WHO Report Lauds Andorra's Health System Excellence in 2025 Review

The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies has released its 2025 report on Andorra's health system, prepared at the request of the World Health Organization's Regional Office for Europe. Coordinated with the Ministry of Health following the WHO regional director's 2024 visit, the document gathers key data on non-EU countries' health systems, identifies upcoming challenges, and enables cross-country and trend comparisons.

The report highlights Andorra's extensive public benefits package via the CASS health service, which covers 98% of residents. Officials are steadily broadening this coverage to meet evolving population demands, including treatments carried out in Spain and France. The WHO describes this package as comprehensive and responsive to local needs.

Out-of-pocket household spending stayed at just 11% of total health costs in 2023, among the lowest in the WHO European Region. Only 2.1% of households faced catastrophic expenses that threaten financial security, positioning Andorra as a leader in financial safeguards across Europe.

Population health indicators remain strong, with life expectancy at birth rising from 83.4 years in 2016 to 84.6 years in 2023—one of the highest in the region. High vaccination rates (94-99% by age group), an infant mortality rate of 1.5 per 1,000 live births, and zero maternal deaths contribute to these outcomes. Non-communicable diseases dominate mortality, led by cancer and cardiovascular conditions, while tuberculosis cases have fallen to 4 per 100,000 inhabitants. Key risk factors include high blood pressure, tobacco use, and poor nutrition.

Collaboration between government, professional bodies, and civil society draws praise, exemplified by the 2024 National Pact for Health System Sustainability and Efficiency, endorsed by over 40 organizations to foster resilience, fairness, and progress. The Comprehensive Mental Health Plan (PISMA), which aligns with WHO mental health strategies, earns approval for improving oversight, staff training, and shifting toward community-based care from hospital-centric approaches. The preferred pathway system also receives positive mention for bolstering primary care doctors and system performance.

The health workforce has grown, with doctors increasing from 295 in 2010 to 507 in 2023, nurses from 364 to 451, and general practitioners up 27%. WHO figures count active professionals, not full-time equivalents. A noted concern is staff aging, as 36% of doctors exceed age 55.

Digital advances stand out, including the shared electronic health record and regular updates to the Andorra Salut app, where users can access test results, referrals, and immunization details.