Germany
Healthcare quality & costs · 2025
Good — 79.8/100 Mixed systemHealthcare index trend
Europe comparison
| Country | Index | Life Exp | GP Visit | Doctors/1k | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 85.2 | 83.8 yrs | $130 | 4.30 | 100.0% |
| Norway | 83.5 | 83.2 yrs | $20 | 4.70 | 100.0% |
| Sweden | 82.3 | 83.1 yrs | $20 | 4.30 | 100.0% |
| Denmark | 81.8 | 81.4 yrs | $75 | 4.00 | 100.0% |
| France | 81.5 | 82.5 yrs | $30 | 3.30 | 100.0% |
| Finland | 80.5 | 82.1 yrs | $25 | 3.50 | 100.0% |
| Austria | 80.1 | 81.9 yrs | $25 | 5.30 | 100.0% |
| Germany | 79.8 | 81.2 yrs | $20 | 4.50 | 88.0% |
| Netherlands | 78.5 | 82.1 yrs | $20 | 3.70 | 100.0% |
| Belgium | 78.2 | 81.7 yrs | $30 | 3.20 | 100.0% |
| Spain | 77.2 | 83.5 yrs | Free | 4.40 | 100.0% |
| Ireland | 76.8 | 82.8 yrs | $60 | 3.30 | 100.0% |
| Italy | 76.1 | 83.8 yrs | $30 | 4.00 | 100.0% |
| United Kingdom | 74.2 | 81.4 yrs | Free | 3.00 | 100.0% |
| Portugal | 72.5 | 81.3 yrs | $15 | 5.50 | 100.0% |
| Czech Republic | 68.2 | 79.5 yrs | $22 | 4.10 | 100.0% |
| Greece | 66.8 | 82.4 yrs | $50 | 6.30 | 84.0% |
| Poland | 62.5 | 77.8 yrs | $18 | 2.50 | 91.0% |
| Hungary | 60.1 | 76.7 yrs | $25 | 3.50 | 90.0% |
| Romania | 52.3 | 76.1 yrs | $20 | 2.90 | 88.0% |
Healthcare in Germany — FAQs
How good is healthcare in Germany in 2025?
Germany scores 79.8 out of 100 on the LifeIndexed Healthcare Quality Index in 2025, rated as "Good". Life expectancy is 81.2 years. The country runs a Mixed (combination of public insurance and private providers) and spends 11.70% of GDP on health services.
How much does a doctor visit cost in Germany?
A typical GP / doctor visit in Germany costs approximately $20 USD. Hospital accommodation costs around $1,200 USD per day. These are out-of-pocket costs; insured patients may pay significantly less.
Is healthcare free in Germany?
88.0% of the Germany population is covered by public healthcare. The remainder typically relies on private insurance or out-of-pocket payments. The government spends 11.70% of GDP on healthcare.
How much is private health insurance in Germany?
Average private health insurance in Germany costs approximately $450 USD per month. This provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times and specialist care beyond what the public system offers.
What type of healthcare system does Germany have?
Germany has a mixed healthcare system combining public insurance with private providers. Public coverage extends to 88.0% of the population, with private options available for supplementary or faster care.
How many doctors are there per 1,000 people in Germany?
Germany has 4.5 doctors per 1,000 people. This is above the global average of approximately 1.8 per 1,000. The country also has 8.00 hospital beds per 1,000 people.
What is the life expectancy in Germany?
Life expectancy in Germany is 81.2 years in 2025, compared to the Europe average of 81.4 years. Life expectancy is a key indicator of population health, nutrition, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.
What is the infant mortality rate in Germany?
The infant mortality rate in Germany is 3.4 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is a low rate, indicating strong maternal and newborn healthcare.
How does Germany compare to other Europe countries?
Germany ranks 8 out of 20 Europe countries on the healthcare quality index. Its score of 79.8/100 is +4.9pp above the Europe average of 74.9/100. Life expectancy is -0.2 years versus the regional average.
Can expats and foreigners access healthcare in Germany?
Expats who obtain legal residency in Germany generally gain access to the public healthcare system, though registration processes and contribution requirements vary. Many expats also take out international or local private health insurance for faster access and broader coverage.
Is Germany a good destination for medical tourism?
Germany is not typically considered a primary medical tourism destination. Patients seeking cost savings usually prefer regional alternatives. However, emergency and specialist care is available in major cities.
How much does a hospital stay cost in Germany?
A hospital stay in Germany costs approximately $1,200 USD per day for private or uninsured patients. Insured patients typically pay a co-payment or deductible on top of the base rate. Hospital costs can vary significantly between public and private facilities.
Is Germany's healthcare improving?
Germany's healthcare quality index has improved by 2.5 points from 2022 to 2026, rising from 77.3/100 to 79.8/100. Life expectancy also rose from 80.5 to 81.2 years over the same period.
What is the quality of hospitals in Germany?
Germany has good hospital infrastructure in urban centres, with 8.00 beds per 1,000 people. Quality varies between public and private facilities and between urban and rural areas.