Moving To Germany Series :14/15 Emergency Services & Healthcare in Germany (2025): Essential Guide for Newcomers

EuroXpat
Apr 27
3 min read

In Germany, safety and health services are efficient, well-organized, and accessible — but it’s crucial to know who to call and how the system works before you actually need it.

This guide will give you a clear overview of emergency numbers, healthcare access, pharmacy services, and new updates for 2025.

📞 Emergency Numbers You Must Know

Germany uses different numbers for different types of emergencies — it’s important to dial the correct one depending on your situation:

Number	Use	Language Support
112	Medical emergencies, fire, urgent rescue (e.g., accidents, chest pain, house fire)	English-speaking operators usually available
110	Police emergencies (crime, assault, theft)	Some English support, especially in big cities
116 117	Non-emergency medical services (e.g., doctor needed after hours, but not life-threatening)	Varies, basic English available

💬 Important:

112 works across the entire EU — if in doubt, always call 112.
Calls to 112 and 110 are free from any phone (landline or mobile).

➡️ Official resource: Bundesregierung – Healthcare Access

🚑 When to Call Each Number

📟 Call 112 if:

Severe bleeding
Difficulty breathing
Unconsciousness
Heart attack or stroke symptoms
Fire, explosion, smoke
Traffic accidents with injuries

🚑 Ambulances (Rettungswagen) usually arrive within 8–12 minutes in urban areas.

📟 Call 110 if:

You witness a crime (assault, robbery, domestic violence)
You experience or witness theft, burglary, or vandalism
You are in immediate danger and need police protection

👮‍♂️ Police (Polizei) in Germany are professional and respected. Always stay calm and provide your address clearly.

📟 Call 116 117 if:

You need to see a doctor urgently outside regular office hours (weekends, holidays, evenings).
You have health issues that are serious but not life-threatening (high fever, persistent vomiting, etc.)

🏥 You will be directed to an on-call doctor service (Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst) near you, or in some cases, a doctor may come to your home.

💊 Pharmacy Services (Apotheken)

In Germany, pharmacies (Apotheken) are the only places you can buy prescription medications — and even many over-the-counter ones (e.g., strong painkillers).

📍 Important Pharmacy Facts:

Normal Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00/2:00 PM
Closed Sundays and public holidays.
Emergency Pharmacies (Notdienst):
- After hours, rotating pharmacies stay open for emergencies.
- Service is called “Apotheken-Notdienst”.
- Find your nearest open pharmacy via:
  - Aponet Emergency Pharmacy Finder (German site)
  - Search “Apotheke Notdienst + your city” on Google.

💬 Tip: Emergency pharmacies often charge a small extra fee (~€2.50) during night service.

🏥 Healthcare Access for Newcomers

If you’re new to Germany, here’s what you need to know about seeing a doctor:

General Practitioner (Hausarzt):
Your first contact for all health issues.
They can treat you directly or refer you to a specialist (Facharzt).
Specialists:
Dermatologists, cardiologists, orthopedists, etc.
Referral from a Hausarzt may speed up appointments (but not always required).
Hospital Emergency Rooms (Notaufnahme):
For serious emergencies when urgent care is needed and calling 112 isn’t possible.
Be prepared for waiting times if it’s not life-threatening.

🆕 Healthcare Updates for 2025

Electronic Health Record (ePA):
All residents now have an electronic patient record automatically created — making emergency treatment faster and more accurate.
E-Prescriptions (E-Rezept):
Prescriptions are now digital — you simply show a QR code at the pharmacy, no paper needed.
Expanded Telemedicine:
Remote doctor consultations are reimbursed by health insurance, even for non-emergency after-hour cases.

🚨 Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Calling 112 for minor health issues (cold, mild fever) — it’s for emergencies only!
❌ Assuming pharmacies sell everything without prescription — many medicines (like antibiotics, strong painkillers) require a doctor’s prescription.
❌ Waiting until Monday if you have a serious health problem on weekends — call 116 117 for urgent but non-critical medical help.
❌ Not knowing your Versichertennummer (health insurance number) — always carry your health insurance card!