To ensure equitable access to healthcare, there are five challenges which can be taken into account:

• 1) access to valid health information;
• 2) access to appropriate care;
• 3) communication between individuals, health professionals and health authorities;
• 4) shared decision-making regarding treatments and care; and
• 5) access to digital spaces to understand and use health services. 

Improving the health literacy of both people and systems strengthens the equity of opportunities in accessing healthcare. Vulnerability in terms of these challenges is determined and impacted by people’s competencies and needs as well as the organisation of health services.