Germany reforms emergency care: 112 and 116117 will be digitally connected
The reform affects people seeking urgent medical help in Germany. The Bundestag has approved the reorganisation of emergency care, but the legislative process and practical implementation are not yet complete; existing procedures and structures continue until the new provisions enter into force.
Approved by the Bundestag on 15 October 2026 · not yet fully applicable
Changes to 112 and 116117
- 112 remains the number for life-threatening emergencies or serious health problems.
- 116117 will be expanded as an acute-care coordination service offering assessment by telephone or video and, where needed, care at home.
- The two control centres will be digitally linked so that the case and information already provided can be transferred to the appropriate service.
Integrated centres and emergency rescue
Selected hospitals will have integrated emergency centres with a shared initial assessment for the emergency department and the out-of-hours medical service. Medical emergency rescue will become a benefit in kind under statutory health insurance, covering assessment, care at the scene and necessary transport; this is intended to prevent insured patients from bearing the cost risk of a dispute between the rescue service and their health insurer.
When the changes apply
The Bundestag approved the law on 15 October 2026, but it had not yet been promulgated or fully implemented. The main provisions are intended to enter into force after promulgation, with other elements phased in during 2027 and 2028. Until local implementation, continue to use 112 for life-threatening emergencies and 116117 for urgent medical problems that are not life-threatening.
Source published:
General information as of publication. Individual circumstances and the responsible institution’s rules may require additional documents or steps.