Public or private medical care? What are the differences? If you are covered by health insurance or are entitled to medical benefits, you can receive free health care at those clinics, dispensaries and hospitals that have a contract with the National Health Fund.

You can easily recognize them, as they are marked by a prominent plaque with a dark blue National Health Fund logo.

In addition, doctors whose activities are not paid for by a contract with the National Health Service may also receive patients at the same clinic. Such a visit and the tests ordered by the doctor must be paid by the patient. The price list is then most often posted on the website and in a place near the reception desk. The scope of the facility's offer, which is covered by the National Health Fund, and the one that must be paid for independently, is also specified there.

In addition to places that provide public or hybrid services, there are also fully private facilities. To make sure whether you have to pay for a visit and what the cost is, it is worth asking already when you sign up for an appointment. You can also ask if any referrals and prescriptions, as well as ordered tests, should be covered privately.