Central information and advice for refugees gGmbH

Obtaining medical care for people without residency status

If you are living in Hamburg without valid residence papers and need medical care, you can contact the relevant office at the Refugee Center. Further information is available here.

Detailed description

If you live in Hamburg and don't have valid residence permits or health insurance, you can receive medical assistance at the Refugee Center, where there is a clearing house.



The Clearing Center provides confidential advice on your medical questions. They help you if you are sick or pregnant and unsure how to access medical care. The staff will work with you to determine whether you can access the regular healthcare system. If that's not possible, the Clearing Center will refer you to doctors who can treat you. The costs of necessary treatment in acute cases or for prenatal care can be covered by a special emergency fund set up by the Hamburg Social Services Department.



The consultation is confidential. Your personal data will not be shared with authorities. Our staff are bound by confidentiality.

 

Information

Prerequisites

You live in Hamburg without valid residence papers and have no health insurance.

Documents required

If you have medical documents or certificates, bring them with you.

Please note

Since 2012, at the request of the Hamburg Parliament, medical care for foreign nationals without residency rights and health insurance has been organized in Hamburg in the most unbureaucratic manner possible. No one with acute illnesses or during pregnancy should be without medical care. This includes those who evade the authorities or do not wish to reveal their identity. At the same time, these people should receive counseling to clarify whether residence and care are also possible in an organized manner.



Further information can be found in the "Links" section.

Deadlines

No

Procedure

  • You come in person to the clearing office in the refugee center.
  • You describe your health situation – for example, if you are ill, in pain or pregnant.
  • The staff will advise you confidentially and explain what options are available for your medical care.
  • The staff will work with you to determine whether you can access the regular healthcare system.
  • If this is not possible, you may receive a declaration of reimbursement for acute treatment or preventative care during pregnancy.
  • The clearing house will then refer you to suitable doctors who can treat you.
  • You can come back to the clearing house for follow-up treatment or further support.

Processing time

Immediately

Fees

The service is free of charge.

Legal remedies

Not applicable

Legal basis

Not applicable

Links on the Internet

Address and contact information

Central information and advice for refugees gGmbH

Haven't found the right one yet?

To Hamburg Service startpage

Keywords: Medical care for people without valid residence permits Clearing house for people without residence permits Refugee center in the Adenauerallee Refugees, medical care

Last updated: 10.06.2026