How does the German healthcare system work and where can you find the right doctors or a suitable clinic? Which insurances are compulsory - and which ones are also worthwhile? How do you set up your account and understand your salary?
We provide information on the following topics:
In Münsterland, you benefit from comprehensive medical care with modern clinics, short distances and a well-developed network of GPs and specialists, including many specialised specialists. IMPORTANT: In contrast to many other countries, primary medical care in Germany is initially provided on an outpatient basis and not in hospital. This means that for all everyday health problems, your first port of call is your family doctor (for children: paediatrician).
GPs
You are free to choose your GP practice; it is your first port of call for any complaints you may have. Your GP knows your medical history, coordinates your medical care and refers you to specialists or hospital if necessary. If you are ill and cannot work, you will also receive a certificate of incapacity for work there. GP practices are located in almost every town in Münsterland.
Specialists
Specialists specialise in certain medical fields - for example, heart disease (cardiology), skin diseases (dermatology) or bones and joints (orthopaedics). You will be referred to a specialist practice by your GP practice if a special examination or treatment is necessary. An appointment with a specialist practice may involve waiting times.
Clinics and hospitals
Modern hospitals with various specialist departments and for emergency care are available throughout Münsterland. They offer comprehensive and high-quality inpatient care. In Münsterland, Münster University Hospital (UKM) is one of the largest hospitals in Germany with a high level of medical and scientific expertise.
© Münsterland e.V.If you are looking for doctors in Münsterland who also speak English or other foreign languages, there are several helpful resources available to you. Here is a small selection:
If you live in Münsterland and suddenly fall ill or have an accident, you should know these important telephone numbers! These numbers are free of charge and can be reached day and night. If you don't speak German, you can say "I speak English" on the phone. They will try to help you in your own language.
© Münsterland e.V.112 - Emergency call for medical emergencies
Dial this number if the situation is very serious - for example in the event of an accident, a heart attack or if someone is no longer breathing. The control centre will send an ambulance immediately and decide whether hospitalisation is necessary.
116 117 - On-call medical service
You can call this number if you are ill but it is not an emergency - for example if you have a fever, severe pain or the flu - and your family doctor is not available (for example in the evening or at the weekend).
0228 19240 - Bonn Poison Control Centre
This number is important if you or someone else has accidentally ingested a poisonous substance - for example medication, cleaning agents or plant parts. The experts at the poison centre will help you immediately, even over the phone.
Health insurance is compulsory in Germany. This means that everyone must have health insurance - either statutory health insurance (GKV) or private health insurance (PKV).
If you work as an employee in Münsterland, you are usually automatically covered by statutory health insurance. You can only take out private insurance under certain conditions. Within the statutory health insurance scheme, you are free to choose your health insurance provider. The benefits are largely the same - some insurance companies offer additional services such as bonus programmes or health courses. The GKV-Spitzenverband's list of statutory health insurance providers in Germany can help you choose the right health insurance provider for you.
Statutory health insurance (GKV): The most common form. Contributions are based on your income and are automatically deducted directly from your salary or wages. Your employer pays around half of the costs.
Private health insurance (PKV): Possible from a certain income or for certain occupational groups. The premiums depend on age, state of health and scope of benefits. Payment is usually made by bank transfer or direct debit.
How does billing work?
Family insurance
Insurance offers you security in Germany and protects you against financial risks - for example in the event of illness, accidents or damage. Some insurance policies are required by law, others are voluntary but recommended - especially if you live and work in Germany permanently.
Compulsory insurance for employees
If you are employed in Germany, you are automatically covered by several important insurance policies. The contributions for these are deducted directly from your salary or wages.
Voluntary insurances
Here we present a selection of insurances that we believe can be helpful:
© Münsterland e.V.You can find further helpful information on the subject of insurance on the Make it in Germany or Stiftung Warentest websites.
© Münsterland e.V.There are various payment options available to you in Germany. A German bank account is the basis for many things: your salary or wages are transferred to it, rent is paid and bills are settled. Direct banks often offer free accounts, simple online administration and sometimes English-speaking customer service - this is particularly practical if you are new to the country.
Cash
It is still a good idea to always have some cash with you, especially in smaller shops or at weekly markets, as card payments are not accepted everywhere. You can easily withdraw money from cash machines using your debit or credit card.
Card payment
You can pay with a debit card (EC card) or credit card (e.g. Visa or Mastercard) in most supermarkets, pharmacies and larger shops.
Mobile payment
Paying with a smartphone, for example via Apple Pay or Google Pay, is also becoming increasingly popular - especially among younger people. This requires an NFC-enabled smartphone and a bank that supports this service.
The German banking system offers various types of account that fulfil different requirements in terms of availability, interest and term depending on the intended use.
Current account (salary account):
Call deposit account
Fixed-term deposit account
You can obtain further information and independent advice from the consumer advice centre.
The German banking system offers various types of account that fulfil different requirements in terms of availability, interest and term depending on the intended use.
Current account (salary account):
Call deposit account
Fixed-term deposit account
You can obtain further information and independent advice from the consumer advice centre.
© Münsterland e.V.If you work in Germany, a distinction is made between gross and net salary on your payslip. You always receive your salary in "net" - i.e. after deduction of taxes and social security contributions. The following are deducted from your salary:
You can use a gross-net calculator (as at: 2026) to calculate your estimated tax burden free of charge and find out how much net you can expect from your salary. Tax brackets affect your net income - depending on your marital status, number of children, etc. At the end of the year, you can submit an income tax return. Many employees receive a refund - often several hundred euros.
© Münsterland e.V.Child benefit is a state payment that you receive every month for your child - regardless of your income.
Who receives child benefit?
If you live and work permanently in Germany with your child, you are generally entitled to child benefit.
How much child benefit is available?
You currently receive €259 per month - for each child (as of January 2026).
How do you apply for child benefit?
The family benefits office of the Federal Employment Agency is responsible. You can find all the important information on applying for benefits, information sheets, forms and applications from the family benefits office to download here.
Tip:
You should submit the application as soon as possible after the birth, as benefits are only paid retroactively for a few months.
Parental allowance helps you if you do not work or work less after the birth in order to look after your baby.
Who is entitled to parental allowance?
All parents who look after their child themselves and therefore reduce their income - including international professionals with a residence permit and domicile in Germany. If you do not live in Germany, you can only apply for parental allowance via an online service if you or the other parent work in Germany and the employer is based in North Rhine-Westphalia.
How much parental allowance do you receive?
The amount depends on your net income before the birth. You will receive around 65-67% of your previous salary, but at least €300 and a maximum of €1,800 per month. You can also plan and calculate the amount of your parental allowance without obligation using the parental allowance calculator. The income threshold has been lowered for births from 1 April 2025. It is now 175,000 euros for couples and single parents. Further information and an explanatory video can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.
How much parental allowance do you get?
Parental allowance is generally available for up to 12 months if one parent stays at home - or 14 months if both parents share the care.
How do you apply for parental allowance?
The parental allowance office in your district or town (Borken, Coesfeld, Münster, Steinfurt, Warendorf) is responsible. The application must be made in writing and you must enclose supporting documents (e.g. payslips, birth certificate). You can prepare the parental allowance application before the birth. Some offices also offer online applications and counselling in English. On the Familenportal NRW website, you can find more detailed information on online applications, local advice and application centres (via a postcode search function) and relevant documents to download. You can find further helpful information on the Make It In Germany website.
© Münsterland e.V.
Birgit Stübing-Beunink
Stefanie PrangeThe information provided on this website does not constitute legal advice and is not intended to address any legal issues or problems that may arise in individual cases. The information you find on this website is of a general nature and is for information purposes only. If you need legal advice for your individual situation or problem, please seek the advice of a suitably qualified lawyer. Furthermore, our website is not official information from the Federal Government or any other public authority. Therefore, you cannot rely on the information you find here when contacting German authorities.
If we are unable to provide you with sufficient information through our service, we will act as a guide and direct you to our official and administrative partners in the region. In doing so, we ensure that you are well informed and can get in touch with the office responsible for you. Our service is free of charge for you and your enquiries will be treated confidentially.
