A recent decision by the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) has prompted renewed discussion about access to healthcare for vulnerable EU migrants in Sweden.

The committee found that aspects of Sweden’s current approach do not fully meet the healthcare protections set out in the European Social Charter. The decision focuses in particular on access to affordable healthcare for people in vulnerable situations, including some EU migrants who may not have full access to Sweden’s healthcare system.

For people moving to Sweden, healthcare access can depend on factors such as your residence status, registration and whether you are covered by another country’s health insurance. If you are staying temporarily, an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can provide access to medically necessary state healthcare on the same terms as people insured in Sweden.

The decision does not change these rules overnight, but it adds to the wider discussion about how healthcare can be made accessible to people living in vulnerable circumstances. For newcomers, understanding which healthcare rights and costs apply to your particular situation remains important.