Hospital Costs (small visit)

scopper

Hey all,

I'm just wondering whether anyone had any idea about how much it costs to visit the German version of a GP (dermatologist). I've been having problems with bad skin on my hands for a few weeks and was hoping to get it sorted back in Ireland (where I am covered), but it seems too long to wait to stop it getting worse. Will it cost a bomb to get sorted? Should I avoid this kind of visit - I have no idea and the doctor said they cannot give general quotes until the day (meaning I'd have to get in done and then see the cost...and pay anyway!). I realize it is a vague question but past experiences and general health advice would be useful. (I'm in Freiburg)

Thanks,
Paul

Space Dog

I can't imagine it will cost too much to see a dermatologist in Germany, I had to see a GP back home without having German statutory health insurance, I think I only paid around 30e. I also had to go to the A&E once, which cost me 75e (including an ECG), so it's not more expensive than seeing a doctor in Ireland. They will just treat you as a private patient, patients with private insurance cover the costs themselves and then make a claim with their insurance.

Dermatologist is Hautarzt in German, I don't think a GP could help you unless it's a minor issue.

sorchaniri

If you're resident in Germany full-time, you are required to have health insurance -- either public (gesetzlich) or private. If you are just visiting, I believe you can avail of free medical treatment using your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). I think you still have to pay the 10 EUR quarterly administrative fee though (Praxisgebühr).

You may be able to walk in to a dermatologist (Hautarzt) off the street, or you may have to be referred by a GP (Hausarzt). Many doctors in Germany speak English -- but unfortunately, not as many receptionists do so you may have difficulty being understood initially if you don't speak German.

Have you been to a pharmacy with your problem though, OP? Generally, they're quite knowledgeable and might be able to give you something OTC.

Hope that helps. Good luck!

munchkin_utd

why not just give one a ring.
I had a friend over whose child had an eye infection. They hadnt the EHIC euro medical card thing on them, but to see an eye specialist (not a consultant but not a gp either) cost something piddling like 25euro.

the idea of going to a chemist isnt the worst. They can do a lot of creams and potions over the counter without a prescription, and in general thats the way things are moving in germany anyhow.
Chemists near train stations/ airports normally have staff that are multilingual (or are you in the arse end of east germany by any chance?)