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Medical Treatment in Germany | Medical Tourism in Germany

 

With an excellent reputation for the quality of its healthcare system, the hospitals of Germany treat 250 thousand patients and receive more than 1.2 billion Euros from medical tourism every year. The majority of the medical travelers are usually from Russia, Romania, France, Bulgaria, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. 

German healthcare has established its name as one of the best in Europe and worldwide and that’s why the country welcomes more and more medical travelers every year. 

Did you know, that Germany is known as the ‘Hospital of Europe’? It is because the German healthcare system is a dual public-private system that dates back to the 1880s which makes it the oldest healthcare system not only in Europe but in the world.

Where does Germany rank in healthcare?

  • Germany ranks second after Switzerland in the world’s rating of healthcare costs in proportion to GDP. 

  • The country ranks 36th out of 46 destinations in the world medical tourism index. 

  • Germany ranks 12th globally for services, facilities, and destination environment categories.

Why do people go to Germany for medical treatment?

   The major reason why people prefer Germany is because of improved healthcare facilities, advanced results for treatment, and strict ethical standards. 

Primary reasons why people visit Germany for medical treatment:

  • Best Healthcare Standards: German healthcare standards are popular worldwide and every treatment is carried out strictly according to international protocols. Only the best quality drugs produced for the European countries are used in the clinics and hospitals of Germany.

  • Latest and Innovative Methods: There are numerous university hospitals in Germany that are involved in research activities. The majority of innovations are quickly implemented into the medical practice. New and innovative methods are introduced easily to provide high-quality medical care. There are several medical achievements from other countries that are timely implemented in the hospitals of Germany.

  • High-quality Medical Facilities: Almost all hospitals in Germany are equipped with high-tech imaging technology such as 3D ultrasound and MRI. Specialized clinics have state-of-the-art equipment that will assure the patients that they will get the most modern treatments. For oncology treatment, patients can find surgical robots, heart catheters, and targeted radiation therapies in German clinics.

  • Qualified Doctors: German medical professionals undergo a strict training process before they can practice their profession. The best and most skilled specialists from all over the world come to Germany to practice in reputable hospitals and clinics. The qualification of German doctors is much higher in most other countries. Almost all German doctors speak fluent English which language barrier is not an issue in the country for foreign patients. According to the World Health Organization, Germany has an average of 380 physicians per 100,000 inhabitants which is higher than the USA and Canada.

  • Reputed Hospitals: German hospitals have strict laws to protect patients’ safety. Proper hygiene maintenance, transparency in treatment, follow-up care, and state-of-the-art equipment for treatment are necessary for hospitals. Patients can undergo treatment in large university hospitals, clinics, and small specialized praxis because they have an excellent reputation worldwide. According to German law, the hospitals in Germany should mandatorily undergo quality surveillance programs, especially under government supervision. This includes certifications and accreditations with the German Institute of Standardization like DIN, TEMOS, and KTQ-GmBH.  

  • Quick Access to Avail Treatment: The best thing about coming to Germany as a medical tourist is they can easily avail of medical treatments without waiting in a long queue. The waiting time is considerably less in the German healthcare system as compared to other nations. Medical travelers get quality treatment as early as possible and save their time. Less waiting time in a foreign country also helps the patients to maintain their budget for their medical trip.

  • Cost: Every medical traveler has two concerns before traveling abroad for medical treatment: treatment cost and access to treatments that are not available in their home country. Compared to other industrialized nations especially the USA, the cost of medical care in Germany is significantly low. A medical tourist can save up to 50% by receiving treatment in Germany instead of the United States. The reduced cost and international reputation for high-quality care make Germany one of the preferred destinations for medical tourism.  

  • Home to Rehabilitation Centers & Wellness Resorts: There are numerous spas, health and wellness resorts, and rehabilitation centers in the country that have been offering a full range of treatments for many years. Millions of tourists come to Germany every year to visit therapeutic baths, health spas, and wellness centers. The rehabilitation system in the country is highly developed and proper procedure is followed for complete recovery. Germany is also awarded for its best rehab facility because the medical staff is dedicated to providing proper treatment so that the patients can achieve their natural health. 

  • Tourist Attractions: Germany is a beautiful vacation destination to relieve post-treatment stress. Natural beauty, history, and culture best describe the essence of the country. There are several amazing attractions in Germany to make your medical trip stress-free and beautiful. Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), The Black Forest, Bamberg & the Bürgerstadtand, and Miniatur Wunderland are some of the beautiful attractions to drag anyone’s eyeball. 

What type of healthcare system does Germany have?

The healthcare system of Germany is one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Germany has a universal multi-payer healthcare system that surrounds both statutory health insurance for people with fewer earnings and private health insurance for people who earn more and choose to purchase their own. Health insurance is mandatory in Germany.

A majority of the population in the country is enrolled in statutory health insurance, which involves in-patient, out-patient, mental health, and prescribed medicines coverage. All public health insurance providers in Germany charge a basic premium of 14.6% of gross income and a supplemental charge of an average of 0.9% of your gross income, to a maximum monthly income of €4,425. If your earnings are more than €4,425, you will not pay a higher insurance premium.

What are the popular medical treatments in Germany for foreigners?

  • Oncology

  • Orthopedic and Joint Replacement

  • Neurosurgery

  • Fertility Treatment

  • Ophthalmology

  • Cardiac surgery

  • Obesity treatment

  • Kidney ailments

Is Germany a good place for cancer treatment?

Germany is among the renowned destinations in the world for advanced cancer treatments. Patients from every corner of the world visit the country for cancer cures because of ultramodern hospitals and quality standards. 

The country has more than 43 centers for oncology treatments. The average recovery rate of cancer for male patients is 61% and for female patients is 66% which is relatively very high compared to other countries. Approximately 300 types of malignant tumors are treated here successfully. The specialists only use modern methods and prescribe targeted drug therapies for the treatment. 

The prices of the oncology treatments are not the lowest but cheaper than prices for the same procedure in the US.

Cost Comparison of Cancer Treatments Between Germany and the US

The exact cost of medical treatment depends on the chosen hospital, the age of the patient, and the treatment method. The estimated cost of treatments is as follows: 
 

Treatment

Cost in Germany

Cost in the US

Breast Cancer Surgery

$7,000

$20,000

Bone Marrow Transplant

$120,000

$400,000

Lung Cancer Treatment

$15000

$30,000

Removal of a brain tumor

$16,000

$50,000

 

Are medical treatments expensive in Germany? 

Germany offers some of the most advanced healthcare treatments in Europe and that’s why many people assume that medical facilities are expensive in the country for medical travelers. Germany is not the cheapest country to receive medical treatments but also it is definitely not the most expensive country. When compared to other nations with similar standards of care, Germany provides treatment at affordable prices. 

Medical tourists get a chance to receive high-quality treatments in the country from the most experienced doctors in some of the best hospitals without having any serious consequences. 

How to choose a hospital in Germany?

If you want to visit Germany to receive medical treatment, it is essential to choose the right hospital in the country to get high-quality services. 

Below are some of the factors to consider before choosing a hospital in Germany:  

  • Specialty: It is recommended to choose a hospital that specializes in the procedure of surgery you seek. There is no doubt that all German hospitals provide high-quality standards but it is beneficial to choose a single specialty hospital as it has more advanced facilities for focused treatment. It is better to do thorough research before entering a hospital can prevent surprises.

  • Cost: It is vital to check the cost of the treatment provided by the hospital before finalizing it. There are approximately 3000 hospitals in Germany, so if one hospital’s price doesn’t suit your budget, you can choose any other hospital. German hospital’s goal is to provide timely and effective treatments to patients which can save patients money by spending less time in the hospital.

  • Quality of the Services: Germany is very popular for high-quality medical services and facilities. But, just to be on the safe side, it is better to gain some information about the quality of the service of any particular hospital. You can also get recommendations if someone from your known stayed in that hospital, or you can check out the online patient reviews which are available on the hospital’s website.

  • Personalized Care: German hospitals are focused on giving the best quality of medical care. But, still, you need to confirm what kind of care you will be getting at the hospital. Patients from foreign land always want to stay in a hospital that respects their culture, and background and provide personalized care. A little bit of research is necessary for a worry-free and low-stress experience. 

How do I get a medical treatment visa for Germany?

Everything depends on your nationality and duration of stay in Germany, whether you need a visa or not. A medical traveler can get a Germany visa for medical treatment either for up to three months stays or for stays longer than that. 

For three months stay

  • A Schengen Medical visa to Germany is required if you stay in the country for medical treatment that takes less than three months. 

  • If you are from one of the third-world countries that come under the Schengen Area, then there is no need for such a visa.

For more than three months stay

  • If you are coming to Germany for a medical treatment that requires a stay of more than 3 months, you need to obtain a National Medical visa even if you are from a country that comes under Schengen Area. 

You need to follow the below-mentioned steps to complete the application process to obtain a German medical treatment visa:

  • Find where you need to apply for the visa: German Embassy in your home country, the German consulate, and an outsourced visa center

  • Gather all the required documents for a hassle-free process

  • Make an appointment online or in-person

  • Attend the interview with the required documents

  • You need to wait for your file to be processed

What are the requirements needed to travel to Germany?

Following are the essential documents required to obtain a German visa for medical treatment:

  • A complete application form

  • Two passport-size photographs

  • A valid passport with a validity of three months beyond the planned date of return to your home country

  • An A4 size copy of your passport’s data page

  • A travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000

  • Proof of financial status, accommodation, and civil status

  • Flight reservations

Generally, it takes 10-15 days to process a visa application for Germany. Sometimes delays happen when the embassy receives a lot of applications. In case of any health emergency, the application may be processed more quickly than normal.

Is it safe to travel to Germany for medical treatment?

Germany is generally a safe destination for medical treatment. There is a very rare violent crime happening in the country. But, it is recommended to avoid traveling the country for medical treatment during big events such as Oktoberfest or major sports events because at that time Germany is very crowded and not that much safer.

Best Hospitals in Germany

  • Solingen Municipal Hospital, Solingen: It is a multi-specialty hospital operating since 1863 and also got a certificate of the ‘best cancer treatment clinic in Germany’ from the German Cancer Society.

  • University Hospital Dusseldorf: It is one of the best cardiac centers in Germany and has treated more than 50,000 heart operations since 1938.

  • Helios Specialist Clinic Vogelsang: Founded in 1899, the hospital specializes in thoracic surgery, urology, and rheumatology.

  • Park Clinic Weissensee, Berlin: It is one of the best hospitals accreditated with various certifications such as Stroke Unit (stroke station), DKG - certification for Breast Center, & Endoprosthetics Center for Maximum Care (EPZmax).

  • Freiburg University Hospital, Freiburg: It is one of the largest hospitals in Europe and was awarded the title of the "Leading Cancer Center in Germany."

Best Doctors in Germany

To Conclude

Planning and organizing medical travel to a foreign land can be stressful and confusing. That’s why it is better to gather as much information as possible for a successful medical trip. Germany is home to highly-trained doctors and well-established hospitals that will make your visit worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions 

  1. What are the few top destinations in Germany for medical travel?

Some of the few top hotspots in Germany for medical tourism are Munich, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Frankfurt Rhine-Main region, and Hamburg.

  1. Do I need health insurance when traveling to Germany?

It is mandatory to have German travel insurance for travelers and visitors that covers your medical needs while in the country. This insurance has a minimum coverage of €30,000 and it should also be valid in other Schengen countries.

  1. Can a tourist see a doctor in Germany?

You cannot see a doctor in Germany without first having health insurance. The medical practitioners will ask for upfront payments if a patient is uninsured. This requirement also applies to visitors to the country or non-German residents.

  1. Do doctors speak English in German hospitals?

The majority of doctors in German hospitals speak English to accommodate international patients. 

  1. What are the benefits of undergoing surgery in Germany?

People prefer Germany for medical treatment because of better quality and good treatment results.  

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namisha Author Name
namisha

Namisha Khanduri is a creative content writer. She loves to share her thoughts and opinions with the world and her aim is to develop content that accurately reflects her ideas!

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Dr. Shruti Rastogi

With over 12+ years of experience, Dr. Shruti Rastogi has expertise in managing patients suffering from various ailments. She contributes to improving public health literacy helping people make informed decisions about their well-being. Her keen eye for detail and strong medical knowledge help maintain the highest healthcare information standards.

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