For Europeans, the entitlement to good health care is a basic human right, as enshrined in Article 33 of the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights: 'everyone has the right of access to preventive health care and the right to benefit from medical treatment'. The major long-term social policy objectives aim to ensure general accessibility, good quality care for all and the financial viability of health care services. This report takes a comparative look at health and health care in the acceding and candidate countries and the EU Member States. Based on data from the European Commission's Eurobarometer surveys, it explores the impact enlargement will have on the realisation of these goals. It looks at how Europeans perceive their own health, whether they lead healthy or unhealthy lifestyles, how easily they can access their national health care system and how satisfied they are with the services. Finally, it examines the provision of care for older people, and points to the strength of family support in many countries for providing care within the family.