Due to their status, migrants often have limited access to health care in their destination country. Many also experience mental health issues: severe stress, anxiety, depression or other serious conditions. Detention centres are often overcrowded and unsanitary, which also poses a threat to health.
Health-related difficulties
Migrants may face numerous health-related difficulties at the destination state, such as:
- not being able to pay for health care services
- loss of medical records on previously received diagnosis and treatments
- no access to information on health matters (e.g., due to the language barrier)
- undocumented migrants may not seek medical help in order not to get deported
- working in unsafe and health-endangering conditions
note The special rights, including the health care aspects of migrant workers, are set out in the United Nations International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Their Families. Unfortunately, only a few states are party to it, and Estonia has not signed it.
Health care services provided by the State
Article 28 of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia states that everyone has the right to the protection of health, Citizens of foreign states and stateless persons have this right equally with citizens of Estonia, unless otherwise provided by a law.
In Estonia, the right to receive health care services also applies to:
- a foreigner with a residence permit in Estonia
- a stateless person
Provided they are employed or have entered into a voluntary insurance contract with Estonian Health Insurance Fond.
Asylum seekers are entitled access to medical examinations and necessary health services, according to the Act on Granting International Protection to Aliens. Beneficiaries of international protection are entitled to receive health services on the same grounds as permanent residents of Estonia.
Read more about conditions and treatment, including the medical aid in the context of detention in immigration and asylum.