Healthcare Access for Asylum Seekers: Rules by Country

Last updated: 5 October 2026

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Access to healthcare for asylum seekers varies hugely depending on where you seek asylum. Some countries provide full medical care from day one. Others offer almost nothing until your case is decided. Understanding what healthcare asylum seekers can access is important for your health and your asylum claim. This guide explains the rules in the UK, the US, Canada, and parts of the EU.[1]

Healthcare is a basic need, and many asylum seekers arrive with serious health problems. Consequently, knowing your rights to medical care is essential. Moreover, medical evidence can play a key role in supporting your asylum case. This article will help you understand what services are available and how to access them. For a full overview of the asylum process, visit our asylum guide.

UK: NHS Access for Healthcare Asylum Seekers

In the United Kingdom, asylum seekers have the right to access many NHS (National Health Service) services for free. This is true whether your claim has been decided or not. The most important services are free for all asylum seekers.[2]

GP (General Practitioner) registration is free and available to everyone. You do not need proof of address, an ID document, or an NHS number. You simply go to a GP surgery and ask to register. The GP is your first point of contact for most health problems. They can refer you to specialists if needed.

Accident and Emergency (A&E) care is free for everyone in the UK, regardless of immigration status. If you have a medical emergency, go to A&E. You will not be charged. Furthermore, maternity care (pregnancy and birth services) is free for asylum seekers. This includes antenatal check-ups, delivery, and postnatal care.

Prescriptions and the HC2 Certificate

Asylum seekers who receive Home Office support (such as Section 95 support) can get free prescriptions, dental care, and eye tests. To get these for free, you need an HC2 certificate. You can apply for this certificate using form HC1. The HC2 certificate covers the full cost of NHS prescriptions, NHS dental treatment, NHS sight tests and glasses, and travel costs to hospital appointments.[3]

Refused Asylum Seekers

If your asylum claim has been refused, the rules change. You still have free access to GP services and A&E. However, some secondary care (specialist treatment at hospitals) may be charged. The NHS will still treat you if the condition is urgent or life-threatening, even if you cannot pay. Additionally, treatment for certain conditions is always free, including treatment for infectious diseases (such as tuberculosis and HIV), mental health treatment under the Mental Health Act, and family planning services.

US: Limited Healthcare for Asylum Seekers

Healthcare for asylum seekers in the United States is much more limited than in the UK. The US does not have a universal healthcare system. Most asylum seekers cannot access regular medical care unless they pay for it themselves or find free services.[4]

Emergency Medicaid is available to asylum seekers in most states. This covers emergency room visits and emergency medical treatment. However, it does not cover routine doctor visits, prescriptions, or ongoing treatment. Some states offer more help than others. For example, California and New York provide broader Medicaid coverage to asylum seekers.

Asylum seekers cannot buy insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace until they receive a work permit or asylum status. Consequently, many asylum seekers rely on Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). These are community health centres that provide care on a sliding fee scale. This means the cost depends on your income. If you have no income, the care may be free or very cheap. FQHCs provide primary care, dental care, mental health services, and some specialist referrals.[5]

Canada: Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)

Canada provides healthcare to asylum seekers through the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). This is a federal program that covers basic medical care for people who are waiting for their refugee claim to be decided. The IFHP is one of the most generous programs for asylum seekers in the world.[6]

The IFHP covers doctor visits and hospital care, basic prescription medications, basic dental care (emergency and essential), basic vision care (eye exams and glasses), mental health counselling, and immigration medical exams. To use the IFHP, you need an IFHP certificate. You receive this when you make your asylum claim. You show this certificate to doctors and pharmacists instead of a health card. Not all doctors accept IFHP patients, so you may need to search for a provider who does.

EU: Healthcare Varies by Country

In the European Union, healthcare rules for asylum seekers vary from country to country. However, the EU Reception Conditions Directive requires all member states to provide at least emergency healthcare and "essential treatment of illness." Some countries go much further than this minimum.[7]

Germany provides basic healthcare to asylum seekers from day one. During the first 18 months, care is limited to emergency treatment, acute illness, pregnancy care, and vaccinations. After 18 months, asylum seekers receive the same healthcare as German citizens through the regular health insurance system.

France offers the Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMa) and the Aide Medicale de l'Etat (AME) for undocumented people. Asylum seekers can access the regular healthcare system. Coverage includes GP visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and mental health services.

Sweden provides full healthcare access to asylum seekers. This includes GP visits, hospital care, dental care, prescriptions, and mental health services. Children receive the same care as Swedish children. Sweden is considered one of the most generous countries for healthcare asylum seekers in Europe.

Healthcare Comparison: UK vs US vs Canada vs Germany

Mental Health: A Critical Need for Healthcare Asylum Seekers

Mental health problems are very common among asylum seekers. Many people have experienced war, violence, torture, or trafficking. Studies show that around 61% of asylum seekers report symptoms of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite this, access to mental health care is often very limited.[8]

In the UK, asylum seekers can access NHS mental health services. The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) program provides talking therapies for depression and anxiety. Charities like Freedom from Torture offer specialist therapy for torture survivors. Additionally, many local refugee organisations provide counselling and support groups.

In the US, mental health care is harder to find. FQHCs offer some mental health services, but waiting times can be long. Charities and non-profit organisations often fill the gap. In Canada, the IFHP covers mental health counselling. Furthermore, many provinces have additional programs for refugee mental health. In Germany and Sweden, mental health services are available, but there can be long waiting times and language barriers.

States shall ensure that asylum seekers receive the necessary health care which shall include, at least, emergency care and essential treatment of illness and of serious mental disorders.
EU Reception Conditions Directive 2013/33/EU, Article 19(1)

How Medical Evidence Helps Your Asylum Case

Medical evidence can be very important for your asylum claim. If you have injuries from torture or violence, a medical report can support your story. The Istanbul Protocol is the international standard for documenting torture and ill-treatment. It provides guidelines for medical professionals on how to examine and document injuries.[9]

In the UK, a medical report following the Istanbul Protocol can be submitted as evidence in your asylum case. Organisations like Freedom from Torture and the Helen Bamber Foundation provide medico-legal reports for asylum seekers. These reports describe your injuries and state whether they are consistent with your account of torture or violence.

In the US, forensic medical evaluations are also used in asylum cases. Doctors and psychologists examine asylum seekers and write reports for the immigration court. These reports can be powerful evidence. They help the judge understand the physical and psychological effects of persecution. To find professionals who can provide expert evidence for your case, see our expert witness directory. Additionally, our human rights resources provide more information about documentation standards.[10]

Conclusion

Healthcare asylum seekers can access varies greatly depending on the country. In the UK, most NHS services are free. In the US, only emergency care is guaranteed for most asylum seekers. Canada's IFHP provides good basic coverage. In the EU, the level of care depends on which country you are in. Regardless of where you are, register with a doctor as soon as possible. Take care of your physical and mental health. Get medical evidence if you have injuries from persecution. This evidence can strengthen your asylum claim. For more help navigating the asylum process, visit our asylum guide and explore our country reports for specific information about conditions in your home country.