Andorra: how does the social security system work?

Andorra: how does the social security system work?

The Principality has a simplified and centralized system that is very efficient and enviable by encompassing three aspects of vital importance: health, health and social security.

The Andorran Social Security Fund (CASS) is the only body that regulates all social devices and medical coverage in the country.

And if it has impeccable effectiveness, it is thanks to its three fundamental principles:

• Co-responsibility, since citizens pay directly for a part of the treatments.
• Solidarity with people who cannot cope with the co-payment, as they are not excluded from the system.
• And the free choice of doctor. Andorrans can choose which doctor will treat them. 

In addition, it has a higher subsidy for dental treatments than in neighboring countries.

Why is Andorra's healthcare system working so well?

This is achieved thanks to the high per capita income, the low overcrowding of the country and the large participation of workers who contribute to social security.

Or, what is the same, thanks to the good system of the Andorran economy.

But all that glitters is not gold, because given the small number of inhabitants of the country, there are specialties in health to which you do not have your own access.

The solution? The CASS has agreements with the social security services of both Spain and France.

How much does healthcare cost in Andorra?

In Andorra, health care works by co-payment.

Which means that health coverage covers part of the total cost, but not all costs.

The medical expenses covered by the CASS are divided into four, which depend on the medical service and the amount subsidized.

• Patients who go to outpatient clinics or health centers for consultations or visits of specialists, the CASS covers, at least, 75% of the cost.
• If you are hospitalized, the health coverage covers 90% of the expenses and also allows the payment only of the percentage not covered by the CASS.
• When an accident at work, an occupational disease or childbirth occurs, the coverage is 100%.
• And finally, if health expenses in Andorra are made before services not affiliated to the Andorran social security, reimbursements can be up to 33% of the total.

However, in the event that there are people who need treatments and show that they cannot cope with the debt, the CASS finances 100% of the treatment.

How to get health coverage in Andorra?

Being a resident of Andorra, you can obtain health coverage by joining the Andorran Social Security Fund.

This affiliation to the CASS is mandatory for all salaried persons who exercise a professional activity and there are two ways to be covered by social security:

• With an effective employment, self-employed or employed.
• Or being unemployed.

The latter can join the CASS by paying a contribution of 200 to 400 euros per month.

Do you need to have private insurance in Andorra?

In Andorra it is not necessary to have private health insurance, but it is recommended since it allows you to extend Andorran social security.

Para que te hagas una idea, se estima que el 25% de la población tiene un seguro de salud privado por sus beneficios.

How the health system is distributed in Andorra?

If we take as a reference the size of the country, the health network of Andorra is quite large.

The Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell, in the capital, has 200 beds, in addition to having 10 health centers that provide very high levels of care.

In addition, the Principality has one of the largest per capita pharmacy rates in the world, as there are more than 50 pharmacies providing prescription and non-prescription drugs and health supplements.

Are you thinking of moving to Andorra?

The country's health system, without any doubt, is one of the issues that most concern those entrepreneurs who are considering moving their businesses to Andorra.

We hope that in this article we have solved your doubts and we remind you that, if you are interested in taking your company to the Principality to get this and many other advantages to improve your lifestyle, in PSF we help you with the whole process.

You can write to us to info@psf.ad to ask us any questions or questions you have about this possibility and we will answer you in the shortest possible time.

Are you ready to take the plunge into a better future?