It can be very stressful to have to deal with things like doctors, hospitals, illnesses, waiting rooms, and the like. Unfortunately, it is a fact of life that people need to see doctors regularly. To make it easier on yourself, it is ideal to find a doctor who speaks your language. The trouble is, when you have moved to another country where you do not speak the language, where do you even begin to search for a doctor?
Embassy List
One of the many benefits of the United States Embassy is the wealth of assistance and information they can provide to those who are living abroad.The United States Embassy in Germany has posted, and occasionally updates, a list of English-speaking doctors to their website. From this page, you can find a variety of lists of English-speaking services in every general region in Germany. Here is the link to the list of doctors in the Munich area who speak English.
Insurance Provider Lists
If you happen to have private insurance, then you should have access to a list of doctors in your area. Simply go onto your insurance providerโs website and there should be a section for finding a doctor covered by your insurance in your area. The only problem there is that not many insurance providersโ websites will designate which doctors speak English. In this instance, you may have to find out the old fashioned way. Once you access the list itself, you should just start calling the various doctors on the list and asking who in the office speaks English. It may take a little bit of extra work on your part, but you will eventually find an office with a doctor or nurse who is able to speak English so that you are able to understand what is going on at your doctor appointments.
Word of Mouth
One of the classic ways of getting recommendations is through word of mouth. Once you are in Germany, you have access to neighbors, coworkers, and friends who can direct you to the doctors and services that they have been through. In this case you get to benefit from someone elseโs legwork. There are also a few online forums designed specifically for expatriates who live in Germany, and a plethora of answers are just a short internet search away. However, it is usually the recommendations from people you know that are the most trusted, so be cautious when searching the internet for answers, suggestions, or advice from complete strangers.
University Clinic
The University clinics typically offer outpatient services, and many of their doctors are able to speak English. If you happen to be near the Medical Center of the University of Munich, then you have the option of looking there for a doctor, or for recommendations. Here is a link to their website, though the website itself is not in English, unfortunately.
Going to the doctor may not be a fun process, but hopefully it can be an easy one. With just a bit of research and asking around, you can find the kind of doctor you are looking for.