The latest Eurostat data on hospital access in the EU reveals a generally positive picture, with over 83% of the population living near a medical facility. However, significant regional disparities remain, with some areas facing notably longer journeys to healthcare services.
Germany boasts the highest concentration of hospital access, with 77% of the country’s population living within a 15-minute drive of a hospital. This is particularly true in the western and southern parts of the country, where 96 administrative regions ensure 100% of residents have quick access to healthcare. Belgium and the Netherlands follow closely behind, with six provinces each, while France and Greece each have four, all concentrated around Athens in Greece.
Other countries with high hospital access include Malta, Italy, Spain, and Poland, each with two regions offering complete proximity to healthcare. However, some EU residents face longer journeys. In 97 administrative regions, more than half of the population must travel longer distances to reach the nearest hospital.
Romania is the hardest hit, with 21 regions where over 50% of the population faces extended travel times. Greece follows with 15 regions, while Croatia and Spain each have nine, and Poland, Ireland, Portugal, and Slovenia each have six.
Seven provinces in particular are severely underserved, with only 10% of residents within a 15-minute drive of a hospital. Four of these are in Greece and three in Romania. Greece’s healthcare access is further concerning due to the country’s extremely low rate of 46 doctors per 100,000 residents, the lowest in Europe. In contrast, countries like the Netherlands (183 doctors per 100,000), Austria (146), Cyprus (138), and France (137) report significantly higher rates of medical professionals.
