Hamburg's Uninsured Migrants Left Without Critical Medical Care

Uninsured migrants in Hamburg have been denied financial coverage for essential medical treatments since mid-May. The city’s emergency assistance program ran out of funds, leaving vulnerable groups without support for acute medical needs. Advocates warn the situation could have serious health consequences. The Clearing Office, based at Hamburg’s Refugee Center, helps uninsured individuals access healthcare or covers urgent treatments through a municipal emergency fund. This fund is primarily used by refugees and homeless people, with 678 of 781 clients approved for funding in 2024, costing around €718,000 for treatments and prescriptions.

Demand for the service has grown sharply over the years. Consultations rose from 284 in 2012 to over 2,300 in 2024, yet the budget was never permanently increased to match the need. In May, only one-fifth of a requested €500,000 was approved, quickly depleting the fund for new cases.

The Senate has stated that the Clearing Office is a voluntary service, with funding dependent on budgetary approval. Current fiscal constraints have shaped the program’s future, leaving no further support available for the rest of the year. Matthias Plieninger, an internist and member of Medinetz, warns that without this resource, many will go untreated, leading to worsening conditions and emergency hospital admissions. Medinetz has criticised the city’s austerity measures, calling them harmful to the sick and poor. The network is urging Hamburg to fulfil its coalition agreement, release the necessary funds immediately, and create sustainable, needs-based financing for the emergency program. Without action, the fund will remain empty, and critical treatments will stay out of reach.