Germany
Health in Germany: vaccines, water, medical care and insurance
Most travellers need no special vaccines for Germany; bring routine shots. Tap water is safe, and travel insurance covering medical costs is strongly recommended.
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Key facts
- v
- None for Germany (check)
Vaccination recommendations
Germany has no mandatory travel vaccines. The German Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) lists routine childhood vaccines as sufficient for the general public. Confirm your own vaccination status with your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Official government travel advice (US State Department, UK FCDO, etc.) provides the current list of recommended vaccines for Germany.
| Vaccine | When needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MMR, DTP, Polio | All travellers | Routine schedule; check before travel |
| COVID-19 | Check current guidance | Check current guidance |
| Hepatitis A | Check current guidance | Check current guidance |
| Hepatitis B | Check current guidance | Check current guidance |
| Rabies | Check current guidance | Check current guidance |
| Typhoid | Check current guidance | Check current guidance |
All entries marked check as no official source provided.
Medical care and insurance
Public hospitals provide high-quality care. Visitors may be charged for services, so check what your insurance covers. Most travellers buy travel insurance that covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and repatriation. Check that the policy includes a German-language helpline.
For non-emergency medical needs, call 116 117 for the out-of-hours doctor service. Keep your insurance details and passport handy when seeking care.
Questions people ask
What vaccines do I need for Germany?
No special vaccines are required. Keep routine shots up-to-date. Confirm with your doctor or travel health clinic before departure.
Do I need travel insurance for Germany?
Travel insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation is strongly recommended, as visitors may be charged for hospital care. Check your coverage before you travel.
Should I get a hepatitis B vaccine before traveling to Germany?
Only if you anticipate medical work, sexual risk, or prolonged exposure to blood products; otherwise it's not needed. Discuss your itinerary with a travel health professional.
What should I do in a medical emergency in Germany?
Dial 112 for ambulance or fire services; for out-of-hours doctors call 116 117. Have your insurance details ready, as you may be billed for hospital services.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
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