Children’s healthcare in Germany

Yes, healthcare is free for children in Germany through the public health insurance system. Children are automatically covered under their parent's statutory health insurance at no additional cost until age 18 (or up to 25 if they're students). This comprehensive coverage includes regular check-ups, vaccinations, dental care, hospital visits, and specialist treatments, making Germany's healthcare system highly supportive for families.

Here's everything expat parents need to know about accessing quality healthcare for their children in Germany.

Is Healthcare Free for Children in Germany?

Raising a child in a new country comes with a lot of questions, especially with regard to their health. The good news is that Germany's healthcare system is designed to support families from day one, with free coverage for children, a solid network of pediatricians, and routine preventative care.

Yes, children's healthcare in Germany is free through the statutory health insurance system (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, or GKV). Children and young adults are covered under their parent's or guardian's insurance policy at no extra premium until their 18th birthday.

Coverage can extend until age 25 if the child is:

• Still in full-time education
• In vocational training
• Completing mandatory military or civilian service
• In a gap year between school and university (for up to 12 months)

What's Covered?

Germany's public health insurance for children covers:

• Regular pediatric check-ups: U-examinations (Untersuchungen) from birth through adolescence
• Vaccinations: All recommended immunizations according to the STIKO schedule
• Doctor visits: GP and specialist appointments
• Emergency care: Hospital treatment and emergency services
• Dental care: Check-ups, preventative care, and necessary treatments
• Prescription medications: Most medicines prescribed by doctors
• Medical devices: Glasses, hearing aids, and other necessary equipment
• Mental health services: Psychological and psychiatric care

Financial Support for Children's Healthcare Costs

While children's healthcare is covered by public insurance, families may occasionally face out-of-pocket costs for certain services or medications. Germany offers several forms of financial support:

Prescription Co-payments

Children under 18 are exempt from prescription co-payments. Adults normally pay €5-10 per prescription, but this doesn't apply to children.

Dental Care

Basic dental care is fully covered for children. Orthodontic treatment (braces) is covered if deemed medically necessary, though families may pay a portion upfront and receive reimbursement after treatment completion.

Kindergeld (Child Benefit)

All families in Germany receive Kindergeld, a monthly payment of €250 per child (as of 2024). While not specifically for healthcare, this helps offset family expenses including health-related costs.

Finding a Pediatrician (Kinderarzt)

Finding the right pediatrician is crucial for your child's ongoing healthcare. Here's how to go about it:

Choosing a Pediatrician

In Germany, you're free to choose any pediatrician who accepts your insurance. Many families select one near their home or their child's school. Recommendations from neighbors, friends, or your employer can be helpful.

For English-speaking families, finding a pediatrician who speaks English can make appointments much easier. ExpatsList.org offers directories of English-speaking healthcare providers in various cities.

Registering With a Pediatrician

While you're not required to formally register with a specific pediatrician, it's common practice to have a regular doctor who knows your child's medical history. Call to schedule an initial appointment and bring:

• Your child's health insurance card (Versichertenkarte)
• Previous medical records and vaccination records (Impfpass)
• Any relevant medical documentation

When to See a GP Instead

Most medical treatments start with your local family doctor or GP (Hausarzt), who can refer you to a pediatrician or specialist if needed. Some families use their family doctor for routine childhood illnesses, especially for older children and teenagers.

Preventative Care and Check-Ups

Germany has a comprehensive system of preventative healthcare for children, known as U-examinations (Vorsorgeuntersuchungen).

U-Examinations Schedule

These mandatory health screenings occur at specific ages to monitor child development:

• U1: Birth
• U2: 3-10 days
• U3: 4-5 weeks
• U4: 3-4 months
• U5: 6-7 months
• U6: 10-12 months
• U7: 21-24 months
• U7a: 34-36 months
• U8: 46-48 months
• U9: 60-64 months
• U10: 7-8 years (optional)
• U11: 9-10 years (optional)
• J1: 12-14 years
• J2: 16-17 years (optional)

These check-ups are fully covered by health insurance and track physical, mental, and social development. Missing these appointments can raise concerns with authorities, as they're considered essential for child welfare.

Dental Check-Ups

From age 6 months onwards, children should have regular dental check-ups. Free dental examinations are recommended twice yearly from age 6, and maintaining this schedule can earn bonuses from your insurance company.

Vaccinations in Germany

Germany's Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends a comprehensive vaccination schedule for children. All recommended vaccinations are covered by public health insurance.

Core Vaccinations

Standard childhood vaccinations include:

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP)
• Polio
• Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Hepatitis B
• Pneumococcal disease
• Rotavirus
• Meningococcal disease
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• HPV (for girls and boys aged 9-14)

Your pediatrician will track vaccinations in your child's Impfpass (vaccination record), which you should bring to every appointment.

Emergency Care for Children

Knowing how to access emergency care is essential for every parent.

Emergency Numbers

• 112: Emergency services (ambulance, fire department)
• 116 117: Non-emergency medical hotline for after-hours care

When to Go to Emergency

Visit the emergency department (Notaufnahme) for serious conditions like:

• Severe injuries
• High fever with worrying symptoms
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Suspected poisoning

For less urgent issues outside of regular office hours, call 116 117 to find out where the nearest on-call doctor (Bereitschaftsdienst) is located.

Specialist Care

If your child needs specialist treatment, your pediatrician or GP will provide a referral (Überweisung). Common pediatric specialists include:

• Pediatric allergists
• Child psychologists and psychiatrists
• Pediatric dentists
• Orthopedists
• ENT specialists (ear, nose, throat)
• Ophthalmologists (eye doctors)

Specialist appointments are fully covered by public health insurance when referred by your primary doctor.

Private Health Insurance for Children

If you have private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung or PKV), your children will also need private coverage. Unlike public insurance, children aren't automatically covered free of charge, you'll pay separate premiums for each child.

Private insurance often provides:

• Shorter waiting times
• Access to private hospital rooms
• Treatment by senior doctors
• More extensive dental coverage

However, private insurance is more expensive and can be difficult to switch back to public insurance later.

Mental Health Services for Children

Mental health support is an important part of children's healthcare in Germany. Services include:

• Child psychologists: For behavioral and emotional issues
• Child psychiatrists: For mental health conditions requiring medication
• School psychologists: Available through the education system
• Family counseling: Support for family dynamics and parenting challenges

These services are covered by health insurance, though waiting lists can be long in some areas. Early intervention services (Frühförderung) are available for developmental delays or disabilities.

Medication and Pharmacies

Prescription medications for children are covered by insurance with no co-payment. Over-the-counter medications for children under 12 are also often covered if prescribed by a doctor.

Pharmacies (Apotheken) are widely available and pharmacists can provide advice on minor ailments. Emergency pharmacies (Notdienst-Apotheke) operate outside regular hours, check the local pharmacy window for the nearest one on duty.

Tips for Expat Parents

Language Barriers

If you don't speak German fluently, consider:

• Finding English-speaking healthcare providers through expat directories and communities
• Bringing a German-speaking friend to appointments
• Using translation apps for basic communication
• Learning key medical vocabulary in German

Medical Records

Keep all medical records organized, especially:

• Vaccination records (Impfpass)
• U-examination booklet (Gelbes Heft)
• Previous medical history from your home country
• Any specialist reports or test results

School Health Requirements

Before starting school, children must have a school entry examination (Schuleingangsuntersuchung) conducted by the local health authority. This checks developmental milestones and school readiness.