Healthcare in Munich

Healthcare in Germany, Munich included, is top-notch, albeit very expensive. Both private and public sector options are available and accessible for expats.

Health Insurance in Munich

All full-time employees in Munich are obliged to have medical insurance. Freelancers, by contrast, are excused from this rule; however, it is recommended to have private healthcare insurance as medical expenses can be costly.

Furthermore, aside from being expensive, failure to invest in a medical scheme can often negatively affect the chance of renewing your residency permit.

If you are an expat working full-time in Munich and earn less than €4,000 gross per month, you are automatically entered into a state healthcare scheme, whereby you are obligated to share half of the contribution with your employer, which is usually around 10 percent of your gross income.

For expats earning more than €4,000  gross per month, it is possible to apply for a private medical scheme. Private healthcare plans provide extensive cover and award benefits that are often not covered by a state scheme, such as access to private hospitals and alternative treatment centres. In many cases, they provide full cover for medication and treatment, an advantage not provided by state schemes, which expect you to contribute towards medical costs.

With private healthcare plans in Munich you may also be more likely to receive preferential treatment from specialised doctors.

Hospitals in Munich

Munich is home to numerous surgical centres and specialised practitioners and even features some of the most advanced hospitals round the globe.

From neuro and visceral to plastic and reconstructive surgery, surgeons in Munich are renowned for their precision and expertise. It goes without saying then that general practitioners are of equal calibre – thus ensuring a well-rounded, efficient healthcare service for all who reside in Bavaria's capital.

Some of the best hospitals in Munich are Schwabinger Hospital, Harlachinger Hospital, and the University of Munich Hospital. Almost all medical centres employ English-speaking staff, although Städtisches Krankenhaus München in Bogenhausen is known to cater well for English-speaking expats.

Drugstores and pharmacies in Munich

As with most healthcare institutions in Munich, there is no shortage of English speaking staff at drugstores, or Apotheke. However, if you wish to visit an international pharmacy go to Bahnhof Apotheke – Bahnhofplatz 12; 0831/522-66-11 – which is open from 8am to 8pm from Monday to Friday, and 8:30am to 6pm on Saturday.