How much does a self-paying doctor’s visit cost?

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Lerato Khumalo

If the health insurance company does not cover therapy, treatment or examination, the patient pays out of their own pocket. For those with statutory insurance, the question arises as to how much a doctor’s visit costs if they pay for it themselves.

People with private insurance pay for medical bills in advance and get the money back. If a service is used as a self-payer, the patient bears the costs in full.

This usually occurs with services that are not part of regular medical treatment. The doctor cannot bill the health insurance company and bills you directly. Doctors most often bill patients directly when they:

The costs for a self-payer service depend on the fee schedule for doctors. All services are listed in a catalog. Every doctor must adhere to the prices. He is obliged to send you an invoice showing all items. Remember to conclude a treatment contract for the desired procedure in advance.

A consultation with your family doctor costs between 30 and 70 euros, depending on the fee schedule, the duration of the consultation and any examinations.

In principle, doctor’s visits are ultimately free for those with private insurance. The private health insurance company will then reimburse the services as soon as the invoice has been submitted and checked.

If you have statutory insurance, your health insurance will cover the costs of necessary treatments. If you want special examinations or therapies for which no costs have been covered, you will have to pay for them yourself. As a person with statutory insurance, you can also visit a private practice and use the corresponding services. The doctor will conclude the treatment contract directly with you and bill you accordingly. Ask for a cost overview in advance to find out the exact prices for the treatments.

Tip: It can also be worthwhile to contact your statutory health insurance provider in advance for urgent treatment, such as a dermatologist. If you can prove that you cannot get an appointment in a timely manner as a person with statutory insurance, the statutory health insurance provider may agree to cover the costs of treatment at a practice for privately insured people or self-payers.