Registering with a Hausarzt and your insurance card

Once enrolled with a Krankenkasse, you receive a Gesundheitskarte (health insurance card) needed at every appointment. You should register with a local Hausarzt (GP) who acts as your primary care coordinator.

Key points to understand

Present your Gesundheitskarte at every visit; without it you may be billed privately on the day

Present your Gesundheitskarte at every visit; without it you may be billed privately on the day. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Your Hausarzt issues referrals (Überweisungen) to specialists — going direct to a specialist without one may cost extra

Your Hausarzt issues referrals (Überweisungen) to specialists — going direct to a specialist without one may cost extra. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

New patients often need a Termin (appointment) weeks in advance; urgent slots are available on the day if you call early

New patients often need a Termin (appointment) weeks in advance; urgent slots are available on the day if you call early. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Practical tips

• Prepare your documents and translations in advance — most delays come from missing paperwork.
• Always note the office name, address, and a contact number before you go.
• Ask the community on MyHAbroad if you’re unsure — chances are someone has already been through it.