Andorra Approves Law Protecting Recovered Patients from Health Discrimination

Andorra's General Council has approved the Law on the Right to Health Forgetfulness, a measure designed to protect individuals who have overcome serious illnesses such as cancer, treated and stable hepatitis C, or HIV from discrimination in accessing life insurance, loans, or mortgages.

The legislation marks a significant step forward, fulfilling a long-standing demand from the Andorran Association Against Cancer (Assandca). Josep Saravia, the association's president, expressed strong satisfaction with the approval, describing himself as "more than satisfied." He noted optimism stemming from prior collaboration with parliamentary groups including the PS and Demòcrates, which incorporated Assandca's input during drafting. However, Saravia cautioned that the full scope of the law remains unclear until the complete text is reviewed.

Saravia emphasised the law's particular value for young people, who will no longer need to disclose past health conditions when applying for housing or financial products. "It's important that young people do not have to justify themselves to access certain products," he said. He highlighted that while such denials had not yet become widespread in Andorra—thanks to some insurers' flexibility—the issue was already common in neighbouring countries. "I'm glad we've addressed it at the root before it starts happening here," Saravia added.

The president pointed out that older individuals often already own homes, making the protection especially crucial for younger survivors whose diagnoses occurred early in life and lingered in records despite full recovery.

Assandca continues to push for expanded cancer patient registries and prostate cancer screening programmes, which Health Ministry officials including Helena Mas have indicated are in development. Saravia voiced willingness to keep working with the government but called for greater investment in research to enhance patient quality of life.