Features of diagnostics and treatment in Germany
There is strict control over the safety of treatment for foreign patients here
A medical centre in Germany can accept foreign patients only if it has a special accreditation from the Ministry of Health. It confirms the effectiveness and safety of treatment, high level of service.
German clinics work in accordance with national and international standards
For this, their specialised departments receive special certificates. For example, if a cancer treatment department is certified by the German Cancer Society (DKG), it means that it provides effective and safe medical services, quality patient care and has a high level of equipment.
Leading hospitals are annually ranked among the TOP of the best hospitals in Germany by Focus magazine (among them are Nordwest Clinic and Helios Berlin-Buch Medical Centre). When compiling the rating, the quality of medical care and service is taken into account.
Patients of German hospitals have access to innovative methods
In 2020, Germany was ranked2nd after Switzerland in the ranking of the most innovative countries in healthcare by the think tank FREOPP. The selection criteria were the quality of service, technology and frequency of choice of hospitals by foreign patients.
University clinics in Germany are home to research centres where clinical trials of new drugs and methods are conducted. Doctors implement the most effective of them into treatment protocols. For example, German scientists have developed the ALL-BFM protocol for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, which has a 90% success rate.
German scientists are working with the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research(BMBF) to improve diagnostic 3D visualisation in medicine. For example, the German company MYSCS has developed modern equipment SCS MedSeries H22 for diagnostics in orthopaedics and traumatology, thanks to which the patient can undergo examination as quickly, comfortably and safely as possible (the radiation dose is 10 times lower than that of traditional scanners).
German companies are also developing innovative devices for treatment. For example, ZEISS has created the Intrabeam Intraoperative Radiotherapy Unit(IORT), which allows for effective irradiation of hard-to-reach tumours. Brainlab has developed the Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery device, which doctors use to irradiate small tumours with a high dose of radiation without harming healthy tissue.
The treatment is carried out with the help of modern equipment
Germany is one of the three most technologically advanced countries in the field of medicine. It ranks 2nd in terms of government funding of the medical industry. The received funds are used for regular updating of equipment, thanks to which patients of German clinics undergo diagnostics and treatment with the help of the latest generation devices. Among them are TrueBeam STx, Synergy linear accelerators, CyberKnife and CyberKnife, which irradiate neoplasms with millimetre accuracy, Da Vinci robot for low-trauma surgeries, MAKOplasty robotic system for joint replacement, thanks to which doctors install the implant as accurately as possible through a small incision (4-6 cm).
High-quality safe drugs are available in German clinics
In Germany, medicines are used that are specially manufactured for the EU countries. These medicines are regularly tested for effectiveness, quality and safety.
Highly qualified doctors work in Germany
The best doctors of German clinics (for example, Michael Unch, Peter Ulrich, Thomas Kraus) have more than 30 years of practical experience. They regularly train in medical centres in Europe, Asia and the USA, and are also members of specialised medical communities such as the American Association of Neurosurgeons(AANS), the American College of Surgeons(ACS), the European Association of Oncologists(ESMO).
Leading German doctors are included in Focus magazine's annual rankings. They are compiled based on the opinion of patients and doctors' colleagues.
Need for a deposit before treatment
Before arriving at the hospital, the patient pays a deposit to the hospital. This includes the cost of diagnostics and treatment that the doctor has prescribed in advance. If the actual amount is less than the deposit, the clinic will refund the difference. The cost of medical services in Germany is regulated by the state register G-DRG, which is approved by the Ministry of Health of the country. Prices for citizens of other countries are the same as for Germans.
To get free assistance in organising treatment in Germany, leave a request on the Bookimed website. You will be contacted by a coordinating doctor who will answer all your questions and help you choose a clinic for you. He will forward your medical statements to the selected hospital and request a treatment programme. If the programme you receive is suitable for you, the medical coordinator will help you with travel arrangements. He or she will be in touch with you 24/7 from the moment you apply and even after you return home.
Where can I find reviews of hospitals in Germany?
To help you make a decision about travelling to Germany, we have collected reviews from over 280 people who have already done so. All of them have used Bookimed's help to get advice from German doctors, undergo a diagnosis, treatment or a necessary procedure. You can find out their opinion about medical centres and doctors, the level of service, the justification of the trip and the work of our coordinating doctors. Under each review you can ask a question and get an answer from the patient, clinic coordinator or Bookimed coordinating doctor.
Read our patients' stories and reviews here.
How much does it cost to be diagnosed in clinics in Germany?
Prices for examination and treatment in Germany are regulated by the state and are the same for citizens and foreign patients. In private and public hospitals the cost may differ.
The price for a doctor's consultation depends on his scientific rank and qualification.
Cost of examination in German hospitals
|
Procedure
|
Cost
|
|
Oncologist's consultation
|
from $440
|
|
Consultation of a neurosurgeon
|
from $500
|
|
Consultation of neurologist
|
from $400
|
|
Consultation of cardiologist
|
from $400
|
|
Detailed blood analysis
|
from $340
|
|
Biopsy
|
from $960
|
|
Study of biopsy result (immunohistochemistry)
|
from $1,950
|
|
PET-CT
|
from $2 500
|
|
MRI of one section
|
from $1 150
|
|
MRI of the brain with contrast
|
from $680
|
|
CT SCAN
|
from $970
|
|
Gastroscopy
|
from $650
|
|
ECG
|
from $60
|
|
Electroencephalography
|
from $280
|
|
Check-up for women
|
from $1,700
|
|
Check-up for men
|
from $1,700
|
|
Cancer screening (check-up)
|
from $2,850
|
Prices for treatment in German hospitals
The final cost of treatment depends on the diagnosis, the chosen hospital in Germany, the qualification of the attending physician, and the need for hospitalisation.
|
Procedure
|
Cost
|
|
Chemotherapy
|
from $1,700
|
|
Brachytherapy
|
from $6,200
|
|
Prostatectomy
|
from $11,300
|
|
Hysterectomy
|
from $7,750
|
|
Brain tumour removal
|
from $9,950
|
|
Removal of herniated intervertebral disc
|
from $12,000
|
|
Knee joint replacement
|
from $11,800
|
|
Hip joint replacement
|
from $8,550
|
|
Aortocoronary bypass surgery
|
from $24,700
|
|
Radiofrequency ablation of the heart
|
from $11,300
|
|
IVF
|
from $5,050
|
Prices provided by Bookimed partner clinics.
What should I consider when choosing a clinic for treatment in Germany?
When choosing a clinic you should take into account that in Germany they are divided into university, private and state clinics.
University clinics in Germany
The patient receives here consultations of the best professors and access to the latest developments. Such hospitals provide treatment in the largest number of medical fields and are bases for universities, so the leading specialists in the field of medicine work here. They teach students and conduct research on new drugs and treatments.
Private clinics
In Germany there are small private clinics - praxis - and multidisciplinary private hospitals.
Praxis clinics are suitable for examination and selection of drug therapy, procedures that do not require hospitalisation. As a rule, there are only a few doctors working here, united by one medical profile.
The main advantage of multidisciplinary private clinics is a high level of comfort. The effectiveness of treatment and qualification of doctors here may not differ from other hospitals. At the same time, you will feel like in a 5* hotel, not in a hospital.
State clinics
These are multidisciplinary and highly specialised hospitals. Here you can get consultations of different doctors, undergo diagnostics, surgical or medical treatment. Prices for some procedures here can be 10-15% lower than in private and university clinics.
How to choose a clinic in Germany?
- Pay attention to the specialisation of the hospital.
If there is no exact diagnosis, it is worth applying to a multidisciplinary medical centre. Here the patient will receive a comprehensive examination and consultations of specialists in various fields to assess the work of the organism as a whole. If the diagnosis is known and it is necessary to undergo a specific procedure, it is worth choosing a hospital that specialises in the necessary field of medicine.
- Find out what age patients are accepted at the hospital.
In order to accept children for treatment, a medical centre must be certified by the country's Ministry of Health. This certifies that the doctors are qualified and have the equipment needed to provide effective medical care for children. If the patient is a child, you can apply to a specialised children's clinic in Germany or check whether the hospital of your choice has a children's department.
- Request a preliminary programme and its cost.
Even before you arrive, the German hospital should send you an examination and treatment plan that has been drawn up for you. This may include tests, necessary surgery or other procedures. This will allow you to choose the programme that best matches your value for money.
The best doctors in Germany are members of international associations, conduct research on new drugs and methods, and are included in prestigious ratings of specialists. All this speaks of the doctor's high qualification and is reflected in his CV.
How to go to Germany for treatment?
- Leave a request on the website to be contacted by a Bookimed coordinating doctor. He will answer all your questions, help you choose the best clinic in Germany for your case, tell you in detail about how the diagnosis and treatment is carried out.
- In order to receive an individual programme from a German hospital for you, the coordinating doctor will ask you to send medical statements and results of tests performed earlier. He will send them to the selected hospital, where the doctors will review the documents and draw up a preliminary individual programme with the cost. If you are satisfied with the price, you will have to make an advance payment (deposit) and the coordinating doctor will make an appointment for a consultation and necessary procedures. On average, this takes between 5 and 10 days.
- If necessary, our care department will help you with travel arrangements, ticketing and hotel booking.
- You pay for the diagnostics and treatment at the clinic's cash desk. Bookimed services are free of charge.
What is a deposit and why is it necessary?
A deposit is a preliminary invoice from the clinic, which includes all necessary examinations and procedures according to the diagnosis. It must be paid before arrival. If the actual cost of treatment is less than the deposit, the difference will be refunded.
How do I apply for a visa?
For each foreign patient, the German clinic forms an official invitation for treatment in Germany. This document will help to quickly obtain a medical visa, which is necessary for citizens of some countries to enter the country. For this purpose it is necessary to pay partially or fully the specified deposit. This way the hospital insures itself against possible visa speculations.
Read more about treatment in Germany from our medical coordinator Sofia Grabovskaya
Treatment in Germany: 5 main steps for the patient