This article critically evaluates the Royal Decree-Law 16/2012, which regulates migrants’ access to public healthcare services in Spain. In particular, it examines the political rationale behind the restriction of migrants’ access to primary and specialised healthcare services. We depart from the right to health as it is defined in the Spanish and international legislations to deconstruct three arguments used by the Popular Party government – the administrative status, high health costs and possible pull effect of welfare policies – to legitimise irregular migrants’ exclusion from full medical coverage. We contend that the Royal Decree-Law 16/2012 not only fails to meet the requirements of a human rights based approach but it may also be economically inefficient in the medium to long term. © 2016, © The Author(s) 2016.

the right to health fundamental human rights Economic crisis Neoliberalism Irregular migrants

government Spain social exclusion accessibility welfare welfare provision international law health services neoliberalism service provision human rights human primary health care migrant immigrant population