
Andorra Healthcare System
Andorra, nestled amidst the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, is more than just a paradise for winter sports and hiking enthusiasts. It is also home to an exemplary healthcare system. With a population of approximately 78,000 inhabitants, of which nearly 70% are foreign nationals, the Principality of Andorra provides a universal, free, and high-quality healthcare system for all its residents. To understand the exceptional quality of this healthcare system, let’s explore the medical infrastructure and its specialties.
Features of the Andorra Healthcare System
The Andorran healthcare system embodies the concept of universality by ensuring equal access to quality medical care for all residents, regardless of social status or income level. This means that healthcare is available to Andorran citizens, long-term residents, and newcomers alike, without any discrimination. The Andorran government has ensured that every member of society has the right to receive medical care, a feature that strengthens the sense of solidarity within the community.
Social Contributions for Individuals:
Andorran residents are required to contribute social contributions, calculated based on their salary. These contributions, a percentage of each individual’s gross income, are deducted directly from their salary. These contributions are crucial for funding free and universal healthcare in Andorra. The exact amount of social contributions may vary depending on the income and personal circumstances of each resident.
Taxes for Individuals
In addition to social contributions, the Andorran government also levies taxes on individual income, indirectly contributing to the financing of the healthcare system. Tax rates may vary based on income and family situation.
Social Contributions for Businesses
Businesses operating in Andorra are also required to make social contributions to support the healthcare system. These contributions are calculated based on the company’s payroll and are paid to the social security system. The amount of these contributions may vary depending on the size of the company and its workforce.
Taxes for Businesses
Andorran companies are subject to corporate income tax, which serves as another source of funding for the healthcare system. Tax rates vary based on the profits generated by the company.
Contribution Details
| Salary Range | Contribution Rate |
| Less than €1,500 | 4.5% |
| €1,500 – €2,000 | 6% |
| €2,000 – €3,000 | 7.5% |
| €3,000 – €4,000 | 9% |
| €4,000 – €5,000 | 10.5% |
| €5,000 – €6,000 | 12% |
| €6,000 – €7,000 | 13.5% |
| €7,000 – €8,000 | 15% |
| €8,000 – €9,000 | 16.5% |
| €9,000 – €10,000 | 18% |
| More than €10,000 | 19.5% |
Example
An Andorran resident earning €5,000 per month must pay a health contribution of €375 per month.
Health contributions are calculated based on gross salary before tax deductions.
Andorran residents are also required to pay a contribution for supplementary health insurance. While optional, it is recommended to cover healthcare expenses not covered by the public healthcare system.
Contribution for Supplementary Health Insurance:
- €10 per month for Andorran residents under 26 years old.
- €20 per month for Andorran residents aged 26 or older.
Andorran residents can obtain supplementary health insurance from various insurance companies.
Free: Quality Within Reach for All
One of the most attractive features of the Andorran healthcare system is the free provision of basic healthcare. This generosity includes a wide range of services such as medical consultations, routine examinations, outpatient treatments, and most medications. Andorran residents can visit a doctor, receive essential medical examinations, and access treatments without additional costs. This freedom ensures that access to healthcare is not hindered by financial considerations, providing peace of mind to the population.
Andorra Healthcare System: Two Tiers for Medical Excellence
The Andorran healthcare system is efficiently organized into two complementary levels. The first level, primary care, includes general practitioners and health centers that provide basic healthcare. These healthcare professionals are the first to diagnose, treat, and refer patients to specialized care if needed. The second level, secondary care, includes hospitals and specialized centers where surgical procedures, hospitalizations, and specialized treatments take place. This hierarchical organization ensures that each resident has access to medical care tailored to their health needs, from general medicine to advanced medical care.
The healthcare system in Andorra is a true success in organization. These features make Andorra a remarkable example of how a country can ensure high-quality healthcare for all its citizens, fostering a deep sense of solidarity and well-being throughout society.
Medical Infrastructures in Andorra
Andorra is equipped with modern and well-maintained medical infrastructures. Here is a list of some of the country’s main medical infrastructures, each offering specific specialties and services:
1. Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell: Located in the parish of Andorra la Vella, this hospital is the largest in the country. It provides emergency services, general surgery, gynecology, orthopedics, oncology, and more. The facilities are equipped with advanced medical technologies.
2. Centre Hospitalier et Spécialités d’Andorre (CHSA): Located in Escaldes-Engordany, CHSA specializes in neurology, cardiology, pneumology, internal medicine, and also has an intensive care unit.
3. Centre Médical Andorra Salut: This medical center offers a comprehensive range of health services, including pediatrics, dermatology, radiology, psychiatry, and occupational medicine.
4. Centre de Chirurgie Ambulatoire d’Andorre (CMAA): Specializing in ambulatory surgery, it offers light interventions such as ophthalmology, gastroenterology, urology, and plastic surgery.
5. Centre Médical Fener Escaldes: This center offers specialties such as rheumatology, traumatology, gastroenterology, cardiology, and endocrinology.
6. Centre Médical Cirera: Known for its general medicine, cardiology, gynecology, ophthalmology, and psychiatry services.
Services Provided by Medical Infrastructures
These infrastructures offer a wide range of health services, ensuring access to quality medical care. Among the services offered are:
– Basic Healthcare: Medical consultations, routine examinations, outpatient treatments, and most medications are available for free.
– Specialized Healthcare: Consultations and treatments provided by specialists, surgical interventions, and hospitalizations for more complex health needs.
– Dental Healthcare: Free dental care for children under 18 demonstrates Andorra’s commitment to the health of the younger population.
Andorra stands out for its exceptional healthcare system, offering an unprecedented quality of medical care. Its modern medical infrastructure and diverse specialties ensure residents access to comprehensive and high-quality healthcare. Whether you are a long-time resident or a newcomer, Andorra guarantees that your well-being is in good hands. For those seeking a high quality of life, the Principality of Andorra proves to be a wise health choice.