Patterns of Health System Usage by the Immigrant Population in Europe

Abstract

Introduction. International migration has significantly reshaped Europe's demographic and socio-economic landscape, influencing healthcare demand and accessibility. Germany, Spain, Italy, and France receive the highest immigrant flows, prompting concerns about disparities in healthcare utilization. Methods. This study systematically analyses healthcare usage patterns among immigrants in Europe, leveraging Poisson and Negative Binomial regression models to address overdispersion and model count data robustly. Using data from the European Health Survey 2020 (Wave 3). Results. Findings indicate that non-European migrants rely more on primary healthcare services, whereas European migrants exhibit lower hospital utilization, potentially reflecting access barriers. Moreover, significant differences emerge between top immigrant-receiving countries (Germany, Spain, Italy, and France) and other European nations, underscoring the role of national healthcare policies. Conclusion. These results highlight the need for targeted policy interventions to mitigate disparities and ensure equitable healthcare access, offering critical insights for evidence-based policymaking in European health systems. Patient or Public Contribution This study utilized secondary data analysis of the European Health Survey 2020. While there was no direct patient or public involvement in the research design or data collection, immigrant community representatives were consulted during the interpretation phase to validate findings and ensure conclusions accurately reflected lived experiences. Their feedback helped shape policy recommendations outlined in this paper.