Purpose - This paper aims to first demonstrate the prevalence and methodological and theoretical limitations of approaches oriented towards either migrants entitlement or their access to health care; and, second, to demonstrate an alternative approach involving a conceptual and analytical framework that integrates these perspectives as levels of analysis within a holistic model. Design/methodology/approach - The paper consists of three brief case studies each demonstrating particular difficulties in adopting either policy oriented "entitlement" approaches or practice driven orientations examining migrants access to health care. Each case study will examine briefly an aspect of the policy and legal frameworks within which health care is delivered to immigrants. The studies encompass the phenomenon of "hidden" immigrant children in Sweden, migrants crossing the Spanish border from North Africa, and asylum seekers in the UK. Findings - The case studies form a basis for presenting an integrated model encompassing a multi-level framework for examining the health care of migrant populations. Originality/value - The international applicability of the model is discussed drawing further on the author's work as scientific advisor to the EU on immigrant health and as lead researcher in a four country EU study into refugee health and social care. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1747-9894.

Entitlement Case studies Migrants Appropriateness Access health care

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