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Overview of Germany’s Emergency Care Reform
Germany is set to reform its emergency care system in 2027, aiming to alleviate the growing pressure on hospital emergency departments and rescue services. The federal cabinet has introduced legislation to improve coordination among the three primary areas of emergency care: statutory medical on-call service, hospital emergency departments, and rescue services. A key feature is enhanced networking between the emergency number 112 and the medical on-call number 116 117 to ensure patients receive an initial assessment directing them to the most appropriate care setting. This reform is designed to reduce unnecessary visits to hospital emergency units and promote efficient use of resources across the system [Source 1].
Details and Impact on Emergency Services
The reform targets better patient triage through digitalized, sector-spanning processes and improved communication channels. Ambulances will be equipped to transmit standardized information about patient conditions to hospitals or doctors’ offices. Individuals who follow recommended pathways via the medical on-call service will receive a priority treatment certificate, enabling faster access compared to self-referrers presenting with similar symptoms. Under the new regulation, emergency rescue services will be classified as benefits covered by statutory health insurance, clarifying funding mechanisms that previously caused disputes between insurers and municipalities [Source 1] [Source 4].
The legislation also calls for around-the-clock telemedicine and mobile on-site medical services accessible through 116 117, offering initial examinations to help determine urgency and streamline patient flow. Experts stress the need for defined timelines regarding handover procedures between rescue teams and emergency departments to ensure smooth transitions and reduce waiting times [Source 3].
What Expats and Foreign Residents Should Know
For expats, international students, and foreign workers in Germany, the emergency care reform means potentially faster, better-directed emergency services and clearer pathways to access care. This system aims to ensure that patients receive medical attention appropriate to their condition urgency and location, minimizing unnecessary hospital visits and the associated costs. Using the designated numbers—112 for immediate emergencies and 116 117 for acute but non-life-threatening situations—becomes increasingly important, as proper triage will influence waiting times and treatment priority.
Expats should be aware that emergency rescue services will be covered under statutory health insurance, but those without proper insurance coverage should verify their entitlements, as the reform assumes insured status for service coverage. Being informed about which phone number to call and following instructions from the telemedical or on-site services can improve outcomes and reduce delays. Institutions and individuals should also stay alert to digital developments in emergency care communication expected in the coming year [Source 1] [Source 4].
For more detailed information on the legislative plan and ongoing updates, readers can consult the original coverage by tagesschau.de here: https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/notfallversorgung-reform-102.html [Source 1].
