Why is treatment in German hospitals so popular among medical tourists? With diagnostic accuracy exceeding 99.8% and approximately 250,000 international patients treated annually [1], Germany leads global healthcare excellence. National surveys show 84% patient satisfaction rates (among Europe's highest!) while hospital-acquired infections remain at just 0.7% versus 2.0% EU average [2].
Which hospital is the best? For our readers, we have prepared a list of the best hospitals in Germany with recommendations for choosing the most suitable one for your medical needs during treatment abroad. Germany ranks among the leading countries worldwide for cancer survival, with five-year rates of 67% for women and 63% for men [3]. Rankings are determined by treatment outcomes, research achievements, and patient satisfaction rates.
TOP-10 Best Hospitals in Germany
| Hospital / City | Description |
|---|---|
| University Hospital Rechts der Isar Munich Munich | Founded in 1834, this hospital combines tradition with cutting-edge medicine. Features 33 specialized departments and 20 interdisciplinary centers. Treats 65,000 inpatients annually and performs 40,000 surgeries. Home to the prestigious Roman Herzog Comprehensive Cancer Center with world-class research facilities. |
| The Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch Berlin | Listed among the best hospitals in Germany by Focus magazine. A maximum care facility with over 60 departments, medical centers, and emergency services. |
| University Hospital Essen Essen | A maximum care facility with 27 specialized departments, 24 institutes, and 1,300 beds. Serves 50,000 inpatients and 195,000 outpatients annually. Home to Germany's top-ranked West German Cancer Center and leading organ transplant center specializing in kidney, liver, pancreas, heart, and lung transplantations. |
| University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich Munich | Germany’s largest hospital and one of the oldest. Ranked second in the Focus magazine rating for its comprehensive care and clinical excellence. |
| The University Hospital Duesseldorf Duesseldorf | A prime example of synergy between high-tech healthcare, education, and research. |
| Asklepios Academic City Hospital Bad Wildungen Bad Wildungen | Part of the Asklepios clinic network, the hospital is renowned for its exceptional equipment and advanced treatment technologies. |
| Asklepios Hospital Barmbek Hamburg Hamburg | The Academic Hospital of the University of Hamburg opened in 2005. Modern medical center with 620 beds, treating 36,000 inpatients annually. Specializes in emergency care, oncology, urology, and minimally invasive surgery using the da Vinci system. Ranked top 3 globally for medical tourism by MTQUA. |
| The University Hospital RWTH Aachen Aachen | Located in a picturesque park area, this hospital offers excellent postoperative medical care and patient comfort. |
| The University Hospital Erlangen Erlangen | Ranked highly by Focus magazine, the hospital features 25 departments, a Multidisciplinary Cancer Center, and a Transplantation Center. |
| University Hospital Tuebingen Tuebingen | Known for its patient-focused services, including personalized dietary planning and the option for a companion to stay in the ward. |
Exploring the Directions of Treatment Abroad: Germany's Top Hospitals
Among German hospitals, university medical centers form the backbone of the country's health care system. Germany's health care system is often regarded as one of the best health care systems in the world, offering its population universal health insurance coverage and a comprehensive benefits basket with comparably low cost-sharing requirements [4].
These institutions combine cutting-edge research with clinical excellence, setting new standards in patient care. The best clinics in Germany often specialize in specific areas of medicine, offering targeted expertise for various conditions. Their approach to health care involves continuous innovation, implementation of cutting-edge technologies, and maintenance of the highest medical standards across all departments.
Cancer Management
Oncological hospitals in Germany are leading the way amongst European medical centres. The best hospitals in Germany include the University Hospital Duesseldorf and the Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch, known for their integrated approach to cancer care. These centers are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and employ multidisciplinary teams of oncology specialists who work together to develop personalized treatment plans for each patient. Their success rates in treating various types of cancer consistently exceed international benchmarks, making them preferred destinations for oncological care.
That is why the cancer management in Germany is so highly demanded. Oncology departments here offer their patients many modern techniques, including minimally invasive and organ-preserving remedies. This approach is particularly appropriate in the treatment of breast cancer, liver and lung cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer. In addition, oncological departments of Germany's best clinics have rehabilitation centres where the patient can undergo a recovery course after their therapy.
The best hospitals in Germany for cancer care:
- University Hospital Duesseldorf
- University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch
In particular, the HIPEC procedure is most successfully carried out by the following health care facilities:
- HELIOS Clinic Krefeld
- University Hospital Rechts der Isar Munich
- University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
Heart diseases
Cardiological and cardiac surgical hospitals in Germany use such techniques as coronary bypass, heart valve surgery, surgical treatment of heart tumors, and heart transplantation.
The best hospitals in Germany in the sphere of cardiology:
- University Hospital Rechts der Isar Munich
- The University Hospital Duesseldorf
- HELIOS Clinic for Heart Surgery Karlsruhe
Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Orthopedics
Neurological departments in most hospitals offer innovative treatment methods. They include multiple sclerosis therapy with modern drugs, which are based on monoclonal antibodies, and implantation of stimulants for the treatment of epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.
The departments of neurology also have rehabilitation centres for neurological diseases such as strokes, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and craniocerebral trauma.
The best hospitals in Germany in the sphere of neurology:
- University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- University Hospital Tuebingen
- Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin
The Centres of Orthopaedics and Traumatology in Germany treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system: joints, the spine, and muscles. Hospitals in Germany are some of the best in the world in the field of high-quality joint replacements. Here, technologies enable the endoprosthesis to last for at least 20 years. All interventions cause minimal trauma and enable the patient to return to a normal life quickly. The departments include centres of orthopedic rehabilitation, where the patient can restore joint function after a replacement.
The best hospitals in Germany are Park-Clinic Weissensee Berlin and the Hospital Neuwerk Moenchengladbach. These centers excel in minimally invasive procedures and complex spinal reconstructions, offering innovative treatment abroad for both chronic conditions and acute injuries. Their comprehensive approach includes advanced diagnostic imaging, cutting-edge surgical techniques, and specialized rehabilitation programs designed to ensure optimal recovery outcomes.
The best hospitals in Germany are the University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, followed by DRK Hospital Berlin Westend and Catholic Clinic Koblenz-Montabaur. These centers are renowned for their expertise in joint replacement surgery, sports medicine, and complex reconstructive procedures. Their advanced surgical techniques and comprehensive rehabilitation programs ensure optimal outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
The best hospitals in Germany in the field of orthopedics:
- Park-Clinic Weissensee Berlin
- University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Hospital Neuwerk Moenchengladbach
Neurosurgical hospitals in Germany are equipped with special systems that help surgeons navigate in the area they are operating, using a micro camera that transmits the image to a monitor in real-time. Robotic technologies enable neurosurgeons to minimize risks by avoiding inaccurate movements during surgeries.
The best general hospitals in the field of neurosurgery:
- University Hospital Rechts der Isar Munich
- Sana Hospital Duisburg
- University Hospital Muenster
Opthalmology
Modern health care trends emphasize the importance of specialized hospitals maintaining high standards across all aspects of treatment abroad. The University Hospital Rechts der Isar Munich leads among the best hospitals in Germany in the sphere of ophthalmology.
Under the leadership of Professor Peter Charbel Issa, their department has revolutionized treatments for various eye conditions and serves as the primary training center for ophthalmologists in Germany. Their expertise spans from routine eye care to complex surgical procedures, utilizing the latest technological advancements in optical medicine.
Urology and Nephrology
The best clinic in the field of urology in Germany is the University Hospital Munich (LMU), known for its comprehensive approach to urological conditions and pioneering work in minimally invasive surgical techniques. The department's expertise covers all aspects of urological care, from routine procedures to complex oncological cases, supported by state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities. They have established themselves as leaders in robotic surgery and innovative treatment approaches.
The Departments of Nephrology offer modern drugs to restore normal kidney function and also carry out renal replacement therapy, i.e., haemodialysis and haemofiltration. If necessary, a kidney transplant from a related or unrelated donor is performed, with both surgeons and transplantologists present. The best clinics in the field of the treatment of acute and chronic kidney pathologies are:
- University Hospital Rechts der Isar Munich
- University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- University Hospital Jena
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What Hospitals are there in Germany?
Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Bonn, Aachen, Frankfurt, and Cologne are included in the ranking of the cities with the highest standard of living. Therefore, when choosing a hospital in one of these cities, you will receive not only qualified medical care, but also an excellent ecological and social environment.
Before choosing the best clinic where you will be diagnosed, treated, or rehabilitated, it is important to know that German hospitals are divided into university, private, and municipal ones. The choice of a particular hospital is up to each individual and depends on your diagnosis and the type of treatment you require.
University Hospitals in Germany
University clinics in Germany operate as teaching hospitals and centers of medical excellence where renowned medical experts conduct groundbreaking research while treating patients. These institutions seamlessly integrate cutting-edge scientific discoveries with clinical practice, ensuring patients receive the most advanced treatments available.
The University Hospital Rechts der Isar Munich exemplifies this approach, combining 33 specialized departments with world-class research facilities. Similarly, the University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, as Germany's largest hospital, demonstrates how academic medicine delivers comprehensive medical care across all specialties.
Treatment at university hospitals typically costs more than standard facilities, but patients benefit significantly from being treated where medical breakthroughs occur. These institutions attract top medical talent globally and maintain the highest standards through continuous innovation and research.
University hospitals offer several distinct advantages for patients:
- Access to experimental treatments and clinical trials before they become widely available
- Multidisciplinary teams of specialists collaborating on complex cases
- Integration of the latest medical technologies and research findings into treatment plans
- Medical care from doctors who are both experienced clinicians and active researchers advancing medical science
- Treatment plans that incorporate the most current medical knowledge and techniques available worldwide
Private Hospitals in Germany
Private hospitals are the most common form of medical institutions used for treatment in Germany. Although they are not teaching hospitals, they have extensive practical expertise. As a rule, they are created by doctors of various specializations from university clinics. The cost of treatment in private hospitals is strictly regulated by the state and, as a rule, is lower than in university hospitals. Private hospitals often are the best clinics in their field.
The leading hospitals in Germany offer personalized medical care with shorter waiting times and enhanced comfort. For instance, the Schön Klinik network stands out for its specialized treatment programs, while the Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch combines private hospital comfort with university-level medical expertise. These institutions offer premium health care services with additional amenities and personalized attention to patient needs, creating an environment conducive to faster recovery and improved patient outcomes.
The advantage of undergoing treatment in a private clinic is that the patients feel more comfortable here because of the park-like setting and good service. For example, the Bavarian clinic Klinikum Alpenpark and the Munich clinic "Arabella" offer accommodation in an old mansion, with a park and a view of the mountains and the lake. Such conditions contribute not only to the physical but also the psychological recovery of patients. Reviews of the best clinics indicate that the patients feel very comfortable under the care of the staff.
Treatment in private clinics is more expensive than in public ones. However, you can save a lot if your diagnosis does not involve hospitalization, you can opt for outpatient treatment in a private clinic.
Municipal Hospitals in Germany
Municipal hospitals in Germany operate as part of city-wide healthcare networks, providing exceptional medical care that rivals the quality found in university hospitals. These public institutions serve as the backbone of Germany's healthcare system, ensuring accessible, high-quality medical care for all patients regardless of their financial situation.
These hospitals maintain the same rigorous standards as their university counterparts while often specializing in specific medical areas. Many municipal hospitals have developed particular expertise in emergency medicine, general surgery, internal medicine, and specialized medical care for the local population's needs.
A distinctive category within municipal hospitals includes clinics operated by religious communities. These faith-based medical institutions offer several unique advantages:
- Founded on altruistic principles with patient welfare as the primary focus
- Often better funded than standard municipal hospitals due to religious community support
- Highly specialized hospitals, creating centers of excellence in specific medical fields
- Emphasize holistic patient care, combining medical treatment with spiritual support
- Maintain strong community connections and personalized patient relationships
- Frequently invest in cutting-edge technology and staff training
Many hospitals, whether secular or faith-based, provide Germans and international patients with reliable, cost-effective healthcare while maintaining the country's renowned medical standards. Their integration within city networks ensures comprehensive care coordination and efficient resource utilization.
Organizing a Trip to Germany for Treatment
How to Start Treatment in Germany?
To apply for a medical visa to Germany (Schengen visa category C), you need to prepare a list of documents, including a receipt that indicates payment of treatment. The visa is issued, on average, within about 2 weeks. If you have an urgent case, the registration will be processed according to the accelerated program – within 3 days. For seriously ill patients, a visa can be obtained at a German airport.
Do I Need an Interpreter in German Clinics?
While many doctors in specialized hospitals speak English, having a professional medical interpreter is crucial for understanding complex diagnoses, treatment plans, and medical procedures. Medical terminology can be challenging even for those with good everyday German language skills.
A qualified medical interpreter ensures clear communication between you and your healthcare team, helps with documentation, and provides support during consultations and procedures. We provide all our clients with experienced medical interpreters who are familiar with both the German healthcare system and specific medical terminology in their native language.
How to get to the Hospitals in Germany from the Airport?
We will meet you at the airport and transfer you from the airport to the clinic. A personal medical coordinator will meet you and then be in touch with you at any time of the day that you require.
Where do the patient and the accompanying person stay whilst the treatment is carried out in Germany?
Many patients whose diagnosis requires hospitalization are admitted to the hospital ward. With outpatient treatments, you can stay next to the clinic. Our managers will help you find and book a hotel or apartment for you and/or the person accompanying you.
Cost of Treatment at Hospitals in Germany
Treatment in Germany is more expensive than in Russia and other post-Soviet countries, but it is much lower than in the US or Switzerland. Prices in German hospitals are justified by the quality of the equipment in the hospitals and the high levels of qualifications of the doctors and nurses. The cost of treatment is regulated at a legislative level.
How is the Cost Calculated and What Does it Depend On?
The cost of treatment in Germany can vary significantly depending on the chosen medical institution. The final cost is also influenced by the patient's diagnosis, the presence of any complications, concomitant diseases, and general physical condition. The qualifications of the treating physician also play a role in determining the cost.
| Hospital | Price |
|---|---|
| University Hospital Ulm | 12,810 EUR |
| University Hospital Duesseldorf | 13,665 EUR |
| PAN Clinic, Cologne | 13,054 EUR |
| University Hospital Würzburg | 11,673 EUR |
| University Hospital Jena | 13,648 EUR |
A professor's consultation at a university clinic can cost twice as much as a highly specialized doctor's consultation at a specialized hospital.
Can the Price of Treatment Change?
The price for treatment in the best hospitals is calculated in advance. However, there are cases when, during the process of the examination, there is a need for additional procedures or there are complications during treatment.
Booking Health provides patients with medical travel insurance, which covers additional expenses in case of any medical complications.
Advantages of Treatment in Germany
High-quality service, the latest methods of treatment, modern technology, first-class doctors, luxurious health resorts, and picturesque nature are the main advantages that make Germany the country to go for treatment.
The Commonwealth Fund's Mirror, Mirror 2024 report compares health systems across 10 developed nations, with Germany consistently ranking among the top performers in healthcare delivery, the best hospitals, and patient outcomes [5].
Climate and Geographical Location
Germany has a mild climate, acceptable for most medical tourists. There are no extremities, no severe heat or sub-zero temperatures here. The territorial location of the country is convenient for most residents of Europe and the countries of the former CIS.
Quality of Diagnosis and Treatment Quality in Germany
Germany is one of the leading countries providing high-quality medicine. Medicine is one of the major branches of the German economy. Thanks to fundamental medical research and scientific discoveries, as well as significant financing of the healthcare system, Germany is recognized as a recreational center.
About 250,000 medical tourists from all over the world undergo treatment in Germany each year. The accuracy of diagnosis in German clinics exceeds 99.8%. Also, a comprehensive diagnosis in a German clinic can be done in just 3 days.
Technical Equipment in Specialized Hospitals
Medical equipment in German hospitals is updated once every year or two, due to the rapid pace of modernization in medical equipment.
In this country, there are the best instrumental diagnostic devices, there are robotic complexes for complex operations, and state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment for fitness:
- High-precision MRI devices of the latest model, with a power of 3 Tesla
- A round-the-clock monitoring system of a patient's condition
- Robot-surgeon Da Vinci for performing operations of extremely high accuracy
- Robot ROSA for minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures on the brain
- System of neuronavigation for endoscopic interventions
- Auxiliary equipment for patients in serious conditions (devices for life support, air conditioning system with filters for absolute sterility of wards, beds with a lifting mechanism, etc.)
- Rehabilitation exoskeletons, which enable walking for people who use a wheelchair (the exoskeleton works using human nerve impulses, which the suit transforms into movements)
- Gadgets for the restoration of intellectual abilities of neurological patients
- Robotic simulators for the restoration of motor functions
Service in Specialized Hospitals
German hospitals perform all procedures in one place – patients do not need to spend a lot of time looking for the correct room. There may be long queues when requesting the skills of German specialists, but the schedule of procedures is drawn up in advance, so there is no need to wait in line once you have booked your treatment.
Treatment in Germany is always carried out according to an individual patient’s personal plan. Foreign patients are accompanied by an interpreter and a personal coordinator.
Booking Health Service
A patient from any country can undergo examination, treatment, or rehabilitation in leading hospitals of Germany with the help of Booking Health. Booking Health is an international medical tourism operator. The company has direct contracts with large university hospitals and private healthcare institutions. On the Booking Health website, you can find reliable information about specialized hospitals, doctors, and medical services, as well as book the medical program that is appropriate for you.
Booking Health takes care of all organizational issues:
- We select the right medical program for you
- We analyse and translate your medical history
- We book your treatment at the best hospitals in Germany
- We book flight tickets and a hotel room for you
- We provide you with a personal coordinator and an interpreter
- If necessary, we organize additional consultations in specialized hospitals
- We ensure you are charged the correct cost of treatment
- We ensure you receive your medical tour in the top hospital
Every Patient Has a Story: Booking Health Treatment Journeys that Inspire
Frequently asked questions of our patients
Request Medical ConsultationBerlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt lead Germany's healthcare sector with world-class medical facilities. Berlin hosts several university top hospitals, while Munich features renowned institutions like the University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University. Each city offers specialized hospitals of excellence across different medical fields.
Germany's healthcare system features multiple world-class institutions rather than a single best clinic. The University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, as Germany's largest hospital, and the University Hospital Rechts der Isar Munich both consistently rank among Europe's leading hospitals through their exceptional patient care, groundbreaking research, and comprehensive medical services.
Germany ranks among the world's top medical destinations, with diagnostic accuracy exceeding 99.8%. The country combines cutting-edge technology with highly skilled medical professionals, particularly excelling in oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, and neurosurgery treatments.
German top hospitals are well-equipped to serve patients from around the world, with extensive experience treating over 250,000 international patients annually. Through Booking Health, international patients receive comprehensive support and personal medical coordination throughout their stay.
Treatment costs in Germany are lower than in the US or Switzerland but higher than in Eastern European countries. Prices are government-regulated and vary based on the treatment type and hospital choice.
Citizens of EU countries, Switzerland, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and Israel can receive medical treatment without a visa. Other non-EU patients require a medical visa (Schengen category C).
Specialized hospitals excel in oncology (including dendritic cell vaccination and chemoembolization), cardiac procedures, orthopedic surgeries, and neurosurgical interventions, all supported by cutting-edge diagnostic technology.
Use this ranking to choose the best treatment location for you and enjoy a speedy recovery in the comfort and care of a state-of-the-art German clinic!
Authors:
This article was edited by medical experts, board-certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, and Dr. Bohdan Mykhalniuk. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Our editorial policy, which details our commitment to accuracy and transparency, is available here. Click this link to review our policies.
Sources:
[1] NCHstats. What Makes a German Hospitals the Global Benchmark for Advanced Healthcare. https://nchstats.com/german-hospital-advanced-healthcare/
[2] PubMed Central. Population-Based Clinical Cancer Registration in Germany. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10416989/
[3] PubMed Central. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer diagnoses, oncological care and cancer patients in Germany: a report from the “COVID & Cancer” workshop 2023 of the German Society for Epidemiology (DGEpi). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11549193/
[4] FREOPP. Germany: #4 in the 2022 World Index of Healthcare Innovation. https://freopp.org/germany-4-in-the-2022-world-index-of-healthcare-innovation/
[5] GHS Index. 2021 GHS Index Country Profile for Germany. https://ghsindex.org/country/germany/
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