US citizens can travel to Germany for up to 90 days without a visa. Direct flights from major US cities to Munich take 8–11 hours. Klinik St. Georg in Bad Aibling is approximately one hour from Munich Airport. Treatment programs typically last 2–3 weeks. The hospital provides English-language support throughout your stay and will coordinate with your US physician for follow-up care.
Getting to Germany
Travel from the United States to Bad Aibling, Bavaria is more straightforward than many patients expect. Here is what you need to know.
Visa and entry requirements
US citizens do not need a visa to enter Germany. Under the Schengen Agreement, Americans can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. No special medical visa is required.
Flights to Munich
Direct flights from major US cities
- New York (JFK/EWR) — 8–9 hours direct. Lufthansa, United, Delta.
- Los Angeles (LAX) — 11–12 hours direct. Lufthansa.
- Chicago (ORD) — 9–10 hours direct. Lufthansa, United.
- San Francisco (SFO) — 11 hours direct. Lufthansa.
- Washington (IAD) — 8–9 hours direct. United, Lufthansa.
- Miami (MIA) — 10 hours direct. Lufthansa.
- Other cities — connecting flights via Frankfurt or other European hubs add 2–4 hours.
Typical round-trip fare: $600–$1,500 depending on airline, season, and booking lead time.
Munich to Bad Aibling
From Munich Airport (MUC), Bad Aibling is approximately 80 km southeast, in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps. The journey takes about one hour by car or taxi. The hospital can arrange airport pickup, or you can take the train from Munich to Bad Aibling station (approximately 1 hour, with a connection in Rosenheim).
Timezone considerations
Germany is 6 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (ET), 9 hours ahead of US Pacific Time (PT). Most patients adjust within 2–3 days. We recommend arriving a day before your scheduled program start to recover from jet lag. Your treatment schedule will account for your arrival day.
Accommodation
During your treatment program, you will stay as an inpatient at the hospital. If you are traveling with a companion, there are comfortable accommodation options nearby.
Options for companions
- Hotels in Bad Aibling — several comfortable hotels within walking distance of the hospital. Rates typically €60–€120 per night.
- Vacation apartments — furnished apartments available for multi-week stays, often more affordable than hotels for longer periods.
- Bad Aibling itself — a charming Bavarian spa town with restaurants, shops, and easy access to the Alps. Companions will not feel isolated during your treatment.
Our international patient coordinator can help arrange companion accommodation before your arrival.
Cost expectations
We believe in financial transparency. Here is an honest overview of what US patients should budget for treatment in Germany.
| Expense | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Treatment program | €15,000–€30,000 (2–3 week comprehensive program including diagnostics, hyperthermia, integrative therapies, medications, and monitoring) |
| Round-trip flight | $600–$1,500 from major US cities to Munich |
| Companion accommodation | €1,200–€2,500 for 2–3 weeks (hotel or apartment) |
| Local expenses | €500–€1,000 (meals for companion, local transport, incidentals) |
| Total estimated budget | €18,000–€35,000 (approximately $19,500–$38,000 USD at current exchange rates) |
Insurance and payment
Most US health insurance plans do not cover medical treatment abroad. However, there are several avenues worth exploring.
Standard US health insurance
Traditional employer-based and ACA marketplace plans generally do not cover treatment outside the US. Check your specific policy, as some plans have international emergency coverage (though this typically applies to emergencies, not planned treatment).
International health insurance
Some international or global health insurance policies provide broader geographic coverage. If you have international health insurance, check whether planned medical treatment abroad is covered and what pre-authorization requirements apply.
Reimbursement documentation
Klinik St. Georg provides comprehensive medical documentation in English for insurance reimbursement purposes, including detailed treatment records, diagnostic reports, and itemized cost breakdowns. Some patients have successfully obtained partial reimbursement from US insurers with this documentation.
Payment structure
Payment arrangements are discussed after your initial consultation. The hospital accepts bank transfers and major credit cards. A deposit is typically required to secure your treatment dates, with the balance due during treatment.
HSA and FSA
Medical treatment abroad may qualify as a deductible medical expense for US tax purposes. Consult with a tax professional about whether treatment costs, travel expenses, and companion costs may be deductible under your specific circumstances.
What to tell your US doctor
Coordinating with your physician at home is important for continuity of care. Here is how to approach the conversation.
Before you travel
- Let your doctor know you are considering treatment in Germany for chronic Lyme disease
- Request copies of your complete medical records, test results, and treatment history to bring with you
- Ask your doctor if they are willing to coordinate with an international medical team on post-treatment follow-up
- Be prepared that some physicians may be unfamiliar with or skeptical of hyperthermia treatment—this does not mean you should not pursue it, but an open conversation is healthier than secrecy
After you return
- You will receive a comprehensive discharge summary in English detailing your diagnosis, treatment protocol, and follow-up recommendations
- Klinik St. Georg's medical team will coordinate directly with your US physician if both parties consent
- Remote follow-up consultations with your German medical team are available via video call
- Follow-up testing and monitoring can typically be arranged through your US physician based on the German team's recommendations
Your timeline: from inquiry to treatment
Here is what the process typically looks like for a US patient, from first contact to treatment completion.
What to bring
Essential documents
- Valid US passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay)
- Complete medical records and test results (digital copies preferred)
- Current medication list with dosages
- Insurance documentation (if applicable)
- Emergency contact information
- Printed confirmation of your treatment schedule
Practical items
- Comfortable clothing for a hospital stay (the facility is modern and comfortable)
- Power adapter (Germany uses Type C/F outlets; US devices need a European adapter)
- Laptop, tablet, or e-reader for downtime between sessions
- Your own pillow or comfort items if that helps you feel at home
- Prescriptions for any current medications (bring enough supply for your entire trip)
- Light layers—Bavaria can be cool even in summer