Social security registration in the Principality of Andorra

The Andorran social security system covers the sickness branch and the old age branch for pensioners. It is based on a particularly centralized system on a single organization which is none other than the CASS or the Andorran Social Security Fund. This simplifies the procedures and makes them more efficient. In addition to its exceptional living environment, Andorra has one of the best health care systems in the world, both for residents and foreigners. 

CASS, the health system in Andorra

The Principality of Andorra is an independent state between the French territory and the Kingdom of Spain. Although not part of the European Union, it has signed a monetary agreement with the EU to use the euro as its official currency. The country's social security system is centralized in a single organization: the CASS or Caixa Andorrana de la Seguretat Social. 

The CASS is an institution founded in 1966 whose main mission is to manage the health system in Andorra. It is the equivalent of the French social security system. It is in charge of the administrative, financial and technical aspects. It operates under the control of the Andorran government. 

The role of CASS

The CASS is responsible for the following tasks: 

• Formalizing and collecting data related to social security contributions and registration;
• The inspection and control of different areas of its intervention sector;
•  The treatment of possible disputes, especially in relation to the collection of amounts due;
• Summoning debtors and offenders. 

The Andorran Social Security Fund covers illness and old age. It also takes care of everything related to disability, death, maternity, work accidents, etc. It is important to note that each patient has the right to choose a private or public institution. However, refunds for CASS will not be the same for these two types of institutions.

Health care coverage in Andorra

CASS covers 75% of the cost of medical consultations. Surgeries and hospitalization are covered up to 90%. In the case of treatment, the insured patient must pay the full amount of health expenses and will be refunded a few days later. However, in the case of hospitalization, CASS takes care of the costs directly and leaves the 10% to be paid by the patient. 

Benefits eligible for CASS coverage 

The CASS medical care coverage is intended for the insured person, their dependents, their non-working spouse, their children under 25 years of age who are still studying (18 years of age in the opposite case).

The coverage benefits take into account two types. The first is benefits in kind. They allow for a refund of up to: 

• 65% for physical therapy, 
• 90% in case of hospitalization, 
• 100% for high cost and low income, 
• 75% of the responsibility rate for ambulatory care. 

The second concerns cash benefits. It is based on daily allowances. The amount covered is calculated on the basis of the total number of days during which the insured person has paid contributions.

Health coverage in Andorra 

In Andorra, almost 90% of the population is covered by a public health system. Those who are not covered by health insurance in Andorra include people with a passive residence. In this case, they will have recourse to a private insurance that insures them all over the world.

Active residence: obligation to register for social security 

To reside in the Principality of Andorra, you must have an Andorran residence, the type of which depends on the reason for your stay. When you register for expatriation in Andorra, you will have to register for social security. This subscription to a social security is indeed the final step of the administrative steps towards an installation in Andorra. 

Life expectancy in Andorra is on average 83.5 years according to the WHO. Its health system is the main reason for this, supported by its environment and geographical location. As is the case in France, insured persons in Andorra have a CASS card that they can present at medical consultations, examinations and in pharmacies. 

To benefit from these provisions, they must pay contributions to the CASS, as employees or company directors. Every active person must pay these contributions. The rate of social security contributions in Andorra is 22% of the gross salary (amount split between the employee and the employer). 

Although the Principality of Andorra is located in Europe, just between France and Spain, this independent state is not covered by the EHIC, the European Health Insurance Card. When traveling to "Andorra", you will need to arrange private medical coverage. This country is not a member of the European Union. However, the EHIC applies only to countries of the European Community.