Using Your Private Health Insurance at German Doctors – A Practical Guide

Seeing a doctor in Germany with private health insurance (PKV) can be a smooth and even pleasant experience – if you know what to expect.
This guide walks you through each step: how to book appointments, what documents to bring, how billing works, and how to get your money back quickly.

1. Choosing a Doctor: Can You See Any Doctor in Germany?

Yes. As a privately insured person, you're not limited to specific public doctors or networks.

You can:

• Visit any doctor or specialist who treats "privat versicherte" (privately insured patients)
• Choose English-speaking doctors
• Often get faster appointments, especially with specialists

Look for practices marked with:

• "Alle Kassen und Privat" (accepts public and private)
• "Privatpraxis" (private-only practices – often shorter wait times)

2. What to Bring to the Appointment

You don’t need a public health insurance card.
Instead, bring:

• Your ID (passport or residence permit)
• A “Patientenkarte” if your insurer provides one

Let the receptionist know you’re privately insured ("Privatpatient"). This ensures correct billing and often faster service.

3. Billing: How It Works

Unlike public health insurance, private insurance follows a different billing model.

Step-by-step:

1. After your visit, you receive an invoice from the doctor (usually by post or email)
2. You pay the invoice by bank transfer
3. You forward the invoice to your insurer for reimbursement

Reimbursement usually takes 5–10 business days, depending on your insurer and the method of submission.

4. Digital Reimbursement

Most private insurers offer mobile apps or online portals where you can:

• Upload scanned invoices
• Track the status of your reimbursement
• Contact customer service

Examples:

• HanseMerkur App
• AXA "Meine Gesundheit"
• Hallesche4u

This speeds up the process and reduces paperwork.

5. What’s Covered – and What’s Not?

Most good PKV plans cover a broad range of treatments. Here’s a general overview:

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Refer to your policy documents or contact your broker to confirm coverage details.

6. Prescriptions and Pharmacies

Doctors issue private prescriptions ("Privatrezept"), usually on blue or green paper.
You pay the pharmacy directly and later submit the receipt to your insurer for reimbursement.

Note: Some plans only cover approved medications, so it may be worth checking before buying expensive prescriptions.

7. Submitting Invoices – Best Practices

• Submit invoices as soon as you receive them
• Use your insurer’s app or portal if possible
• Keep your bank information updated with your insurer
• For surgeries or expensive treatments, check if pre-approval is needed
  

8. Emergency Care

In case of an emergency:

• Call 112 or go directly to a hospital
• Mention that you are privately insured
• You will receive an invoice afterward, which you submit to your insurer

Most PKV policies cover emergency services in full, including hospital stays.

9. Coverage Abroad

Many private health insurance plans include travel coverage:

• Typically valid for up to 1–3 months abroad
• Often includes global coverage
• Some insurers offer extensions or add-ons

Check your policy or ask your advisor for specifics before traveling.

10. Summary

Final Tip from The Good Broker

Private health insurance in Germany gives you more than just better coverage. It offers better access, faster appointments, and greater freedom of choice.

Need help?

• Understanding your plan
• Submitting invoices
• Comparing other insurance options

You can always reach out.