Asylum seekers; application for sickness benefits

According to the AsylbLG, the necessary medical and dental treatment, including the provision of medicines and dressings, as well as other benefits necessary for recovery, improvement or alleviation of illnesses and consequences of illnesses, are granted in the basic benefits. For the prevention and early detection of diseases, the vaccinations recommended by the Permanent Vaccination Commission and the medically required preventive examinations are also provided.

In addition, other treatments may be covered in individual cases if they are essential to safeguard health.

The entitled persons after the AsylbLG take part for this in principle in the general medical supply offer. They have in principle a right to free choice of doctor. For this purpose, they receive a treatment certificate per quarter from the competent local institution and can use it to visit established doctors.

In the ANKERs, in which asylum seekers are accommodated immediately after their arrival, the Free State of Bavaria has set up so-called medical centers in order to be able to provide curative care on site on a low-threshold basis. In addition to general medical care, the medical centers usually also include the areas of gynecology, pediatrics and, in some cases, psychiatry or psychotherapy.

If asylum seekers have been staying in Germany for 18 months without any significant interruption and have not abused their rights by influencing the duration of their stay themselves, they receive the same medical benefits as people with statutory health insurance; however, they are not members of the statutory health insurance funds.