Where to go, what to do, and how you can access healthcare services as a refugee or asylum seeker in Germany
Germany has a welfare state and public health system, so access to primary healthcare is a right that everyone should enjoy in the country. However, as an asylum seeker or refugee, the scope of medical services and treatment will depend on two things: 1) Your residency status and 2) how long you have been in Germany.
In this explainer, InfoMigrants breaks down the German healthcare system for asylum seekers
What are my rights when it comes to healthcare?
If you have an on-going asylum claim, or for some categories of people who hold a tolerated stay permit ("Duldung"), or have been issued a border crossing certificate ("Grenzübertrittsbescheinigung"), your access to healthcare services covered by the government will fall under what is outlined in the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act.
Asylum seekers who are included in this group are further divided into two subgroups based on how long they have been living in Germany:
- Less than 36 months
- More than 36 months
The Asylum Seekers Benefits Act was revised in February 2024. Revisions included increasing the period of stay from 18 months to 36 months, before an asylum seeker had access to a health card (Gesundheitskarte). If you have been living in Germany for fewer than 36 months, you have to go to your welfare office to get a Krankenschein or health voucher before each visit to the doctor.
However, if you had already been in Germany for 18 months before the new regulation was introduced (February 2024), you are protected by a so-called "Bestandsschutz" or "Existing protection clause" and do not have to wait 36 months to receive the benefits of statutory health insurance.
Access to services and what kind of services are available are based on other factors at the local district level such as implementation guidelines and available resources and healthcare personnel.
What kinds of healthcare service can I access if --
- I have been in Germany for less than 36 months?
If you are an asylum seeker or an individual with some forms of "Duldung," who has been in Germany for less than 36 months, you are only entitled to emergency healthcare. This means that you are medically treated only in cases of acute illnesses. Treatment for chronic diseases (illnesses that require ongoing medical attention) are often not covered by the state.
However, there are exceptions. Pregnant women can benefit from all medical services necessary during pregnancy and childbirth.
To access health services, you will usually need to apply for a voucher ("Krankenschein") before each visit to the doctor. You either request a few vouchers from your initial reception center or Social Welfare Office every three months or each time you need to see a doctor. These vouchers are only valid for three months.
Instead of a "Krankenschein" some German federal states and cities distribute so-called Health Cards ("Gesundheitskarten an Asylbewerber und Geduldete") for asylum seekers and individuals with a "Duldung". If you have a healthcard, you can go directly to the doctor without a voucher or Krankenschein, however, you will also only be entitled to emergency treatments.
In case the doctor prescribes medication, with a prescription, you usually do not have to pay for your medications. The pharmacy will be reimbursed by the Social Welfare Office.

- I have been in Germany for more than 36 months
If you are an asylum seeker or individual with a "Duldung" and have been in Germany for over 36 months or you fall under the "Existing protection clause," mentioned above, you will receive a Health Card for Refugees ("Gesundheitskarte für Flüchtlinge") which will allow you to access medical care without vouchers.
The Health Card for Refugees looks like a regular health insurance card but it does not have the "European Health Insurance Card" (EHIC) label on the back. It also contains different stored data to signal to medical institutions that the holder is not a standard insurance member.
I don’t have papers, can I still access healthcare?
According to the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act, in principle, you are entitled to healthcare for acute illnesses. In this case, you can do one of two things. First, you can obtain a voucher ("Krankenschein") from the Social Welfare Office in advance. Without this voucher, the doctor may not be able to treat you. The Social Welfare Office will then also inform the Immigration Office about your visit.
Secondly, some organizations provide anonymous medical services to people who do not have papers. Their service is free, and the Social Welfare Office or the Immigration Office will not be notified of your visit.
You can check for a list of these organizations and service providers on gesundheit-ein-menschenrecht.de
Additionally, you can also search for anonymous medical assistance near your locality on the websites of Malteser and the Medibüros.
Hospitals are not allowed to share your data with other individuals or authorities.
I have a residence permit now, what healthcare services am I entitled to?
If you are a refugee with a residence permit, you can join a health insurance scheme—either statutory or private health insurance -- and are therefore entitled to the services your health insurance company provides.
This link Health insurance has more information about the different healthcare schemes in Germany and how they work.
How do I find a doctor?
Regardless of where you live in Germany, here are some useful links:
Listing of advice services on asylum and migration: Database of refugee councils and psycho-social centers. You can key in information like your city or zip code to find centers in your locality.
Information related to pregnancy: Has information about pregnancy prevention, termination, and care. Can also locate your nearest pregnancy counseling center in your locality.
For an overview of the German health system and medical services check this health portal for refugees and persons entering the country of the Federal Ministry of Health
At large accommodation shelters, medical care for refugees is provided directly on site. However, if you live in North Rhine Westphalia, this link will take you to the state's health portal/medical care.
More information about healthcare services for refugees and asylum seekers in the North Rhine Westphalia state may be found here.
If you live in Bavaria, the Bavarian State Ministry of the Interior website has a list of hospitals and useful guides related to finding support in case of violence. Some resources are available in Arabic.
If you are a person with disability living in Berlin, you can check the following agencies which advise and support refugees with disabilities:
Berlin Network for Particularly Vulnerable Refugees (Berliner Netzwerk für besonders schutzbedürftige geflüchtete Menschen) : offers support with applications and communication with district offices, care and nursing benefits
Berlin Center for Self-Determined Living (Berliner Zentrum für selbstbestimmtes Leben e.V.) : Orientation and support services for refugees with disabilities, chronic illnesses, trauma and the elderly
Deaf people or the hearing impaired can find a list of interpreters and translators who work voluntarily for refugees at www.deafrefugees.de.
What if I have other specific health concerns?
If you do not know how to get health insurance or have special circumstances, you may want to get advice from a migrant organization or refugee relief organization. The organization Queer Refugees Welcome has put together a list of organizations which you can access here.
Read AlsoRefugees in Germany: Helplines for mental health support