Kinderarzt in Germany: A Guide for Expat Parents
Moving to Germany with children adds an extra layer of admin, but once it is set up, Germany has excellent paediatric healthcare that is largely free with public insurance. This guide covers everything expat parents need to know: registering a child, finding a Kinderarzt, vaccinations, school health checks, and what to do in an emergency.
Set Up Your Child’s Care Route
- You just arrived with children: Sort insurance and register a Kinderarzt before the first illness forces a rushed search.
- You are on private insurance: Check the child-coverage implications early because it is not automatic like public family insurance.
- You need an English-speaking paediatrician: Start with platform search, but confirm whether the practice is accepting new patients.
- You want the shortest route: Fix the insurance setup first, then shortlist doctors near home or school.
Health Insurance for Your Child
In Germany, children under 18 are covered for free under a parent’s public health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung / GKV). This is called Familienversicherung (family co-insurance). As long as one parent has public insurance (TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK etc.), your child is automatically entitled to coverage at no additional cost.
To activate Familienversicherung:
- Contact your Krankenkasse and submit the child’s birth certificate
- They will issue a Krankenkassenkarte for the child
- For newborns: notify your Krankenkasse within 2 months of birth
Children of parents with private insurance (PKV) are NOT automatically covered, you need to take out a separate private insurance policy for them, which costs around €80–150/month typically.
What Is a Kinderarzt?
A Kinderarzt (paediatrician) is a specialist in children health, covering ages 0–17. Unlike in some countries where children see a GP, Germany has dedicated paediatric practices. Your child’s Kinderarzt handles:
- Routine check-ups (Vorsorgeuntersuchungen / U-Untersuchungen)
- Vaccinations
- Illnesses, infections, fever
- Development assessments
- Referrals to paediatric specialists
The U-Untersuchungen Check-Up System
Germany has a statutory programme of developmental check-ups called U-Untersuchungen (U1 through U11, plus J1 and J2 for teenagers). These are fully covered by public health insurance and are strongly recommended, they track growth, development, and vaccination status. Many Kitas (nurseries) and schools ask to see the U-Heft (the yellow booklet where these are recorded).
| Check-up | Age | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| U1 | Birth | Immediate postnatal assessment |
| U2 | 3–10 days | Hearing, weight, jaundice |
| U3 | 4–5 weeks | Hip development, reflexes |
| U4 | 3–4 months | Motor development, first vaccinations |
| U5–U7 | 6 months – 2 years | Language, walking, social development |
| U8–U9 | 3.5–5 years | Pre-school readiness, vision, hearing |
| J1 | 12–14 years | Puberty, mental health, lifestyle |
How to Find a Kinderarzt
Doctolib (Recommended)
Go to Doctolib.de and search for Kinderarzt or Kinderheilkunde in your city. Filter by:
- Language: Englisch: many paediatric practices in larger cities have English-speaking staff
- Insurance: Kassenpatient: to find practices that accept public insurance
Your Krankenkasse
TK, AOK, and Barmer all have doctor search tools. TK’s app (available in English) is particularly good for finding local paediatricians.
Word of mouth
Other expat parents are your best resource. Facebook groups like “Expats in Berlin” or “English-speaking parents in Munich” regularly share recommendations for English-friendly Kinderaerzte.
Vaccinations
Germany follows the STIKO vaccination schedule (Staendige Impfkommission, the German vaccination advisory committee). Vaccinations are free with public insurance. Core vaccinations include:
- 6-in-1 vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Hib, Hepatitis B)
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 2 doses required for Kita/school entry
- Meningococcal C, Pneumococcal
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- HPV (from age 9)
If your child was vaccinated in another country, bring the vaccination records, your Kinderarzt can assess what is still needed. Most vaccinations given abroad are recognised, and the German-equivalent doses are noted in the Impfausweis (vaccination card).
Emergency Care for Children
- 112: Emergency. Use for serious accidents, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, seizures.
- 116117, Out-of-hours medical service. For illnesses that need a doctor but are not life-threatening (high fever at night, ear infection at the weekend). Can arrange a home visit or direct you to an out-of-hours clinic (Kinderarztlicher Notdienst).
- Kinderklinik: Paediatric A&E. Major hospitals have dedicated children’s emergency departments for urgent but non-life-threatening situations outside Kinderarzt hours.
Kita and School Health
German Kitas (nurseries) typically require:
- Proof of MMR vaccination (or medical exemption): this is a legal requirement in Germany since 2020
- Up-to-date U-Heft showing completed check-ups
Your Kinderarzt will provide these documents. The MMR vaccination requirement is strict, children without proof will not be admitted to Kita or school. For a complete comparison of your schooling options, see our guide on German Public Schools vs. English International Schools.
Sources: STIKO (Robert Koch Institut), Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (G-BA), Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung. Always consult your child’s doctor for personal medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pediatric care fully covered by German health insurance?
Yes. If your child is covered under your German public health insurance (GKV) as a dependent, all routine check-ups (U-Untersuchungen), vaccinations, and visits to the pediatrician (Kinderarzt) are 100% free of charge. If you have private insurance (PKV), you pay the invoice first and submit it for full reimbursement.
What are the mandatory child check-ups (U-Untersuchungen) in Germany?
These are a series of standard developmental check-ups from birth (U1) to adolescent years (U9/J2). Your pediatrician will record these in a yellow booklet (Gelbes Heft), which is legally required to show when enrolling your child in a Kita (daycare) or primary school.
How do I find an English-speaking pediatrician in Germany?
You can use the booking app Doctolib and filter specifically by language, which is the fastest method in major cities. Alternatively, contact your health insurance provider (like TK or Barmer) for a list of English-speaking clinics, or ask in local expat parenting groups on social media.
What should I do if my child gets sick outside of regular clinic hours?
For non-life-threatening illnesses at night or on weekends, you should contact the on-call medical service (Bereitschaftsdienst) by calling 116 117, or visit a pediatric emergency clinic (Kinder-Notdienstpraxis). For severe, life-threatening emergencies, call 112 immediately or go to the nearest children's hospital.
Disclaimer: Expatzentrum is an informational portal designed to help expats navigate life in Germany. While we make every effort to keep our guides accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with current German regulations, the information on this website does not constitute official legal, tax, or financial advice. We are not certified tax advisors (Steuerberater) or legal practitioners. Always consult a qualified professional or the relevant German authorities (such as the Finanzamt or Deutsche Rentenversicherung) before making major financial or legal decisions.
