If you have applied for asylum in Germany, you may be afraid of getting sick. You ask yourself: Can I get medical help? Do I have to pay for it? And where do I even go when I'm feeling bad?
Good news: you are also in Germany during the asylum procedure not alonewhen you are ill. You have the Right to medical care.
Am I entitled to medical assistance?
Yes, if you have applied for asylum in Germany, you have according to the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (§4 and §6 AsylbLG) a Right to medical care.
This means:
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You get help with acute diseases (e.g. flu, pain, infections)
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You get treatment with Pain or after Accidents
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You get the necessary Medication
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Pregnant women are entitled to Medical care and obstetrics
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In emergencies you will Treated immediately - e.g. for severe pain, fever or injuries
Where can I get medical help?
That depends, where you live:
In a Initial reception facility:
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There is usually a separate medical service in the facility
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Or you can get one from social services Treatment certificate for a medical practice
In a Shared accommodation or own apartment:
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You get from your Social welfare office or from the responsible office Treatment certificate
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In some federal states you also get a electronic health card
You can go to the doctor with the ticket or card.
Tip: Ask your accommodation or social worker how things are organized in your city. It's a little different everywhere.
What is a treatment certificate?
A Treatment certificate is a document that you present to the doctor. It tells the doctor that you are allowed to receive medical treatment and that the costs will be covered.
Appearances are often only valid for a certain period of time - e.g. for a month or just for a specific doctor's visit.
What about medication?
If the doctor gives you a Recipe you can take your medication in the Pharmacy get. The Most medicines are free of chargebut sometimes you have to a small additional payment e.g. 5 euros.
Pregnancy & birth
If you are pregnant, you are entitled to:
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Regular examinations (ultrasound, blood tests, etc.)
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Medication, if necessary
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a safe birth in a hospital or with a midwife
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Support after the birth
Important: Report a pregnancy early social services or the doctor - so you can get help in good time.
What about mental health problems?
Also mental illnesses how:
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Depression
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Sleep disorders
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States of anxiety
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Trauma after flight or violence
... can be treated. It is important and courageousto talk about it.
Many cities have psychosocial centersin which it Therapy with interpreters exists. Ask for help at your accommodation or at counseling centers.
Example:Samira lives in a shelter with her young daughter. She often has severe headaches. A social worker helps her to get a treatment certificate. Samira takes it to a GP, gets an examination and medication. Everything is paid for by the city.
What if I don't know where to go?
You can get help here:
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Social workers in your accommodation
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Refugee advice centers (e.g. Caritas, Diakonie, AWO)
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Health authorities in your city
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Migration counseling for adults (MBE)
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Psychosocial centers for refugees
