Sick notes, check-ups, pregnancy care and mental health support.
Calling in sick: the ArbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigungGermany has a formal sick-note culture. You must inform your employer immediately on day one, and usually present a doctor's certificate (AU) from the third day — or earlier if your contract says so.
Vaccinations and preventive check-ups covered by GKVStatutory insurance covers all STIKO-recommended vaccinations and a rolling programme of free preventive check-ups. Measles vaccination is legally required for Kita and school enrolment.Pregnancy and birth in the German systemGKV fully covers prenatal care, birth, and midwife (Hebamme) support. The Mutterpass documents the pregnancy, and Mutterschutz protects working mothers before and after birth.Getting mental health support in GermanyPsychotherapy is covered by GKV, but waiting lists for therapists with insurance billing are long. Knowing the shortcut routes — and the crisis numbers — matters.