Cross-border access to health care in the European Union as a sustainable development policy

Purpose: It is emphasised that the principle of the free movement of persons and services, resulting in the blurring of borders between countries, and expansive growth in migration, have many far-reaching consequences not only in terms of economic development but also as regards the human rights. The purpose of this article is to present the issue of cross-border access to health care as the determinant of sustainable development policy.

Design/Methodology/Approach: In this article, we take note that sustainable development is a concept which focuses on the quality of life of a human being for whom health is a value of fundamental importance. The desired state of affairs in this respect can be achieved through the proper management of five categories of capital, natural, economic, human, social, and capital integrating other types of capital.

Findings: The issue of proper management of the individual types of capital and the redistribution of legally protected goods related to access to health care will become increasingly important since the whole axiology of EU policies based on the principles of free movement of persons and services must be taken into account to ensure access to health care.

Practical implications: The implementation of Cross-Border Directive 2011/24/EU requires taking into the quality of such services, the appropriate standard of health care, and equal rights of every patient and respect for such rights.

Originality/value: The article is based on a legal analysis indicating the formal and interpretative weaknesses related to the implementation of the Cross-Border Directive. A correct analysis of the Directive in question may contribute to the development of an appropriate health policy model based on the principles of freedom to provide services. It should also take into consideration the call for efficient allocation of public funds in health care.