According to the Revision of Healthcare Scheme in Public Hospitals from 1/8/2013, emergency health care and specific services (such as for infectious diseases) are free for all patients, including undocumented migrants, aside from a registration fee (10 euros, foreseen for all apart from welfare beneficiaries). In addition, undocumented children attending school have access to vaccinations. There is also a circular [Y.Y. 11.11.09(4)] by the Minister of Health dated December 02, based on article 24 of the Convention for the Rights of Children, which regulates the access of undocumented children and pregnant women (during prenatal and postnatal care). According to the circular, both groups should be given any necessary treatment, and in case they cannot cover the expenses on their own, they should be issued by the hospital an invoice for the expenses and be informed they can request the write-off of the debt by the Ministry of Health. However, this decision has not been officially published, and awareness and implementation remain minimal.
Circular issued by the Ministry of Health: Medical Care undocumented children
