People coming to Germany from South Korea are usually familiar with a modern, fast and well-organised healthcare system. In Korea, it is often possible to get a doctor’s appointment at short notice, many processes run efficiently, and large hospitals play an important role in everyday life.
In Germany, medical care is also very good – but organised differently. Here, many things are handled through health insurance, GP practices, appointments and referrals. This may feel unfamiliar at first, but it is easy to get to grips with once you know the key differences.
This article is aimed at students, PhD candidates, scholarship holders, international researchers and other visitors from South Korea who are coming to Germany for a limited period.
The biggest difference: in Germany, much of the system revolves around the GP’s surgery
In South Korea, many people are used to quick and direct access to doctors. In Germany, by contrast, healthcare often begins at the GP’s surgery. This is usually the first point of contact; GPs treat many ailments directly and refer patients to specialists where necessary.
This may seem cumbersome at first, but it helps to coordinate treatment effectively. The article ‘How the healthcare system works in Germany’ also provides a general overview.
In short:
- South Korea: often quicker and more direct access to doctors’ surgeries or clinics
- Germany: a more structured system of care via GP practices, appointments and referrals
- Important for visitors from South Korea: do not wait until you fall ill to look for a suitable GP practice
Health insurance: please sort this out before you arrive
In Germany, everyone needs suitable health insurance cover. This is particularly important for international visitors, as proof of cover is often required for visas, residence permits, universities, research institutes or scholarship providers.
This applies, for example, to:
- Students
- PhD candidates
- Scholarship holders
- International researchers
- Award winners
For longer academic stays, the ISHCP tariff may be a suitable solution. It is aimed, amongst others, at people staying in Europe temporarily for research, study or further training purposes. For shorter stays of up to 92 days, the ISHCP-STT tariff is a suitable option.
Important: Standard travel health insurance is not always sufficient for study, research or longer stays. You should therefore check at an early stage which insurance cover is actually recognised.
Doctor’s appointments: It’s best to plan ahead in Germany
In South Korea, many people are used to receiving medical care quickly. In Germany, this can be different, particularly when it comes to appointments with specialists. For non-urgent appointments, you should therefore plan as far in advance as possible.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Find a GP practice nearby well in advance
- If you have symptoms, state straight away how urgent the matter is
- Expect waiting times for appointments with specialists
- Bring proof of insurance with you to the appointment
- Have important medical documents to hand
In genuine emergencies, you should not wait for a standard appointment. In such cases, you should go to A&E, call an ambulance or dial the emergency number. The emergency plan for international students provides a helpful overview.
Costs: Much is covered by insurance, but not automatically free of charge
Many medically necessary services are covered by health insurance in Germany. Nevertheless, co-payments may apply, for example for:
- Medicines
- Hospital stays
- Certain dental treatments
- Medical aids
- Additional optional services
Visitors from South Korea should keep invoices, prescriptions and receipts in a safe place. These documents are particularly important for private or specialised international insurance policies, so that costs can be verified and reimbursed.
If in doubt, it is worth checking with your insurance provider – especially before any planned treatment.
Medicines: Generic names are more important than brand names
A medicine that is well-known in South Korea may have a different name in Germany, or may only be available on prescription. Anyone who takes medication regularly should therefore not only know the Korean brand name, but above all the generic name.
It is also advisable to have a brief medical certificate in English or German. This should state:
- Active ingredient
- Dosage
- Reason for taking the medication
- Relevant pre-existing conditions
- Allergies
- If relevant: the treatment plan to date
This enables doctors’ surgeries and pharmacies in Germany to assess more quickly what treatment is required.
Documents: Prepare these in English or, ideally, in German
In larger cities, university hospitals or international research institutions, many doctors speak English. However, this is not guaranteed. Medical services in Korean are significantly less common in Germany.
Well-prepared documents therefore make doctor’s appointments much easier. It is advisable to have:
- Proof of insurance
- List of medications
- Vaccination record or proof of vaccinations
- Information on allergies
- Important diagnoses
- Previous operations
- Relevant doctors’ letters or medical reports
- Emergency contact details
Where possible, these documents should be available in English or, even better, in German.
Falling ill in Germany: Knowing where to turn
Anyone who falls ill in Germany should know where to turn. This saves time and avoids uncertainty.
As a guide:
- Mild or moderate symptoms: GP’s surgery
- Acute but non-life-threatening symptoms: out-of-hours medical service
- Genuine emergencies: emergency number, ambulance service or A&E
Further practical steps are explained in the article ‘What to do if you fall ill abroad?’.
Being well prepared makes things much easier
Germany and South Korea both have modern healthcare systems. The difference lies mainly in day-to-day practice: South Korea is often fast and direct, whilst Germany is more structured and insurance-oriented.
For visitors from South Korea, this may feel unfamiliar at first, but it’s easy to plan for. If you sort out the right insurance cover, prepare important documents, keep a record of your medication and know early on where to turn in the event of illness, you’ll start your stay in Germany feeling much more relaxed.
