Question · House call at night Berlin
Does a doctor also come at night in Berlin?
Short answer: for "Does a doctor also come at night in Berlin?", RAB Arztbesuche sends a licensed physician on a private home visit anywhere in Berlin — daily from 6 am to midnight, usually within 60 to 90 minutes.
Yes, a private house call is available at night in Berlin — typical arrival 60 to 90 minutes. For life-threatening symptoms always call 112 immediately. For statutorily insured patients without life-threat, the free 116117 service is the night-time alternative.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Short answer
Yes, a private house call is available at night in Berlin — typical arrival 60 to 90 minutes. For life-threatening symptoms always call 112 immediately. For statutorily insured patients without life-threat, the free 116117 service is the night-time alternative.
How night-time house calls in Berlin work
Berlin has a functioning on-call medical service around the clock — including at night. Three paths exist: 112 for life-threatening emergencies (ambulance, emergency physician, typically arriving in 8 to 15 minutes), 116117 for statutorily insured patients with urgent but non-life-threatening complaints (Berlin wait times often several hours, but free), and the private on-call house-call service for anyone needing faster help than 116117 or who is privately insured. RAB Arztbesuche Berlin accepts night-time bookings up to midnight; in justified emergencies after midnight we coordinate care via cooperating out-of-hours practices or refer to the nearest suitable hospital.
Typical night-time arrival for a private house call in Berlin is 60 to 90 minutes, often faster than during the day because traffic is significantly lighter. Inside the S-Bahn ring 50 to 75 minutes is realistic; in outer districts (Spandau, Köpenick, Zehlendorf, Reinickendorf) 70 to 90 minutes. We give a concrete window on the phone and call back if the arrival is unexpectedly delayed. Clinically nothing changes at night: history, examination, ECG if needed, rapid tests, diagnosis, prescription, sick-note, hospital referral. The doctor brings a mobile practice with all necessary devices and drugs.
Important: a night-time house call under GOÄ includes an out-of-hours surcharge. Typical totals for a night consultation lie between roughly 280 and 420 euros — depending on the complaint, on-site diagnostics and travel fee. With a standard full PKV policy this is usually reimbursed in full. Self-payers carry the bill themselves but can deduct it as an exceptional medical expense on their tax return. And once more clearly: for suspected heart attack, stroke, breathing failure, unconsciousness, seizure or severe bleeding — including at night and including when there is 'only' a vague worry — always call 112 immediately. A night-time house call complements the emergency service, it does not replace it.
Example: high fever at 2 am
A 38-year-old man in Friedrichshain develops 40.2 °C fever with shivering, headache and severe malaise at 1:30 am. He is privately insured. Call at 2:00 am — the doctor arrives at 3:15 am, measures and examines, rules out sepsis and meningitis clinically, runs an influenza rapid test (positive) and prescribes antipyretic measures, antiviral therapy and detailed self-monitoring instructions with clear escalation criteria. Invoice 360 euros including night surcharge, full PKV reimbursement.
What works at night in Berlin — and what does not
- Private on-call service: typically 6 am to midnight, with justified after-midnight coordination available.
- Night-time arrival: 60 – 90 minutes typical; inner-city often 50 – 75 minutes.
- GOÄ night surcharge: statutory, transparently itemised on the bill.
- Typical totals at night: 280 – 420 euros; full PKV policy usually reimburses in full.
- 116117 as free alternative for GKV patients — Berlin night-time wait often several hours.
- Berlin on-call pharmacy: 24/7, rotating location — look up at www.akberlin.de.
- Sick-note and prescription issued on site — legally valid at night too.
- For life-threatening situations: always 112, never the private on-call service.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Until when do you accept night-time bookings?
Regular bookings until midnight. For justified emergencies after midnight we coordinate suitable care — via cooperating out-of-hours practices or by clear guidance to 112.
What is the GOÄ night surcharge?
A line item defined in the German fee schedule for services between 8 pm and 8 am — the legislator acknowledges the extra effort and personal availability of physicians.
Does a night house call always cost more?
Yes. The night surcharge is typically 40 to 80 euros above the daytime value, depending on the complaint and applied GOÄ factors.