What is new?
Hospitals will host integrated emergency centres, including separate ones for children and young people. On arrival, medical staff decide who needs the emergency department and who is better treated in a practice. The 116117 number is split into an appointment service and an acute care line that is meant to be reachable around the clock. Emergency call centres (112) and acute care lines will be connected digitally. Emergency rescue also becomes an explicit benefit of statutory health insurance.
Who is affected?
Everyone in Germany. The familiar numbers stay: 112 in an emergency, 116117 for urgent problems outside practice hours.
What should you do?
Nothing changes for you right now. In an emergency still call 112, and for urgent cases outside opening hours call 116117. If an integrated emergency centre opens near you, you will be informed locally.
When does it apply?
The Bundestag passed the law on 15 October 2026. The Bundesrat still has to approve it; the rollout then happens step by step over several years.
Related guide
MeaNext summarizes official information clearly. This is not legal advice. Always check the linked official source for important decisions.
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