Germany's left-wing party Die Linke is demanding free beard removals for trans-women in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg. The party said many trans-women and women suffered from extreme "hirsutism" and were forced to seek treatment.

However, health insurers are refusing to cover the cost of permanent hair removal using needle epilation. The left-wingers are calling for the taxpayers' money to be made available to pay for the treatment. Ellena Schumacher Koelsch - the lead candidate for Die Linke in upcoming state elections - said: "An entitlement that exists only on paper but not in reality is a glaring systemic failure.

"In Baden-Württemberg, not a single contracted physician offers the method of needle epilation anymore. As a result, those affected have no possibility at all to obtain the service.

"Because it is not economically worthwhile, the treatment is not offered in medical practises."

Currently, health insurance companies need only reimburse the costs of needle epilation if the procedure is carried out by a doctor. The practise, though, is only performed by beauticians, so people cannot claim back on their health insurance.

Germans are facing ever growing health insurance costs, partly as a result of ageing populations and increases in the price of treatments.

Statutory health insurance contributions stand at 14.6% of gross income. This year Germans are also being charged a 2.5–2.9% supplementary rate, meaning the total amount comes to 17%.

Ms Koelsch accused the authorities in the state of paying lip service to women's rights and health.

"The silence of those politically responsible in this state speaks volumes about a problem that affects women," she said. "It unmasks the feminist veneer with which the state government wants to adorn itself as nothing but empty phrases."

Trans-women campaigners are hoping that an Austrian court ruling will set a precedent and help them to bring about change.

A court in Vienna ruled in March this year that Austria's public health insurance must pay for the removal of facial hair from a trans woman who was born as a biological man.