---
title: German Healthcare Terms Expats Should Know
description: Learn all the essential German healthcare terms you need to know so you can access medical care in Germany with confidence.
---

[Health Insurance ](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog)

# [German Healthcare Terms Expats Should Know](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog/german-healthcare-terms-expats-should-know/)

 Written by [Clara](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog/author/clara) | Feb 10, 2026 5:31:14 PM

# German Healthcare Terms Expats Should Know

Getting familiar with Germany's healthcare system is much easier when you understand the key terminology. Whether you're visiting a doctor, filling a prescription or dealing with your insurance provider, knowing this vocabulary will help you feel more confident.

In this guide, we've put together a comprehensive German-English glossary to help you communicate effectively and understand your options.

## Essential Medical Terms

Before your first doctor's visit in Germany, it helps to know the basic words used in medical settings. You'll see these terms on clinic signs, appointment confirmations and medical forms:

 

| German | English | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Arzt** | Doctor | General term for any physician |
| **Hausarzt** | General practitioner (GP) | Your primary care doctor, often the first point of contact |
| **Facharzt** | Specialist | For example cardiologist, dermatologist, neurologist |
| **Zahnarzt** | Dentist |   |
| **Frauenarzt/Gynäkologe** | Gynaecologist |   |
| **Apotheke** | Pharmacy | Where you collect prescribed medication |
| **Krankenhaus** | Hospital |   |
| **Notaufnahme** | Emergency room/A&E |   |
| **Rettungswagen** | Ambulance | Emergency number: 112 |

## Common Healthcare Vocabulary

During medical appointments, certain administrative and treatment-related words appear frequently. Understanding them will make conversations with doctors, clinics, and pharmacies much clearer.

 

| German | English | When You'll Need It |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Rezept** | Prescription | Required to collect medication from the pharmacy |
| **Überweisung** | Referral | A document from your GP to see a specialist |
| **Krankschreibung** | Sick note | Usually required by employers after 3 days of illness |
| **Medikament** | Medication |   |
| **Impfung** | Vaccination |   |
| **Patient** | Patient |   |
| **krank** | Sick/ill |   |
| **Termin** | Appointment |   |

## Insurance Terms

[Health insurance ](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance)plays a central role in the German healthcare system, so you'll likely encounter these terms when signing up for coverage or visiting a medical practice.

 

| German | English | Explanation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Krankenversicherung** | Health insurance | General term |
| **Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV)** | Public/statutory health insurance | The government-regulated system |
| **Private Krankenversicherung (PKV)** | Private health insurance | For higher earners, freelancers, and self-employed |
| **Krankenkasse** | Health insurance provider | The organisation managing your public insurance |
| **Krankenversichertenkarte** | Health insurance card | You present this at every medical appointment |
| **Sozialversicherungsnummer** | Social security number | Your unique ID in the German system |
| **Familienversicherung** | Family insurance | Coverage for dependents under public insurance |

## Types of Hospitals

Germany has three main types of hospitals, and the differences mainly relate to ownership rather than the medical care you receive:

| Type | German Name | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Public** | Öffentliches Krankenhaus | Owned and operated by the government |
| **Non-profit** | Frei gemeinnütziges Krankenhaus | Managed by charitable organisations or churches |
| **Private** | Privatkrankenhaus | Privately owned and operated |

All three hospital types treat patients with both public and private insurance. However, private hospitals sometimes offer additional services or upgraded room options.

## Understanding the Insurance System

### Public Health Insurance (GKV)

Health insurance is mandatory for everyone living in Germany. The system is built around two main options: [public insurance](https://stayinsured.de/public-health-insurance) and [private insurance](https://stayinsured.de/private-health-insurance). The one that applies to you usually depends on your employment status and income level.

Public health insurance covers the majority of residents in Germany and provides comprehensive medical care. It is the standard option for most employees and offers predictable costs tied to income. Its key features include:

- It's mandatory for employees earning below **€77,400 per year** (2026 threshold)
- Contributions are roughly **14.6% of gross salary**, plus an additional **1–2% depending on the provider**
- Your employer pays **half of the contribution**
- **Non-working spouses and children** can be covered at no additional cost
- You receive a **health insurance card** **(Krankenversichertenkarte) **used at doctor appointments

### Private Health Insurance (PKV)

[Private health insurance ](https://stayinsured.de/private-health-insurance)is available to people who meet certain eligibility requirements, such as higher-earning employees, freelancers, or self-employed professionals. Its main characteristics include: 

- Premiums are based on **age, health status, and coverage level**, rather than income
- Often provides **shorter waiting times for specialists**
- May include **additional treatment options or upgraded hospital rooms**
- **Each family member needs a separate policy**
- Patients usually **pay upfront and request reimbursement from the insurer**

## Choosing Between Public and Private

Deciding between public and private coverage depends on several personal factors. Understanding these can help you choose the option that best fits your situation.

### 1. Your Employment Status

Your income and job type determine whether private insurance is even available to you.

 

| Status | Insurance Options |
| --- | --- |
| Employee earning <€77,400/year | Public (mandatory) |
| Employee earning >€77,400/year | Public or private (your choice) |
| Self-employed/Freelancer | Public or private (your choice) |
| Civil servant | Private (with state subsidy) |

### 2. Your Family Situation

Family structure can play an important role in deciding which system works best.

- **Public insurance** allows non-working spouses and children to be included without additional cost. **Private insurance** requires an individual policy for each family member.

### 3. Your Health Needs

Personal health considerations also influence the decision.

- **Public insurance** guarantees acceptance regardless of pre-existing conditions. However, **private insurance** may offer quicker access to specialists and additional treatment options.
- If you need further information about how to choose the best health insurance plan for you, [check out our full article here. ](https://app-eu1.hubspot.com/blog/145845089/editor/361877149942/content)
- Additional Services
- Pregnancy and Maternity Care
- Public health insurance covers all medically necessary pregnancy care. This typically includes:
-  
  
    - Prenatal check-ups
    - Childbirth and hospital delivery
    - Postnatal care
    - Midwife services
  
  Private insurance plans may cover similar services, but some policies include waiting periods or specific conditions for pregnancy-related care.
- Mental Health Services
- Public insurance covers mental health treatment, though wait times for therapists can be long. Private insurance often provides faster access to psychologists and psychiatrists.
- Alternative Medicine
- Treatments like acupuncture, osteopathy, or naturopathy (**Heilpraktiker**) are generally not covered by public insurance but may be included in private plans.
- Getting Started
  
  Germany's healthcare system may seem complex at first, especially if you're adjusting to a new language and unfamiliar procedures. But once you understand the key terms and how the insurance system works, everyday situations become much easier to handle.
- If you need help understanding the healthcare system or choosing the right plan for you, we're here to help through every step. 

[View full post](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog/german-healthcare-terms-expats-should-know/)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Clara"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-06-24T10:51:42.176Z",
  "datePublished" : "2026-02-10T17:31:14Z",
  "headline" : "German Healthcare Terms Expats Should Know",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 805,
    "url" : "https://145845089.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/145845089/Blog/German%20Healthcare%20Terms%20Expats%20Should%20Know.jpg",
    "width" : 1200
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog/german-healthcare-terms-expats-should-know/",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "Health Insurance"
  }
}
```