Economic implications of socio-economic inequalities in health in the European Union

This report aims to answer this question for the European Union, by addressing the following subquestions. Firstly, how should we conceptualize the “economic impact” of socioeconomic inequalities in health, and how can we measure this? Secondly, how large are socioeconomic inequalities in health in the European Union, and what is the magnitude of the burden of ill health and premature mortality associated with inequalities in health? Thirdly, what is the economic impact of socioeconomic inequalities in health in the European Union? And finally, what actions can reasonably be taken to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in health, and what would be the economic benefits of investing in these strategies?