If you have hepatitis D and are looking for modern and effective treatment options, this guide will help you understand where to start. In Germany, bolevirtide—a medication sold under the brand name Hepcludex—is used to treat HDV. It is prescribed by a specialist following an examination. Information about the medication.
BCD already has a proven track record of helping patients from Ukraine receive this treatment. We’ll explain how to prepare for your trip, arrange health insurance, and which doctor to see.
What do you need to know before your trip?
This route involves a long-term move to Germany. You’ll need to obtain a residence permit, settle into your new life, undergo medical examinations, and see a doctor regularly.
Plan to stay for at least two years, with the possibility of staying longer. This is a guideline for planning your move. The duration of the therapy itself is determined by the doctor: it can last for years, and the optimal duration of treatment with bulviritide has not yet been established. Information from the EMA.
Hepatitis D can lead to the progression of fibrosis, the development of cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Therefore, decide on the urgency of treatment together with your doctor, taking into account the condition of your liver. More information on hepatitis D—WHO.
Currently, there is no information available regarding the availability of modern treatment for hepatitis D in Ukraine, nor are there any optimistic projections regarding its availability in the next 2–3 years.
Who can use this treatment pathway?
These instructions are primarily intended for patients who are relocating from Ukraine and are eligible for temporary protection in Germany under §24. This grants the right to residence and, under certain conditions, social and medical assistance. Conditions for receiving protection.
Temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU has been extended until March 4, 2028. This is a common end date, not two years from the date of your arrival. If your treatment requires a longer stay, check with the Ausländerbehörde—the Office for Foreigners—well in advance to confirm further grounds for residence. Information from the Council of the EU.
If you already have temporary protection in another EU country, Germany generally does not grant it a second time. Renouncing your previous status also does not guarantee that you will be granted German status. Before moving, discuss your situation with an immigration advisor or the Ausländerbehörde, especially if you previously had protection in another country. Explanation regarding Germany.
Men aged 18–60 should check the rules for departure and document requirements, taking into account their age and circumstances. The Council of the EU has announced restrictions for new applicants subject to military service obligations: they must confirm compliance with these obligations. Examples include a passport with a stamp indicating lawful departure or a paper or electronic document confirming exemption from or fulfillment of military service obligations. According to the Council of the EU, this restriction does not apply to those who already have temporary protection. Official announcement dated July 15, 2026.
A deferral of conscription does not in itself confer the right to leave the country or to receive protection. Please check with the relevant Ukrainian authorities regarding the documents required for departure, and with the German authorities regarding the current requirements for granting protection. A diagnosis of hepatitis D alone is not an automatic basis for departure or for being granted protected status.
Step 1. Contact BCD before your trip
Fill out the form on the BCD website, or call or message us on WhatsApp or Viber: +38 (073) 044-73-44. You can also contact us at office@bcd.org.ua. Consultations are free.
Briefly describe where you are currently located, when you were diagnosed, what tests you’ve already had, and whether there are any complications. Please let us know if you’re taking any medication, if you have housing in Germany, and if you’ve received protection in another EU country. Please also describe what kind of assistance you need or expect from BCD.
We’ll help you figure out the next steps and what to do next. If you’re already in Germany, we’ll start from where you are in the process. Please send your medical records privately, after agreeing on a convenient method with us.
Step 2. Prepare your documents and medical reports
Prepare your passport and check its expiration date. If it expires during your planned stay, it’s best to apply for a new one while you’re still in Ukraine. That way, you won’t have to spend time on this after you move.
On the “Document” State Enterprise website, you can find the nearest center and review the services and rules for obtaining documents. Prepare other documents required for travel and your stay according to your specific situation.
For doctors, gather all available medical documents and prepare translations into German or English:
Note: For a doctor’s initial review, a standard translation—such as one generated by Google Translate—is usually sufficient. Include the originals and verify that the medication names, dosages, and test results are accurately conveyed. Check with the clinic for any specific translation requirements.
Save electronic copies of the originals and translations. These documents will help you obtain a referral and explain your medical history to German doctors. You do not need to repeat the entire list of tests before your trip—the necessary diagnostic tests for hepatitis D will be arranged in Germany.
If anything is missing, contact BCD.
Important: If you are already taking medication for hepatitis B, make sure to discuss with your doctor in advance that you have a three-month supply—or better yet, a six-month supply—to avoid any gaps in treatment during your move and while you’re getting medical care. Before your trip, check the permitted amount of medication you can bring into Germany and any transit countries: the ability to carry your entire six-month supply should not be taken for granted. Also, make sure you have any prescribed medication for any underlying medical conditions.
Step 3. Confirm your reception location and apply for temporary protection
Accommodation options in the federal states vary. Before you leave, find out where newcomers from Ukraine are currently being accepted and exactly where you should go. To do this, use the following resources:
Germany4Ukraine — Accommodation and Housing — Explanation in Ukrainian;
BAMF-NAvI — contact information for agencies throughout Germany — to find an arrival center, select “Ankunftszentrum.”
These resources will help you find contact information. Please check availability and travel routes directly with the facility: upon arrival, you may be directed to another city or state.
If there is no housing available, contact the initial reception center for detailed directions. Inform them that you have hepatitis D and need assistance with testing and starting treatment. Show your medical documents with a translation into German or English so that your needs can be taken into account during placement.
If housing is available, check with the local administration regarding the procedure for registering your address (Anmeldung). To apply for protection under §24, submit an application to the Ausländerbehörde. While your application is being reviewed, you may be issued a Fiktionsbescheinigung—a temporary confirmation of residence. Keep all documents you receive during registration. Procedures for obtaining residence status.
Step 4. Apply for social assistance and health insurance
If you need government assistance, apply for benefits after completing §24. Depending on your age, ability to work, pension, and other circumstances, your case will usually be handled by one of two agencies:
Jobcenter — for people of working age who are able to work. Under certain conditions, it pays contributions to the Krankenkasse (health insurance fund) of your choice.
Sozialamt — for people of retirement age and, depending on the circumstances, those who are unable to work due to health reasons. It covers the cost of basic health insurance. Please let us know if you receive a Ukrainian old-age pension: this may affect which agency handles your case. More information on social assistance.
To apply, have your passport, registration documents, and a certificate under §24 or the corresponding Fiktionsbescheinigung ready. In certain cases, you can apply for assistance with this document without waiting for your plastic ID card. Explanation from the German Ministry of Labor.
Explain right away that you need treatment for hepatitis D. Clarify the effective date for coverage of medical care and which document to show the doctor. Usually, this is the Versichertenkarte (eGK)—the health insurance card—but until you receive the plastic card, you’ll need a paper confirmation from your health insurance provider. Under a different assistance procedure, the Sozialamt may issue a Behandlungsschein—a document authorizing you to see a doctor.
Necessary examinations and treatments prescribed by a doctor are covered by your health insurance. Check with the clinic, your health insurance provider, or the Sozialamt to confirm coverage for a specific treatment. If you are employed, your health insurance is usually arranged through your employer. Health insurance for Ukrainians.
Standard copayments may apply for prescription medications, usually 5–10 euros per package. Under certain conditions, you may be exempt from these copayments. Copayment rules.
Step 5. Get a referral and find a specialized facility
In Germany, hepatology—the branch of medicine that deals with liver diseases—is part of gastroenterology. Therefore, for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis D, look for a gastroenterologist or an outpatient clinic that specializes in liver diseases.
Make an appointment with a Hausarzt—a family doctor. Bring your medical records and a list of medications translated into German or English, as well as your Versichertenkarte (eGK) or a paper confirmation from your health insurance provider if you haven’t received the card yet. If you’ve been issued a Behandlungsschein, bring it with you.
Explain that you have hepatitis D and need a specialized examination. Your family doctor will issue an Überweisung—a referral to the Gastroambulanz, the gastroenterology outpatient clinic. The department that treats liver diseases may also be called the Leberambulanz or Hepatologische Ambulanz. That is where they will conduct diagnostic tests to determine your need for treatment.
You can find a facility in the Deutsche Leberhilfe e.V. directories:
Specialized medical practices that treat liver diseases.
Clinics offering treatment for liver diseases.
In the “Postleitzahlgebiet” field, select the range for your ZIP code. For example, for Cologne with the ZIP code 50935, the range is 50000–59999. If necessary, specify the specialty in the “Fachgebiet” field: “Hepatitis D (HDV)” or “Hepatology.” In the “Krankenversicherung” field, you can select “gesetzlich Versicherte” — patients with public health insurance. Click “filtern,” then open the facility’s entry to view contact information.
You must make an appointment in advance for a scheduled visit. Call or email the facility of your choice and ask whether they treat Hepatitis D and how to prepare for your visit. A referral (Überweisung) from your primary care physician is required. If necessary, BCD can help you find a gastroenterology clinic (Gastroambulanz) that treats hepatitis D and schedule an appointment.
What language can you use to communicate with the doctor? When making the appointment, ask in which language the doctor conducts consultations. If you do not speak German or English, ask whether an interpreter can be provided over the phone; if not, bring someone you trust who can help with translation.
You can also request remote interpretation over the phone through DataCheck Connect—a service provided by our partners at “100% LIFE Germany.” If you need help with your appointment, contact BCD. Arrange for an interpreter in advance and coordinate with the clinic to have an interpreter present during your appointment.
Step 6. Undergo an examination and discuss treatment
For your appointment at Gastroambulanz, bring your referral, medical records, and a list of medications translated into German or English, as well as your Versichertenkarte (eGK) or a paper confirmation from your health insurance provider if you don’t have the card yet. If applicable, bring your Behandlungsschein.
Based on BCD’s experience, the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis D typically occur in two stages.
First comes diagnosis. During the initial appointment, blood is drawn to check for active infection, viral load, and liver function. The extent of liver damage is assessed using elastography, specifically FibroScan. This can be performed on the same day or scheduled separately.
Even if Ukrainian test results are available, the necessary tests are conducted in Germany. The doctor makes a treatment decision based on the latest results, taking the patient’s medical history into account.
Next comes a consultation with a gastroenterologist. At the consultation to discuss the results—Besprechungstermin—the doctor will explain the condition of your liver and determine whether you need bulevirtide, treatment for hepatitis B, or other care. The schedule and number of appointments may vary depending on the clinic and your condition.
Hepcludex is prescribed for specific indications, including confirmed active HDV infection and compensated liver disease, when the liver still retains its basic functions. In cases of severe complications, a separate treatment plan at a specialized center is required. Indications for Use.
After receiving a prescription, find out how to obtain, use, and store the medication, as well as when to have lab tests and follow-up appointments. Make sure to get your next prescription in advance.
If your condition has suddenly worsened
If you are vomiting blood, have black stools, experience confusion or loss of consciousness, or have severe shortness of breath, call 112 in Germany. Do not wait for paperwork to be processed or for a scheduled appointment.
Need help at any stage?
If you’re having trouble with paperwork, finding a clinic, or making a doctor’s appointment, contact BCD. We’ll help you figure things out and determine the next step.
