If You're in the Hospital

German medical care is excellent, but there are a few things about staying in a hospital that you might not expect.

Hospital care in Germany is comparable in just about every way with care in the USA. There are some differences, though.

A principal difference between German and American hospitals is that patients probably won't be treated by the doctor who has been treating them up to now and who referred them to the hospital.

Germans, like Americans, are becoming increasingly concerned about the high cost of their health care system and, among other things, measures have been introduced to cut the length of hospital stays. Nevertheless, Germans usually stay in the hospital longer than Americans. New mothers, for example, average six days in a German hospital compared to one or two days, barring complications, for Americans.

Germans are not so concerned with privacy as are Americans. You probably won't be issued a gown during examinations, and there are usually no curtains around the beds. So bring a nightgown or pajamas and a bathrobe. Nor do German hospitals very often issue towels. You are expected to bring your own. Other items it is wise to bring: slippers, soap, toilet articles and a washcloth. Don't take too much, though, as storage space is tight.

Meals and mealtimes at hospitals conform to what's usual in Germany. The big differences Americans notice are the skimpy breakfasts and the fact that the big, hot meal of the day is served at midday rather than evening. Breakfasts will be rolls or bread with jam, honey, meat or cheese, while suppers will generally be bread, sausages, cottage cheese and tea. Supper is usually pretty early by American standards, perhaps even at 4:30. You are often given a choice of menus for your meals, and unless you're on a special diet you may keep your own food and (non-alcoholic) drink.

Visiting hours are usually from about 2 to 8 p.m., and German hospitals frown on visits by small children. You can get away with it, though, as long as other patients aren't disturbed. One parent usually can spend the night with a hospitalized child.

Smoking is almost always prohibited in patient rooms, though each ward will have a lounge where smoking is permitted. Patient rooms usually have two to four beds, and your roommates will always be of the same sex.

On departing from the hospital it is customary to leave a small consideration for the nursing staff. Fruit baskets, candy or baked goods will fill the bill, as will a "thank-you" card and €5 or €10 for the "coffee fund."