Finding an English-speaking doctor in Berlin

My GP speaks good English and is very thorough. The appointment was free, as it is covered by insurance.

Seeing a specialist

When I had a persistent problem with my knee, my GP gave me a referral (Überweisung) to an orthopaedist. Technically you do not always need a referral in Germany, but it helps with getting appointments. The first available appointment with an orthopaedist who spoke English was seven weeks away.

The 116117 appointment service can arrange a specialist appointment within four weeks if you have an urgent referral code from your GP. I did not know this then. Ask your GP for the code if you need a faster specialist appointment.

Language barriers

Most doctors in Berlin speak some English, especially younger ones. But receptionists often do not, and forms are in German. I used a translation app for the medical history form and brought a German-speaking friend to one appointment. My B1 German helps now, but medical vocabulary is still hard.

Emergencies

• 112 for emergencies (ambulance and fire)
• 116117 for the out-of-hours medical service when your GP is closed
• Pharmacies (Apotheken) have a rota for night and weekend service

I went to an emergency department once, with a bad stomach infection on a Sunday. I waited four hours, but the care was good and there was no bill.

Prescriptions

Prescriptions are now mostly electronic (e-Rezept). You show your insurance card at any pharmacy. For most medications, you pay a co-payment of 5 to 10 euros.

My honest rating

Three out of five for access, five out of five for quality. Once you have a doctor, the care is excellent, the costs are low and you are treated with respect. But finding a GP in Berlin, especially one who speaks English, takes persistence.

Tips

• Register with a GP before you are sick
• Use Doctolib and filter by language
• Learn the 116117 number
• Ask colleagues for recommendations: word of mouth still works best
• Keep your insurance card with you at all times