Tick-borne
encephalitis is present in the forested areas of southern
Germany. Vaccination is advisable. HIV testing is required for foreigners
staying more than 180 days in Bavaria. Foreign tests are not accepted.
Rabies is present, look out for ‘Tollwut’
signs. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should
be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice immediately.
Health care
There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. On presentation
of the form E111 and obtainable from post offices
throughout the UK. UK citizens are entitled to free medical and
dental treatment. Prescribed medicines may, in some cases, have
to be paid for. The cost of treatment in public hospitals (on referral
from a doctor, unless in emergencies) is covered by public health
authorities, except for a small daily charge from the start of hospital
treatment up to a maximum of 14 days.
Private insurance is recommended for specialist medical treatment
outside the German National Health Service, which can be very expensive.
Surgery hours are generally 1000-1200 hrs and 1600-1800 hrs (not
Wednesday afternoon, Saturday or Sunday).
The
emergency telephone number is 112, additionally, there
is an emergency call-out service out of surgery hours (1800-0700
hrs).
Chemists are open Monday-Friday 0900-1800
hrs, Saturday 0900-1200 hrs. All chemists give alternative
addresses of services available outside the normal opening hours.
There are 350 officially recognised medical spas and watering places
with modern equipment providing therapeutic treatment and recreational
facilities for visitors seeking rest and relaxation. A list of the
spas and health resorts and various treatments can be obtained from
the German National Tourist Office, or directly
from Deutscher Heilbäderverband e.V. (German Spas Association),
Schumannstrasse 111, 53113 Bonn (telephone number: (228) 201 200,
fax number: (228) 201 2041, e-mail: info@dhv-bonn.de,
website: www.deutscher-heilbaederverband.de).
Yellow
Fever