English-Speaking Doctor in Germany: How to Find One
You feel unwell, you are new in Germany, and the practice website is full of German words. This guide gives you the short answer first, then the steps.
The short answer
To find an English-speaking doctor in Germany, use a regional doctor search that has a foreign-language filter. Then call the practice and ask who speaks English before you book. The words “English spoken” on a website can mean different things, so a short check helps. Bring your health insurance card and your ID. For a life-threatening emergency, call 112.
Why “English spoken” needs a check
A practice website may say “English spoken”. That can mean the doctor speaks English. It can also mean only one person at the front desk does, or only on some days. You cannot tell from the website alone.
This is why the Expat-Friendly Score on MigrateSpace looks at three things: English spoken as a minimum, digital or self-serve options, and international ID and payment accepted. You can use the same three ideas as a quick filter for any doctor.
Step 1: Decide how urgent it is
Start with one question: how urgent is this?
- Life in danger, or risk of lasting injury: call 112. The 116117 page says to use the emergency number 112 for life-threatening situations.
- Urgent, but not life-threatening, and practices are closed: call 116117, the medical on-call service. It can tell you where the nearest on-call practice is. The English page of 116117 says this service is only available in German. If you do not speak German, ask someone to call with you, or go to the on-call practice in person.
- Not urgent: book a normal appointment with a practice in the week. The 116117 page recommends booking by phone. Without an appointment, you may wait longer.
Step 2: Use an official doctor search
Germany’s doctors who treat people with statutory health insurance are registered with regional associations, called Kassenärztliche Vereinigungen (KVs). The national association, the KBV, explains that the regional KVs hold the latest addresses and qualifications of the doctors in their region. On the KBV page, a map of Germany leads you to the search of your region. The page also lists psychotherapists and an app.
The KBV page itself is in German and does not describe a language filter. The regional searches differ. For example, the doctor search of the KV Baden-Württemberg says you can search by surname, place, specialty or foreign-language skills. If you live in another region, open your regional search and look for a field called “Fremdsprachen”. If you cannot find one, call the information line of your regional KV.
You can also browse the Healthcare category in the MigrateSpace directory. Each listing shows its Expat-Friendly Score, so you can see English support, online options and accepted ID and payment in one place.
Step 3: Check the practice before you book
Once you have two or three names, check each practice. A short call or email is enough. Ask:
- Who speaks English: the doctor, the nurse, or only the front desk?
- Can I book online, by email or by chat, or only by phone in German?
- Do the forms come in English, or can someone help me fill them in?
- Do you treat patients with my type of insurance?
- May I bring a friend or colleague to help translate?
Write down the answers. If the practice cannot answer in English, that already tells you something. Move on to the next name on your list.
Step 4: Book and prepare your documents
Booking. Most practices let you book by phone. Some also offer online booking. Choose what works for you.
The appointment service. If you have statutory health insurance and no acute emergency, the appointment service of the KVs may help. According to the KV Baden-Württemberg, you do not need a referral for a general practitioner or a children’s doctor. For specialists, a referral is generally needed. Eye doctors and gynaecologists are an exception. To get a specialist appointment within 35 days, you need a referral with an urgency code. The service does not arrange appointments with dentists, and it does not arrange a request for one named doctor. Rules and opening hours can differ by region, so check your own KV.
Documents. Bring your passport or ID and your insurance card. If you use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), the European Commission says to show it together with an ID card or passport, and to go to a doctor who has a contract with a German health insurance fund. German doctors who work in the state system often show a sign saying “Kassenarzt” or “Alle Kassen”. The Commission also says services beyond that contract carry costs that the EHIC does not cover. If you live in Germany and have another type of insurance, ask your insurer which card to show.
Your symptoms. Write them down in English before the visit. Add how long you have had them and any medicine you take. A translation app on your phone can help, but do not rely on it for important medical details.
If you cannot find an English-speaking doctor
This happens, especially in small towns and for specialists. Try these ideas:
- Widen your search to the next town or city.
- Ask your employer, university or insurer if they have a list of English-speaking practices.
- Ask a colleague or friend who speaks German to make the call for you.
- Ask the practice if you may bring someone to translate.
Do not wait if your health is at risk. If you feel very unwell, use the emergency steps in Step 1.
What to check
Use this list before every first appointment:
- The doctor or the practice confirmed English help in writing or on the phone.
- You know how to book (online, email or phone).
- You have your passport or ID, and your insurance card or EHIC.
- You know whether you need a referral for the specialist.
- You wrote down your symptoms and your questions in English.
- You know the numbers: 112 for emergencies, 116117 for urgent help when practices are closed (German only).
Frequently asked questions
What does “English spoken” mean at a doctor in Germany?
It has no fixed meaning. It can mean the doctor speaks English, or only that someone at the practice does. Ask who speaks English, and whether you can book and fill in forms in English.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
It depends. For the appointment service, the KV Baden-Württemberg says a referral is generally needed for specialists, with an exception for eye doctors and gynaecologists. Ask the practice or your insurer about your own case.
Can I use my EHIC at a German doctor?
The European Commission says to show your EHIC with an ID card or passport at a doctor who has a contract with a German health insurance fund. Costs for services outside that contract are not covered by the card. This is general information, not legal advice.
Can I call 116117 in English?
The English page of 116117 says the on-call service is only available in German. It also says to call 112 for life-threatening situations.
Find healthcare that works in English
Use our MigrateSpace directory to compare services by English support, online options and accepted ID and payment. Listing is free for providers now.
