FRA’s research suggests that Member States would spend less on migrant health by treating them earlier, rather than waiting until they require emergency treatment.

Using economic analysis based on a decision tree model to compare the expenditure necessary for timely access to screening and medical care for irregular migrants with the cost of emergency treatment, the research examined the situation in Germany, Greece and Sweden for two of the most common healthcare issues in the EU: hypertension and prenatal care. Based on available data,

·      providing regular healthcare to hypertensive patients could

-          generate savings of approximately 9% over the space of one year, rising to 13% after five years and 16% over a lifetime 

-          help prevent more than 300 strokes and more than 200 heart attacks per 1,000 migrants in each country

·      improved prenatal care could generate savings over the space of two years of

-          up to 48% in Germany and Greece

-          as much as 69% in Sweden

As documented by FRA’s 2011 report on access to healthcare for migrants in an irregular situation, there are substantial differences in the healthcare provided to irregular migrants around the EU. With many countries reducing their social welfare spending in the wake of the financial crisis, FRA’s findings are particularly relevant as they show that economic justifications back up the case for fundamental rights and Member States’ obligations under international human rights law. Together, these form a powerful argument to improve healthcare provision for irregular migrants throughout the EU.

The report is available on the FRA website here.