When I first arrived in Germany, I was fortunate to travel back to South Africa frequently. I relied on that to manage my medical check-ups, avoiding visits to German doctors whenever possible. That strategy worked well—until I hurt my back and had no choice but to seek medical attention locally.

Although I could speak German, I struggled to recall the specific terms for body parts and medical conditions, which made communication incredibly challenging. My advice? Don’t wait until an emergency forces you to find a doctor. Start by scheduling your routine check-ups early on—it’s an excellent way to familiarise yourself with the healthcare system and your local medical professionals.

German doctors are highly professional and competent, but their approach can feel very business-like compared to what you might be used to in South Africa. They tend to be direct and honest, and they expect you to take responsibility for your health. For example, when I visited an orthopaedist for my back injury, the doctor not only treated me with an injection but also emphasised holistic recovery methods. He was blunt about the need to strengthen my body and even scolded me for not taking better care of myself. It was a stark contrast to the more sympathetic approach I was accustomed to in South Africa.

Another important difference is that some German doctors may not accept your medical history from South Africa. Instead, they’ll conduct their own tests before beginning treatment. While this can be frustrating, it also ensures a thorough and accurate diagnosis.

If you’re new to Germany, embracing the local healthcare system sooner rather than later can save you a lot of stress down the road.