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When you go to the paediatric emergency department (Kinder-Notaufnahme) in Germany with your child, the top priority is medical care, not paperwork. However, having certain basic documents with you can speed up registration, diagnosis and follow-up treatment.
Here is what you should bring if possible:
What you should always bring – if you can
| Document / Item | Why is it important? |
|---|---|
| Child’s health insurance card (Versichertenkarte) | For registration and billing of treatment costs |
| Yellow check-up booklet (Gelbes Heft) | Contains previous U-check-ups and the child’s medical history |
| Vaccination booklet (Impfpass) | Shows which vaccinations are up to date or missing |
| List of current or long-term medications | Helps avoid drug interactions or allergic reactions |
| Contact details of the child’s paediatrician | For sending reports and discharge letters afterwards |
| Summary from GP or older medical reports | Especially important in chronic illness or severe allergies |
In severe emergencies
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Never delay going to the emergency department just to fetch documents.
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The child will always be treated first.
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The hospital can later ask you to present the insurance card and additional details.
Practical tips before going
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Keep digital photos of key documents (insurance card, vaccination booklet, yellow booklet) on your phone.
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If only one parent goes:
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Take your ID document with you,
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and, if relevant, proof of custody, especially when your family names are different.
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If your child has a severe allergy or a weakened immune system, inform the medical staff immediately.
When should you go to a children’s emergency department?
Examples of situations that require emergency care:
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Very high fever that does not go down
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Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or bluish colour of lips/face
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Seizures, especially a first-time seizure
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Head injuries or falls from height
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Deep cuts or bleeding that will not stop
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Suspected poisoning or swallowing dangerous substances
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Sudden rash with fever or swelling and clear deterioration of general condition
Editorial note:
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on careful research and multiple sources. However, mistakes or incomplete details cannot be ruled out. Please regard this article as a first orientation and always contact paediatricians, the medical on-call service and the relevant authorities for binding information.
