A referral (Überweisung) is a document from a doctor that directs a patient to a specialist. With Private health insurance (PKV), whether a referral is required depends on the plan, and the requirement is listed in the full coverage table in your Feather account. A referral is valid for 6 months and can be reused for follow-up visits for the same condition. Referrals are usually issued by a general practitioner, and a referral issued outside Germany can also be used. Seeing a specialist without a required referral can mean only part of the specialist's fees are reimbursed.
What is a referral for a specialist visit in Germany?
A referral is a document issued by a doctor that directs you to the appropriate specialist for your treatment. In Germany the standard referral is called an "Überweisung." Referrals confirm that the specialist treatment is medically necessary.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist with Private health insurance?
Whether a referral is required depends on your Private health insurance (PKV) plan. The referral requirement for specialist visits is listed in the full coverage table in your Feather account. If your plan requires a referral, obtain one from a general practitioner before the specialist appointment.
What happens if I see a specialist without a required referral?
If your Private health insurance (PKV) plan requires a referral and you attend the specialist appointment without one, only part of the specialist's fees may be reimbursed. Getting the referral before the appointment avoids a reduced reimbursement.
How long is a referral valid and can I use it more than once?
A referral is valid for 6 months. Within that period it can be reused for follow-up visits relating to the same condition, so a new document is not needed for each appointment. If a referral has expired, you can request a new one from your general practitioner without booking an appointment.
Which doctors can issue a referral?
Any doctor can issue a referral for their patient. In most cases the referral comes from a general practitioner (Hausarzt) who refers you to a specialist. A specialist can also refer you on to another specialist when your treatment requires a different field of medicine.
Can I use a referral issued outside Germany?
A referral issued by a doctor outside Germany can be used with Private health insurance (PKV). The document may look different from a German Überweisung, and a different format does not make it invalid. Private health insurance (PKV) covers treatment worldwide, so reimbursement follows the coverage of your plan and is based on what the same treatment would cost in Germany. For planned treatment that is not urgent, we recommend submitting a cost plan before the treatment starts.