Health insurance for asylum seekers: the temporary electronic AOK card

Health Insurance for Asylum Seekers in Germany

Under the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz), every asylum seeker is entitled to basic healthcare that covers:

• treatment in cases of acute illness or severe pain

• medically necessary treatment to maintain health

• care and check-ups during pregnancy and childbirth

• basic vaccinations

• healthcare for children

Cosmetic treatments or non-urgent therapies are generally not covered, except in special cases and only after approval by the social welfare office (Sozialamt).

How do you receive treatment without an insurance card?
In the first months after applying for asylum, asylum seekers are often not immediately registered in the regular statutory health insurance system. Instead, the Sozialamt issues treatment vouchers called Behandlungsscheine.

These vouchers are typically requested each time before visiting a doctor, and they may sometimes specify which type of treatment is authorized.

What is the temporary electronic AOK card?
In many federal states, shortly after the application is submitted, asylum seekers may be registered with health insurance providers such as:

• AOK

• TK

• DAK

• and others

They then receive a temporary electronic health insurance card (Krankenversicherungskarte) that looks like a normal insurance card, but it is still linked to the rules of the Asylbewerberleistung system.

Advantages of the card

Does everyone receive an AOK card?
No. This depends on the federal state and often on the local municipality. For example:

• States such as Hamburg, Bremen, Berlin, North Rhine-Westphalia often issue these cards automatically.

• In other states, the paper-voucher system is still used (especially in some eastern states).

It is recommended to ask the Sozialamt or your accommodation center whether insurance cards are available in your area.

Are dental treatment, glasses, and medication covered?

• Dental care: usually only for acute pain or serious inflammation; prior approval by the Sozialamt may be required.

• Glasses: covered only if medically necessary after an official assessment.

• Medication: essential medicines are typically covered if prescribed by an authorized doctor.

When does an asylum seeker move into regular statutory health insurance?
After 18 months of continuous residence in Germany—if the asylum case has still not been decided—an asylum seeker may be entitled to full statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) like other residents, with broader coverage.

A move into regular insurance may also happen if:

• the person is recognized as a refugee (refugee status or asylum entitlement)

• the person receives a residence permit under Section 25 (1) or (2)

What should I do if I do not have an AOK card?

• Request a Behandlungsschein from the Sozialamt in your city.

• Ideally request it before your appointment; in emergencies, a doctor may treat you first and then bill the office.

• If you live in a state that issues cards but you did not receive one, you can submit a direct request to the responsible authority.

Conclusion
The temporary electronic health insurance card (e.g., through AOK) makes it much easier for asylum seekers in Germany to access medical care with less bureaucracy and supports basic health dignity. However, access to the card depends on the federal state and on how the local Sozialamt implements the system.

If you do not have the card, insist on your rights or seek support from refugee organizations or legal counselling centers in your area.

ـ The site’s writing and editorial team strives to provide accurate information through extensive research and consulting multiple sources when preparing articles. However, some errors may occur or certain details may be uncertain. Therefore, please consider the information as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.