Learning German is always recommended and helpful when living in Berlin. With that being said, even if you are able to communicate well in German, there are some services that we tend to prefer speaking to in English. Such services include English speaking doctors in Berlin.
This is true especially when it comes to a doctor using complex, technical medical terms. However, the process of finding English speaking doctors in Berlin is quick and simple and should be one of the first tasks on your to-do list when relocating to the German capital, Berlin.
If you already have a pre-existing medical condition, it is even more important to register with one of the many English speaking doctors in Berlin for regular, consistent care. Finding a doctor you feel comfortable with, is essential to the patient and practitioner relationship, so make sure you dwell well on your choices when it comes to finding one of the many English speaking doctors in Berlin.
In this guide, we provide a useful overview of the Healthcare system in Berlin and a guide on how to find English speaking doctors.
An Overview Of The Healthcare System In Berlin
Public Healthcare in Berlin
Unlike some other European cities, health insurance is mandatory for everyone living and working in Berlin. This rule also extends to those who are self-employed and includes ex-pats too. If you are looking to make an appointment with English speaking doctors in Berlin, you will need to have insurance first.
If you earn a salary, a deduction is made each month to cover this expense. This may seem a little hefty, but one needs to consider that it covers all associated family members too.
However, if you choose to take out private health insurance, you will need to add your family dependents to this policy separately.
Private Healthcare in Berlin
Private health insurance has the bonus of offering a wide variety of coverage, not just relating to treatment types but also in terms of being covered in multiple locations. Patients that are privately insured can expect more from the medical system and it is very common for private patients to be offered a practitioner who speaks their native language as standard.
If you think private healthcare may be a better option for you, there are around 40 different German firms to choose from. As there is such an extensive variety of private health insurance options, you are bound to find one that is right for you and your budget.
The cost of the policy varies depending on the number of benefits and based on your age and whether you have any pre-existing health conditions. For those who are not planning to stay in Berlin for the long term, it may be a better option to use private health insurance.
Finding English Speaking Doctors in Berlin
When searching for English speaking doctors in Berlin, the online Ärzte Berlin database has compiled a list of almost every possible doctor you may need. To find the right practitioner for you, simply search the area of medicine you are looking for (also known as Bezirk) and then choose your preferred language. This system makes it quick and easy to find English speaking doctors in Berlin. You can easily narrow down your search to look for even the most specialized doctors with this useful database.
Other languages available to search on the Ärtze Berlin database include - Spanish, French, Italian, Arabic, Farsi, Turkish and Polish, amongst many others. However, it is always a good idea to check with your particular country's German embassy first before making an appointment with a doctor of your native language. Most of the time your embassy has access to doctors that cooperate with them. This makes it easier to find a doctor in your language.
Please find below a list of Embassies according to the country –
- Spanish Embassy in Berlin
- French Embassy in Berlin
- Italian Embassy in Berlin
- Polish Embassy in Berlin
- Farsi & Arabic (UAE) Speaking Embassy
How To Make An Appointment with English Speaking Doctors in Berlin?
If you need to consult with an English speaking doctor in Berlin, you will need to make an appointment. As with the majority of European countries, you will first need to speak to a GP (general practitioner), before being referred on to a specialist. All doctor's appointments are booked through their assistant (Arzthelfer), which can be done in person or over the telephone. Although he or she may not be an English speaker, you should not need to say very much to arrange the appointment, solely the time and date. You do not need to share your medical history with them. Your doctor will discuss this with you directly during the appointment.
What Happens If You Need Medical Care As A Tourist?
If you, unfortunately, fall ill whilst visiting Germany as a tourist and need to find English speaking doctors in Berlin, there are still ways for you to get medical assistance. Even though, you may not have health insurance, if you are an EU citizen, then the EHIC card should provide you with all the necessary medical insurance cover you need whilst abroad.
The EHIC card is free, so it may be worth checking online to see how to access one in your country. However, if you are not an EU citizen, then it is probably a good idea to obtain private health insurance, either through your travel agent or independently, before you travel. This can help prevent you from being left with a large medical bill if you have no prearranged insurance policy to cover the costs. That being said, in an emergency, no English speaking doctors in Berlin would refuse to treat a patient.
List of English Speaking Doctors In Berlin
Below, you can find a list of English speaking doctors in Berlin recommended for expats;
MEO Clinic
With their clinic situated in a business center at the central location, Quartier 206 on Friedrichstrasse, the MEO Clinic provides a high-end luxury ambiance feel with access to some of the best in English speaking doctors in Berlin. There waiting lists to be seen by the doctor are usually not long and you can get seen quite quickly. The MEO Clinic combines over 30 different medical fields along with a staff of 50 specialist doctors.
They also provide access to a wide range of advance diagnostic equipment, including CT scans, X-rays, MRIs for a variety of different ailments, including cardiac MRIs, and high-resolution endoscopy equipment.
MEO Clinic
Address: Friedrichstraße 71, 10117 Berlin
Telephone: +49 (0)30 2094-4000
Website: https://www.meoclinic.de/
Praxis Dr. Olsen & Kollegen
Training at medical school in Berlin before completing further training in Denmark, Dr. Olsen is an experienced and trusted practitioner in Berlin. As a specialist in internal medicine, he continued his career as a GP in Norway, before returning to practice in Berlin. This clinic provides a variety of necessary medical services, including access to cardiac stress tests, laboratory testing, spirometry, ECGs, and 24-hour blood pressure monitoring. They are also able to provide travel medicine counseling by their English speaking doctors in Berlin.
Praxis Dr. Olsen & Kollegen
Address: Münzstraße 3,10178 Berlin
Telephone: +49 (030) 28 28 667
Website: https://www.praxisolsen.de
Frequently Asked Questions About English Speaking Doctors In Berlin
What Is The Emergency Number?
For any emergency situation where you need immediate medical assistance, please always dial 112. This number will direct you straightaway to an emergency services switchboard and is the same number in all EU countries, making it easy to remember. There will usually be an English speaking doctor on hand in these cases, but even if there is not, do not panic as one can be made available to you at a hospital. If you need to speak to English speaking doctors in Berlin in a non-emergency situation, you can always dial 116 117 instead. Here, the operator will be able to direct you to English speaking doctors available to help you.
What Is The 'Praxisgebühr' - Quarters Fee?
If you are public insured, a quarterly fee of 10 € is payable to the doctor on your appointment. It does not matter how many times you attend the doctor's clinic during the quarter, you will only be charged once. There is also no additional charge for therapist or specialist visits which fall during this same quarter too. Always keep your receipt so that you can show you have paid your quarterly fee.
What Are The 'Sprechstunden' - Working Hours?
Many doctors in Germany choose to work in hospitals as well as at their own private clinics. Private hours are usually weekdays Monday to Friday, 8 am-1 pm and 3 pm-6 pm. Many practices are closed on a Wednesday afternoon. A GP(Hausarzt), has usually more flexible hours, and you can be seen at certain times each day with appointments made on the day.
Found the doctor closed? Get help outside normal opening hours
To access medical care when your doctor's clinic is closed, you will need to opt for ‘out of hours care’, where you will find English speaking doctors in Berlin always available. First, it is always a good idea to check and see if your usual doctor is working. If not, they can often provide details of a doctor who is. Otherwise, you can call Notdienst on 110 to find a doctor who is available in your area. If it is urgent, going directly to the emergency room or hospital is usually the best idea. If you require police help, they can be contacted directly from any hospital also.
Finding an English-Speaking Doctor in Berlin: Your FAQs Answered
Do doctors in Berlin speak English?
Yes, many doctors in Berlin, especially in urban areas, speak English. Berlin is a diverse and international city, so you can often find healthcare professionals who are fluent in English to provide medical services. However, the extent of their English proficiency may vary, so it's a good idea to check their language capabilities in advance, especially if you have specific medical needs or concerns.
Are there English-speaking doctors in Germany?
Yes, there are English-speaking doctors available throughout Germany, particularly in major cities with significant expat populations. Germany, as a global hub, attracts people from various countries, so many healthcare providers are accustomed to offering services in English. You can find English-speaking doctors in general practice (GPs), specialists, and even in hospitals.
How to find a doctor in Berlin, Germany?
Finding a doctor in Berlin, Germany, is relatively straightforward:
- Health Insurance Directory: If you have German health insurance, your insurance provider can provide a list of approved doctors in your area. This list often includes details about their specialties and languages spoken.
- Online Directories: There are online directories and platforms dedicated to helping you find doctors in your area. Some of these platforms allow you to filter results based on language preferences, making it easier to locate English-speaking doctors.
- Ask Locals or Expats: If you're in Berlin and part of an expat community, consider asking fellow expats or locals for recommendations. They can provide valuable insights into their experiences with healthcare providers.
- Embassies and Consulates: Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Berlin. They often maintain a list of healthcare providers who speak your native language and can assist you in finding suitable medical care.
How much does a GP cost in Berlin?
The cost of visiting a general practitioner (GP) in Berlin can vary depending on several factors, including your health insurance status and the doctor you choose. If you have public health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung), you typically pay a standard co-payment known as "Praxisgebühr" for each doctor's visit, along with any additional costs associated with your treatment or medications. The exact co-payment amount may change over time, so it's essential to check with your insurance provider for the current rates.
If you have private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung), the cost structure can be different. Some private insurance plans cover doctor visits comprehensively, while others may require you to pay out of pocket and then seek reimbursement. The fees for private GPs can vary widely based on factors like their reputation, location, and the services they offer.
It's advisable to contact your health insurance provider or the specific GP's office you plan to visit to understand the exact costs involved in your case.
