116117 Germany Medical Hotline: How The Out-of-hours Service Works

Navigating medical care when doctor offices close can feel confusing, especially if your health issue isn't life-threatening enough for an ambulance. If you're living in or visiting Germany, dialing 116 117 connects you directly to the country's nationwide medical on-call service (Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst). Operated by the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung), this hotline bridges the gap between regular general practitioner hours and emergency hospital visits.

You should use 116 117 when you need a doctor urgently, your regular clinic is closed, and your condition can't wait until the next working day, but it isn't an immediate life-threat. Calls are entirely free from both landlines and mobile phones across Germany, and the service covers both statutory and private insurance holders.

When to Call 116 117 vs. 112

Knowing which number to dial prevents wasted time during a health scare. Germany relies on two primary numbers for urgent medical needs, and choosing the right one depends entirely on severity.

Call 112 immediately if you face a life-threatening emergency. This includes severe chest pain, sudden stroke symptoms, severe breathing difficulties, major trauma, heavy bleeding, or unconsciousness. The 112 service dispatches emergency rescue teams and ambulances (Rettungsdienst).

Call 116 117 when three specific conditions are met:

• Regular doctor practices are closed (evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays).
• You require medical attention today, but the issue is not life-threatening.
• You have acute symptoms like high fever, severe earaches, sudden gastrointestinal distress, or acute back pain that cannot wait until morning.

For official guidance on emergency services, visit the German Federal Ministry of Health portal.

What Happens When You Call

When you dial 116 117, you reach a regional coordination center. Because the hotline operates around the clock, you'll speak with trained medical dispatch staff who record your details and assess your symptoms.

To streamline the process, keep the following information ready:

• Full name, current address, and phone number for callbacks.
• Details of who is sick and their exact age.
• A clear description of symptoms.
• Relevant medical background, such as known allergies or existing device implants like pacemakers.

Based on your assessment, the dispatcher will direct you through one of several options. They may advise you to visit the nearest on-call emergency practice (Bereitschaftspraxis), usually located inside or adjacent to a local hospital. If you are immobile or unable to travel, they can arrange for an on-call doctor to conduct a home visit (Hausbesuch). In complex cases, they connect you directly with a medical professional for telephone advice.

Finding an On-Call Practice Online

You don't always have to call to get help. The service provides a digital portal through 116117.de where patients can locate open medical practices and specialized out-of-hours clinics.

To use the online directory, enter your postal code (PLZ) or city name into the search field. The platform displays nearby on-call clinics, their operating hours, and whether they specialize in specific fields like pediatrics or ear, nose, and throat care. While you can often walk into these clinics without an appointment, booking ahead via phone or the platform reduces your waiting time.

Booking Specialist Appointments Through the Hotline

Beyond out-of-hours care, the 116 117 platform functions as a centralized appointment service (Terminservicestelle) to help patients secure prompt appointments with medical specialists.

If your general practitioner determines you need urgent specialist care, they issue a referral document containing a unique twelve-digit code (Vermittlungscode). You can enter this code online at the dedicated appointment portal or call 116 117 directly. The service aims to place patients with specialists within specific statutory timeframes depending on urgency, though certain specialties like general practice, gynecology, ophthalmology, and pediatrics do not require a referral code.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the German medical system efficiently requires understanding its limitations. Avoid these common pitfalls when seeking care:

• Calling 116 117 for life-threatening issues: Hesitating to call 112 during a heart attack or stroke because you dialed the non-emergency line first delays critical lifesaving interventions.
• Expecting English support by default: While major metropolitan areas feature multilingual staff or doctors, the standard 116 117 hotline operates primarily in German. If your German is limited, having a German-speaking friend assist with the call ensures accurate symptom reporting.
• Skipping regular clinic hours for convenience: The on-call service handles acute out-of-hours needs. Using it for routine prescription renewals or minor chronic issues during standard working hours overburdens emergency staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 116 117 call free of charge?

Yes, dialing 116 117 is completely free from both mobile networks and landlines throughout Germany.

Can private insurance patients use 116 117?

Yes. The medical on-call service provides care and coordination for both statutory health insurance (GKV) and private health insurance (PKV) members.

What should I do if I cannot speak German well?

If you struggle to explain your symptoms in German, try to have someone nearby who can translate, or visit the digital portal at 116117.de to find clinics that list English or other language proficiencies. In severe emergencies, call 112, where dispatchers are more accustomed to handling multi-language emergency requests.

Can 116 117 issue prescriptions?

Yes. If the on-call doctor examines you during an out-of-hours visit or at an emergency practice and decides medication is necessary, they can issue a prescription (Rezept). Keep in mind that you may need to find a designated emergency pharmacy (Notdienstapotheke) to fill it outside regular business hours.