Persons with refugee status and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection have the same status as German citizens within the social insurance system. This includes membership in the statutory health insurance, if they have a job other than minimal employment (i.e., a low-paid part time job). If they are unemployed, the job centre or the social welfare office provides them with a health insurance card which entitles them to the same medical care as statutory health insurance. Access to Covid-19 vaccines is based on residence in Germany and not health insurance status. As a result, beneficiaries of international protection have access to vaccines in the same conditions as all other persons living in Germany.[1]
Access to treatment for persons suffering mental health problems is available for refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection under the same conditions as for Germans.[2] In practice however, access to specialised treatment for traumatised refugees or survivors of torture is difficult. For more detailed information see Reception conditions – Health care.
[1] Federal Ministry of Health, ‘Verordnung zum Anspruch auf Schutzimpfung gegen das Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus-Impfverordnung – CoronaImpfV)‘, 1 June 2021, Section 1, available in German at: https://bit.ly/3wO3IDX.
[2] Section 92 (6a) Social Code V.