When should you call your GP or GP out-of-hours service?

Check whether you really need care

Are you suddenly experiencing symptoms? First ask yourself: how serious is it? You can also consult with someone or check the websites ‘Should I see a doctor?‘ and Home Doctor consult. These platforms, created by general practitioners and medical specialists, provide reliable and accessible information about health and illness.

I require care

Do you think you really need medical care? First, decide whether your question can wait until the morning or after the weekend. If so, you can go to your own GP. They know you and can schedule an appointment at the practice if necessary. You can also schedule an appointment online or ask your GP your question online (via an e-consultation).

When should you call your GP?

• During office hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on working days)
• For complaints that are not urgent
• For questions about medication, results or a follow-up appointment

I require immediate medical attention.

Can your complaint not wait until the next day or after the weekend? Then call the GP surgery. They will advise you and tell you whether you need to come in. Examples include situations where your child is unable to urinate properly, is unresponsive and has a high fever, or when you yourself are very short of breath and have difficulty walking or talking. These are symptoms that arise suddenly, worsen quickly or cause severe pain.

In serious, life-threatening situations, call immediately. 112. This national emergency number is for urgent medical assistance when every second counts. If necessary, an ambulance will be dispatched to you promptly.

When do you call the GP surgery?

• For urgent medical assistance in the evening, at night and at weekends
• Only if your complaint cannot wait until the next working day
• You always call first before visiting.

When should you not call the GP out-of-hours service?

Do you have bothersome symptoms, but are they not urgent? Then you are not eligible for an appointment at the GP Out-of-Hours Service. Examples include an infected toenail or a blocked ear. These types of symptoms can be annoying, but can wait until your own GP's consultation hours. Repeat prescriptions for medicines that are not urgently needed are also not issued at the GP Out-of-Hours Service.

What does healthcare cost?

Many people do not know exactly how much healthcare costs. That is why we explain it briefly below. The care provided by your general practitioner is covered by basic insurance. You do not pay any excess or personal contribution for this. If additional tests or procedures (such as blood tests, X-rays or ultrasounds) need to be carried out, these will be deducted from your excess.

The situation is different for care outside the GP practice. Care in hospital, such as the emergency department or ambulance, is subject to your excess and you pay part of the cost yourself. Here are a few examples:

• A telephone consultation with the GP service is free of charge for you, but in reality costs around €35.
• A consultation at the GP out-of-hours service is also free for you, but costs the health insurer approximately £206.
• A visit to the hospital's emergency department (ED) will cost you your excess (usually €385). The actual costs are often at least €385 or higher.
• A journey by ambulance is also deducted from your excess (maximum €385), while the average cost of this care is around €700.

By being mindful about healthcare and knowing where to go, you can help keep healthcare accessible and affordable.