Spain Approves Free Healthcare for Undocumented Migrants Under New Decree
A new royal decree has come into force in Spain, aiming to facilitate access to free healthcare services for undocumented migrants within the public health system. This step is expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of people, including a large number of migrants.
This decision comes amid ongoing political and legal debate in Spain regarding the right of undocumented migrants to receive medical treatment. The government of Mariano Rajoy had imposed restrictions on this right in 2012, before the government of Pedro Sánchez later worked to gradually expand access to healthcare services.
Unifying Treatment Rules Across Spanish Regions
The new decree aims to standardize the rules governing access to medical treatment across the different regions of Spain, after access to healthcare services previously varied from one region to another, leading to clear disparities among autonomous communities.
The reform establishes a unified procedure allowing undocumented migrants to access treatment by submitting what is known as a “declaration of responsibility,” a document in which the individual confirms that they do not have other health coverage or the ability to receive treatment in their country of origin.
New Facilitations Instead of Residence Certificate in Spain
One of the most significant changes introduced by the decree is the simplification of administrative procedures that previously hindered migrants from obtaining treatment. Access to healthcare services is no longer exclusively linked to a residence certificate, which was difficult for many migrants to obtain.
Under the new rules, residence can be proven through alternative means such as:
- Children’s school enrollment certificates.
- Reports from social services.
- Water or electricity bills in the applicant’s name.
The new system also provides a temporary document allowing immediate access to healthcare upon application, with the competent authorities required to make a decision within three months. If no decision is issued within this period, the application is automatically considered approved.
Special Priority for the Most Vulnerable Groups in Spain
The decree places particular focus on the most vulnerable populations, ensuring full healthcare coverage for children under 18 and pregnant women, including maternity services and postnatal medical follow-up.
The decision also extends additional health protection to groups at higher risk, such as:
- Victims of gender-based violence.
- Victims of sexual assault.
- Victims of human trafficking.
- Applicants for international protection.
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