Trade-fair or congress attendee ill in Berlin

Trade fair in Berlin — and the exhibitor is in bed with a fever

A week of IFA, three days of ITB, four days of Fruit Logistica — Berlin fairs are intense. Exhibitors arrive the day before, build the booth, spend eight to twelve hours in conversations, eat irregularly, sleep little. Speakers at the CityCube, the bcc, the Estrel or the Maritim have a fixed slot and no buffer. Waking up with a fever, sore throat, gastroenteritis or lumbago in this situation requires a medical decision within hours — not tomorrow. We deliver exactly that.

From daily experience we know what fair and congress weeks produce clinically: acute respiratory infections (often with streptococcal involvement, given crowded halls and international contacts), gastroenteritis after catering or restaurant dinners, migraine after short nights and noise, hypertensive crises in pre-existing patients, vocal-cord issues in speakers, lumbago after booth construction. We carry the diagnostics that match — rapid tests, ECG, pulse oximeter, otoscope, inhaler, IV equipment and first-line medications.

Typical reasons on fair and congress days

Febrile respiratory infections at 38.5 to 40 °C in the middle of fair week, streptococcal angina after three days of booth conversations, gastroenteritis after a buffet opening night, migraine with vomiting before a keynote, acute bronchitis in speakers, voice loss in trade-show staff, hypertensive crisis in the CEO, lumbago after build-up, allergic reactions to catering, syncope from dehydration and sleep deprivation. We see the full spectrum — and treat it on site.

Certificates that employers and organisers accept

Exhibitors often need several documents: a sick note for their own employer, a certificate for the booth crew or replacement colleague, and an attestation for the organiser if a talk is cancelled. Speakers need a certificate clearly stating inability to deliver. International attendees need an English translation. We issue all required documents in one go — with diagnosis, date, medical justification and stamp. Bilingual on request.

How a visit during a fair or congress works

You call. We record symptoms, hotel, fair or congress, planned talk or booth slot, and language. With a tight window we prioritise. The physician calls before arrival. On site: thorough examination, targeted rapid tests, clinical assessment. We treat the acute presentation — first-dose antibiotic for streptococcus, IM triptan for migraine with vomiting, short infusion for dehydration, analgesia for lumbago.

You receive prescription, sick note, certificate for employer and organiser, and the GOÄ invoice. A clear recommendation: can I return to the booth tomorrow or not? For pressing need with a treatable picture (e.g. a migraine resolving after 2 hours) we can often save the slot. With streptococcal angina or high fever we consistently advise against returning — in the patient's interest and in the interest of booth colleagues.

Billing via GOÄ, employer and travel-expense desk

All services are billed under the GOÄ via our Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle. Typical cost EUR 240 to 400 depending on time of day and diagnostic scope. PKV reimburses in full. Self-paying exhibitors and speakers usually submit the invoice through their company — we itemise by GOÄ code, with English translation of the diagnosis on request.

For international attendees, travel insurance and corporate travel policies usually reimburse fully. We can speak directly with the assistance provider if needed. For life-threatening emergencies: 112. For low-threshold advice outside our hours: 116117.