Roma Access to Adequate Healthcare and Long-Term Care in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain

Roma communities across Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain face life expectancy gaps of up to 18 years compared to the majority population, this report finds, driven by poverty, poor housing, unaffordable care, and widespread antigypsyism in medical settings. Access is further blocked by health insurance gaps, rural staff shortages, and a lack of cultural awareness among providers, while Roma health mediators play a crucial but under-supported bridging role. The report calls for universal, affordable, non-discriminatory healthcare and better data collection to inform EU and national Roma policy.