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Access to the Healthcare System for Refugees in Brandenburg
Are you new to Germany? Of course, it is best when you are healthy. But health cannot always be taken for granted. If you are not feeling well, experience pain, or become ill, you can rely on the German healthcare system. The services you are entitled to and when you receive them depend on several factors. These are briefly explained below. If you would like more information, you can make an appointment with our health advisors on this.
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1. Initial Reception Center (EAE) – On-site Medical Service
While staying in an initial reception center, medical care is provided by a medical service within the facility. Acute illnesses are treated, medications are dispensed, and vaccinations are administered. If necessary, external specialists or hospitals are involved.
2. After Distribution to Municipalities – Transition Phase
After you are assigned to a district or an independent city, responsibility is taken over by the Social Welfare Office (Sozialamt). Until the electronic health card (eGK) is issued, treatment vouchers can be provided to ensure there is no gap in medical care.
3. Electronic Health Card (eGK)
After a short transition period (approximately 4 weeks), refugees in Brandenburg receive an electronic health card, which allows them to visit doctors’ practices or hospitals directly. Billing is handled through health insurance funds acting on behalf of the state.
Benefits During the First 36 Months
Before asylum status is recognized or before 36 months of residence have been completed, benefits are provided under the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act (AsylbLG). These include: Treatment of acute illnesses, necessary medications, hospital treatment, emergency dental treatment, vaccinations, preventive medical check-ups for children, pregnancy and childbirth care. These services do not require a separate application. Additional services such as psychotherapy, medical aids, or rehabilitation can be applied for under § 6 AsylbLG if they are medically necessary.
Benefits After 36 Months of Residence
After 36 months of residence, entitlement to benefits expands regardless of residence status. At this point, the level of care is almost equivalent to statutory health insurance (GKV), including comprehensive medical treatment, psychotherapy, medical aids, and fewer required applications.
Once the asylum procedure is recognized, full mandatory statutory health insurance coverage applies.
Care for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women receive full medical care already during the asylum procedure, including prenatal check-ups, ultrasounds, midwife support, childbirth, medications, and postnatal care. No applications are required.
Care for Children
Children are considered particularly vulnerable and receive vaccinations, preventive check-ups (U-examinations), and treatment for both acute and chronic illnesses.
Special Case: Ukraine (§ 24 Residence Act)
Refugees from Ukraine in Brandenburg receive benefits equivalent to those of people with statutory health insurance and are issued a health card immediately. This includes doctor and hospital care, psychotherapy, pregnancy-related services, benefits for children, medications, and vaccinations.
Emergency Numbers
- 112 – Medical emergency
- 110 – Police
When should you call 112?
Call 112 in cases of unconsciousness, severe pain, breathing difficulties, chest pain, accidents, heavy bleeding, poisoning, complications during childbirth, or dangerous illnesses in children.
Hospital Emergency Department
The emergency department is intended for situations requiring immediate treatment, such as accidents, acute pain, high fever in children, severe allergic reactions, pregnancy emergencies, mental health crises, or poisoning.
Medical Care Without Documents
Medical care is possible even without documents, for example through emergency departments, clearing centers, psychosocial centers, anonymous treatment vouchers, or counseling centers for people without insurance.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an insurance card to see a doctor?
Yes in Brandenburg – after leaving the initial reception center. Until then, treatment vouchers can be used.
Do I have to pay for treatments myself?
No. Services are covered under the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act or statutory health insurance.
Are medications covered?
Yes, necessary medications are covered. A prescription is required.
How does psychotherapy work for refugees?
During the asylum procedure, it is possible through an individual application; after recognition, it works regularly through statutory health insurance.
What happens in an emergency?
In case of acute danger, call 112. No one may be refused treatment.
I don’t speak German – can I still get help?
Yes. Emergency services and hospitals can involve interpreters. English often helps. Entitlement to benefits automatically expands – almost like statutory health insurance.
What if I don’t have any documents?
Medical care is still available through emergency departments and clearing centres.
What happens after 36 months of residence?
Entitlement to benefits automatically expands – almost like statutory health insurance.
What if I don’t have any documents?
Medical care is still available through emergency departments and clearing centers.