In Germany there are general practitioners and specialists (paediatricians, ophthalmologists, dermatologists, etc.). There is a free choice of doctor. If you need to see a doctor, it makes sense to make an appointment in advance. If you experience acute pain, you can of course go to the doctor spontaneously. The city of Bremen has a portal for finding a doctor. Click here to find a doctor with special knowledge of languages.
If you urgently need a doctor at night, on weekends or public holidays, please contact the medical emergency and on-call service (telephone numbers see right column). In principle, however, all hospitals help in acute emergencies.
Pharmacies and Medicines
In Germany, medication is only available in pharmacies. There are two groups of medicines: Over-the-counter medicines and prescription medicines for which you need a prescription.
The German Medicines Act is very strict - many medicines require a prescription (e.g. antibiotics) and pharmacies are not allowed to issue them without a prescription from a doctor. This means that a doctor's visit must first be made in order to obtain a prescription for a suitable medication after the examination. The costs for the medication are usually covered by the health insurance, but there is a co-payment obligation, which means a small personal contribution.
If you need medication at night or on weekends, ask about the pharmacy emergency service. You can find out which pharmacy has emergency service in the daily newspaper or on the Internet. The duty schedule for the pharmacy emergency service can also be found at the door of every pharmacy.
Notification of illness at the University of Bremen
In the event of incapacity for work or duty, please inform the administration responsible for you and your superior about your illness and the expected duration of the illness immediately, at the latest, however, by 9.00 am. Please send medical certificates of incapacity for work to the administration responsible for you. A medical certificate must be submitted by the fourth day of incapacity for work at the latest. Weekend days and public holidays are to be counted. To avoid being listed as sick it is important that you report back to the administration responsible for you after returning to work following illness or a cure.
Mental Health
Your mental health is at least as important as your physical health. If you have problems with your mental well-being or would like mental support, here are several services that can help you.
Befrienders Worldwide
Befrienders Worldwide is a charity that helps people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are in general emotional distress. There are 349 emotional support centers in 32 countries, reaching an estimated 7 million people each year. Volunteers listen without judging people or telling them what to do. They can be contacted by phone, email, text message, internet chat or in person, depending on location. You can find more information here.
Individual Coaching
There are always moments in life when one wishes to receive professional coaching. This can be coaching on personality development, career planning, family, work-life balance or much more. One possible type of coaching can be systematic coaching. If you are interested in such a coaching, please click here.
Emergency Services (night and weekend)
Emergency Medical Service +49 421 / 116 117
General practitioner on-call service: on-call service center at the St. Joseph-Stift (Tram station St. Joseph-Stift, entrance via Schubertstraße) open during the week from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m., Wednesdays open from 3 p.m., open all day on weekends and holidays
Pediatric Emergency Service (Bremen) +49 421 / 3404444
Pediatric Emergency Service (Bremerhaven) +49 471 19292
