BerlinAccess to healthcare without insurance
What is inspiring?
In the field of healthcare, Berlin has adopted a comparatively progressive approach. Until their case is decided, asylum seekers in Germany are only entitled to limited healthcare services. People without a residence permit normally do not get any public healthcare assistance at all. In response to these discriminatory policies, Berlin has established a “clearing house”, which offers medical care to anyone without health insurance.
How does it operate?
In October 2018, a so-called “clearing house” took on the task of offering healthcare assistance to anyone, regardless of their residence status. This not only included refugees and migrants, but anyone without health insurance. It is run by the Berlin City Mission and financed by the city’s governing Senate with a budget of around 1.5 million euros per year. Those seeking help are referred to different clinics and medical practices that have agreed to cooperate with the clearing house.