Language for hospital admission, examinations, discharge, and rehabilitation after surgery or serious illness.
On hospital admission you need your insurance card and usually a referral from your GP. Without a referral you may have to pay a contribution.
Rehabilitation after a hospital stay is not automatic. Contact the social services team in the hospital — they help with the application to the health or pension insurer.
In hospital things move fast. Write your questions down before the doctor visit so you do not forget anything and can better understand the answers.
You are at reception and being admitted.
Hello, I was referred by my GP. Here is my insurance card.
What happens next, and when will I be examined?
You want to understand the diagnosis and next step.
Could you please explain what the examination showed and what happens now?
How much longer do I have to stay in hospital?
You want to know whether rehabilitation is possible.
Is rehabilitation possible after discharge, and who takes care of the application?
Will the health insurer cover the costs?
Bring your insurance card, your ID, and a referral from your doctor. If you take regular medication, bring the list or the packaging.
Say: When can I expect to be discharged? This question is direct and clearly understood by nursing staff.
Contact the hospital social services team: I would like to apply for rehabilitation. Can you help me? They then guide you through the application process.