A groundbreaking report from the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) has spotlighted persistent gender disparities in EU healthcare, with nearly one in four women believing that men receive superior treatment from health workers. This perception underscores deeper systemic issues where women, despite seeking medical help more frequently, often feel their concerns are dismissed. The EIGE Gender Equality Index 2025, published in December 2025, assigns the EU's health domain a score of 86.2 out of 100—the highest among six domains—but reveals stagnation since 2020 and widening gaps in key areas.
Women across the European Union live longer than men on average, yet they spend a greater portion of their lives in poor health. This paradox highlights the need for gender-sensitive approaches in medical research, diagnosis, and treatment, areas where European universities play a pivotal role through innovative studies and training programs for future healthcare professionals.
Perceptions of Unequal Treatment: A Stark Gender Divide
The most striking revelation from the EIGE study is that 22% of EU women perceive men as receiving preferential treatment from medical staff, compared to just 16% of men. This belief is even more pronounced among younger demographics, with 28% of girls and women aged 15-24 holding this view versus 16% of their male counterparts. Such perceptions point to entrenched gender stereotypes influencing patient-provider interactions.
Country variations amplify these concerns. In Sweden, 46% of women and 30% of men think men fare better, creating a 16 percentage point gap. Similar disparities appear in Croatia and Austria. Conversely, Malta stands out with 85% of respondents agreeing on equal treatment, followed by Portugal and Greece. These differences reflect cultural norms, healthcare system structures, and historical biases embedded in medical practice.
- Highest bias perception: Germany (39% women), Croatia (36%), Sweden (46% women).
- Strongest equality views: Malta (85%), Portugal (85%), Greece (82%).
- Young women (15-24): 28% vs. 16% men, signaling future challenges if unaddressed.
Experts from EU universities, such as those cited in the report like Samulowitz et al. (2018) from Sweden, link this to chronic pain treatment biases where women's symptoms are often psychologized.
Self-Perceived Health: Women Lag Behind Men
Self-reported health data from Eurostat's EU-SILC survey reveals a clear gap: 66% of women rate their health as good or very good, compared to 71% of men. This 5 percentage point disparity persists across ages, education levels, and household types, exacerbated by intersections like low education (28 pp lower for women) or single parenthood.
University-led analyses, such as Gumà et al. (2019) from the University of Barcelona, attribute this to socioeconomic factors and caregiving burdens that disproportionately affect women's well-being. In countries like Lithuania, only 45% of low-educated women report good health, versus higher rates among men and higher-educated groups.
| Group | Women (% Good Health) | Men (% Good Health) | Gap (pp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU Average | 66 | 71 | -5 |
| Low Education | Lower by 28 pp | Lower by 17 pp | Widens |
| Single Parents | 48 overall | N/A | Women lower |
Trends show modest improvement (+2.1 pp for women since 2010), but recent crises like COVID-19 have stalled progress.
Explore research careers advancing health equity at leading EU universities.Healthy Life Years at 65: Women's Shorter Healthy Span
At age 65, women expect 44% of their remaining life in good health, versus 50.3% for men—a 6.3 pp gap. This means women endure more years with limitations, often due to chronic conditions under-researched in females historically.
Progress has been stable but minimal, with Bulgaria showing high rates (71% men) while Romania lags (20% women). EU universities, through Eurostat collaborations, drive data collection informing policy.
Health Behaviors: Men Take More Risks
Men are disadvantaged in avoiding harmful behaviors: only 56% avoid smoking and heavy drinking versus 73% of women (17 pp gap). Physical activity and fruit/vegetable intake favor men slightly (43% vs 38%). Romania shows the widest no-smoking gap (38 pp), Spain the narrowest (9 pp).
Norms like 'masculine invincibility' deter men from healthy choices, as explored in Iwamoto et al. (2013) from Indiana University, applicable to EU contexts.
Country Variations: Leaders and Laggards
Ireland tops with 93.8 points, Sweden 91.2; Romania bottoms at 60.9. Declines since 2020 in Malta (-2.9), Croatia (-2.5). Progress in Slovenia (+5.9 since 2015). These scores from EIGE's 27 indicators highlight university research needs in lower-scoring nations.
- Top: Ireland (93.8), Sweden (91.2), Netherlands (89.1)
- Bottom: Romania (60.9), Bulgaria (78.1), Latvia (79.8)
- Biggest declines: Malta, Croatia, Romania
Roots of Bias: Stereotypes and Historical Gaps
Gender stereotypes lead to skewed assessments—women's pain psychologized, men's depression under-diagnosed (4x suicide rate). WHO (2021) and EIGE note neglect of women-specific conditions. Medical research historically male-centric; EU universities now lead gender medicine curricula.
Studies like Woodward (2019) from University of Leeds show cardiovascular treatment biases against women.
Read the full EIGE Gender Equality Index 2025 report (PDF)Real-World Impacts: Misdiagnosis and Health Harms
Biases contribute to misdiagnoses: heart attacks in women misattributed to stress; pain undertreated. Golestani et al. (2025) highlight young women's barriers. EU women's longer but unhealthier lives cost billions; universities quantify via Eurostat data.
University Research Driving Change
EU academics underpin EIGE findings: Bosque-Prous et al. (2015) on drinking; Baker et al. (2020) on men's COVID health. Institutions like University of Bologna study utilization gaps. Faculty positions in health equity research abound at EU universities.
Medical Education Reforms: Training Against Bias
Solutions include gender-sensitive training in med schools. EIGE recommends countering stereotypes; universities integrate sex/gender medicine. ESAIC pushes equity in anesthesia.
- Mandatory modules on gender bias.
- Simulation training with diverse cases.
- Research integration in curricula.
EU Policies and Future Outlook
EU4Health and Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 target gaps; 2026-2030 extends to women's health. Universities vital for evidence-based reforms. Optimistic: Ireland's model scalable.
Photo by Samantha Sophia on Unsplash
Actionable Insights for Stakeholders
Healthcare pros: Listen actively, train on bias. Policymakers: Fund gender research. Universities: Lead curricula reform. Patients: Advocate persistently. For careers, check higher ed jobs in public health.