What happens if you suddenly cannot decide for yourself while living in Germany? A Living Will and Health Care Proxy are crucial – but they only work if they can be found in an emergency. Especially for expats, whose families might be far away, the Premium Emergency Service of the Deutsche Vorsorgedatenbank (DVDB) ensures that German doctors and clinics have immediate access to your documents – 24/7, worldwide.

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The Story of James: When an Emergency Leaves No Time for Searching

James, a 45-year-old software engineer from the UK living in Rheine, had actually done everything right. He had a Living Will and a Health Care Proxy drafted. These were kept safely in a folder in his home office. Then the unpredictable happened: a serious accident during a weekend bike tour. James was unconscious and needed immediate surgery.

In the hospital, no one knew his wishes. His partner, also an expat, was in such shock that she couldn't immediately find the documents at home. Moreover, his family back in Manchester couldn't be reached instantly. The German doctors had to make critical decisions without knowing what James would have actually wanted – or whom he had authorized to speak for him.

"I wish I had the emergency service back then," James says today. "A simple card in my wallet would have given the doctors instant access to my documents and my family's contact details." This story shows: provision is only effective if it is instantly accessible. This is exactly where the German Emergency Database comes in.

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Why the German Emergency Database?

The DVDB offers a professional system to ensure your wishes are followed, no matter where you are or where your family is. Key features include:

24/7 Availability: Worldwide access to your documents for doctors and clinics – around the clock.
Emergency Card: A life-saving companion in your wallet with a unique ID for instant retrieval.
Relief for Relatives: Professional support and coordination with doctors and authorities, bridging the distance to your family.
Legal Security: Regular reviews and automatic updates of your documents in case of changes in German law.
Official Registration: Notification to the Central Register of Wills (ZVR) of the German Federal Chamber of Notaries.
Highest Data Security: Your sensitive data is stored securely in German data centers following the strictest GDPR standards.
Service Details: Full details of the Premium Emergency Service can be found in the official service description (PDF).

Premium Emergency Service: Apply Easily Online

Secure the comprehensive protection of the Premium Emergency Service now. The application is straightforward and can be completed online through our partner, the Deutsche Vorsorgedatenbank.

Your Path to the Emergency Card

Choose the service package that fits your needs. Detailed costs for the ongoing service and optional extras (like professional legal drafting of documents) are transparently listed during the booking process.

Go to Booking Portal & View Prices

Note: You will be redirected to the secure portal of the Deutsche Vorsorgedatenbank.

Requirements for Expats

Provision documents (Living Will / Proxy) based on German Law
German Residence (recommended for 24/7 service coordination)
German Bank Account (IBAN)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't it enough to keep documents at home?

In an emergency, every second counts. If documents are in a safe or folder at home, doctors in the hospital have no access to them. The emergency database guarantees worldwide 24/7 availability via the emergency card.

Does my legal insurance cover the costs?

Yes, many modern German legal insurance plans include modules for the free creation of provision documents. However, the annual service fee for the DVDB is usually a private expense.

What happens if laws change?

The Deutsche Vorsorgedatenbank actively informs you about relevant changes in legislation that could affect your documents. This way, you always stay on the safe side legally.

Who has access to my data in an emergency?

Only authorized medical personnel (e.g., hospital doctors) or persons explicitly authorized by you can retrieve the documents using the individual ID on your emergency card.

How does the emergency card work in detail?

You receive a credit-card-sized card for your wallet. In an emergency, helpers find the 24/7 hotline and your ID on it, to gain instant access to your living will or proxy.

Is the service also valid for travel abroad?

Yes, the Deutsche Vorsorgedatenbank offers a worldwide service. The hotline is internationally accessible, so that doctors abroad can also be quickly informed about your wishes and trusted persons.

German Emergency Database: Your Safety Net as an Expat.