Comparison · Private doctor vs. statutory on-call
rab vs 116117 on-call service
rab vs 116117 on-call service is a care-pathway comparison that shows when RAB Arztbesuche's private medical home visit in Berlin is the faster alternative — with a licensed physician daily from 6 am to midnight.
116117 is Germany's statutory on-call medical service — free for those on public insurance, but often heavily loaded on Berlin weekends. The rab on-call service is the private alternative for self-pay patients and privately insured guests who need a short waiting time, a specialist on site and calm instead of a phone queue.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Two systems, two roles
116117 is the central number of Germany's statutory on-call service. It covers ambulatory care for publicly insured patients when family practices are closed — nights, weekends and holidays. The system handles large volumes, which means waiting times can rise sharply during flu waves, weekends and in Berlin's outer districts.
The rab on-call service fills a different gap: it serves private patients, self-pay guests, hotel residents and business travellers who want a planned visit in their own setting. The doctor arrives in a fixed time window, treatment is billed under GOÄ and a board-certified specialist always attends — no rotation, no medical students, no paramedic assistants.
Honestly compared — both have a place
116117 is a core pillar of Berlin's out-of-hours care and the right first call for many statutory-insured patients. rab is not a replacement for that public system but a private complement for people who need a fast, calm, English-capable house-call. Both paths lead to medical care — they only differ in time, cost and patience required.
Emergency? Dial the emergency number
If unconscious, with severe chest pain, breathlessness or heavy bleeding, dial 112 immediately. Our service complements the emergency services — it does not replace them.
Comparison
| Aspect | rab Berlin | 116117 (statutory on-call service) |
|---|---|---|
| Response time in Berlin | typically 60–90 min. on site, often quicker in the evening | 1–6 hours, much longer on weekends |
| Cost | Private GOÄ billing, around €150–350 per visit | Free for those on statutory insurance |
| Who attends | Specialist expertise, named in advance | Rotating on-call doctor, not known in advance |
| Languages | German, English, further languages in the team | Mostly German |
| Availability | Daily 6 am – midnight, 365 days | Only outside regular practice hours |
| Patient group | Private patients, self-pay, hotel guests | All insured, with focus on statutory cover |
| Booking & process | Direct call, fixed appointment window | Phone triage, then dispatch |
When rab is the better choice
- You need a predictable arrival time and a fixed appointment window
- English-language treatment in the hotel or apartment is essential
- You are privately insured or pay for the visit yourself
- You want a specialist — not a rotating on-call doctor
- Discretion and a calm setting matter (hotel, embassy, private residence)
When 116117 is the right entry point
- You are on statutory insurance and can wait for an available slot
- Symptoms are clearly bounded and not time-critical
- You want to use the free service your statutory insurer provides
- You only need a phone triage during the night
Frequently asked questions
Can I book rab if I'm on statutory insurance?
Yes — as a self-pay patient. The invoice follows GOÄ rates; statutory insurers usually do not reimburse private house-calls. Some supplementary private policies do cover part of the cost.
How long do you actually wait for 116117 in Berlin?
Reported waits vary widely — from one to six hours, depending on weekday, time of day and load. Flu weekends regularly produce longer waits. 116117 itself does not publish guaranteed times.
Is rab more expensive because it's faster?
rab is billed privately under GOÄ — typically €150–350 per house-call depending on time of day, examinations and travel. The speed comes from the dispatch model, not from a separate premium.
When should I call 112 instead of rab or 116117?
For unconsciousness, severe chest pain, acute breathlessness, serious injury, heavy bleeding or signs of stroke — always 112. rab and 116117 are both ambulatory services, not emergency response.