GERMANY | Emergency | Emergency services
Emergency services in general
In case of an emergency, you can call the same toll-free number anywhere in Germany to get help. The two emergency numbers are:
- Police / emergency call: 110
- Fire department / rescue service: 112
Insurances
Persons staying in Germany for an extended period of time are required to carry valid health insurance, either by a state or private insurance company. In addition, it is a good idea to have foreign liability insurance and accident insurance as well as return transport insurance. The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD - German Academic Exchange Service) offers foreign students an inexpensive insurances package (currently for just 23.50€).
In addition, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives students access to medically necessary healthcare during temporary stays in most European countries under the same conditions as local residents. It is free of charge and should be carried alongside your regular health insurance documents when completing an internship abroad.
Interns from an EU member state or a member state of the European Economic Area (e.g. Norway, Iceland) are health insured in Germany through their statutory home insurance company. Before you leave, get the E 128 form or equivalent from your insurance company and present it to a German state insurance company (e.g. AOK - Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse). The insurance company will then issue a EHIC with which you can go to a doctor or dentist.
Statutory regulations prescribe exactly what your insurance will cover. Since these regulations are constantly changing, ask if the insurance company will cover the costs prior to any treatment. Ask your German doctor or insurance company for more information on insurance coverage. In any case, keep all receipts.
Embassies
In case of a special emergency, you can always turn to the embassy of your home country. You might be eligible for short-term aid (if you have been robbed) or get a flight back home quickly if someone passed away.
Traffic accidents
If you are involved in a traffic accident, even if it seems of minor importance, call the police. The accident will be reported and the damage documented. If possible, talk to pedestrians who saw the accident and ask for their address. They might become important witnesses if someone claims damages later.