's and Youth Hotline
116 111
Monday - Saturday 14 - 20