Global Index Reveals the Countries with the Best Healthcare
Healthcare systems vary significantly from country to country, making it difficult to determine where the best healthcare in the world can be found.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, several organizations have taken on the complex task of ranking healthcare systems worldwide, providing valuable insights into which countries lead the way in providing exceptional care and which ones fall short.
We’ve compiled results from multiple studies to give you a clearer picture of the global healthcare landscape. These rankings will help you compare healthcare systems across different nations, offering deeper insight into where you are most likely to receive top-tier medical treatment and where challenges remain.
Healthcare systems vary significantly from country to country, making it difficult to determine where the best healthcare in the world can be found.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, several organizations have taken on the complex task of ranking healthcare systems worldwide, providing valuable insights into which countries lead the way in providing exceptional care and which ones fall short.
We’ve compiled results from multiple studies to give you a clearer picture of the global healthcare landscape. These rankings will help you compare healthcare systems across different nations, offering deeper insight into where you are most likely to receive top-tier medical treatment and where challenges remain.
Compare the Best International Health Plans
Review the top 10 international health insurance companies that provide expats and their families with comprehensive medical coverage worldwide.
Healthcare System Performance Rankings
Below is an overview of some of the most widely recognized global healthcare ranking indexes and reports published by prominent organizations and institutions.
These rankings assess healthcare systems based on a range of criteria, including quality, accessibility, cost efficiency, health outcomes, and infrastructure, providing valuable insights into their performance on a global scale.
CEOWORLD Magazine's Health Care Index 2024
According to the 2024 edition of the CEOWORLD Magazine Health Care Index, Taiwan ranks as the country with the best healthcare system globally, with an overall score of 78.72. South Korea (77.7) and Australia (74.11) follow closely behind.
The index ranks 110 countries based on key factors such as healthcare infrastructure, the competencies of healthcare professionals (including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers), annual per capita healthcare costs in USD, availability of quality medicine, and government readiness to address health crises.
The ten countries with the best healthcare are:
- Taiwan (78.72)
- South Korea (77.7)
- Australia (74.11)
- Canada (71.32)
- Sweden (70.73)
- Ireland (67.99)
- Netherlands (65.38)
- Germany (64.66)
- Norway (64.63)
- Israel (61.73)
Source: CEOWORLD Magazine
Notably, the top ten includes three Asian countries and five European nations, highlighting the diverse ways healthcare systems are structured across the globe.
Taiwan, for instance, is known for its efficient single-payer system that provides universal coverage and emphasizes prevention. South Korea ranks highly due to its use of advanced technology in healthcare and a strong national health insurance program. Meanwhile, Australia’s ranking is supported by its excellent healthcare infrastructure and effective public health policies.
The Commonwealth Fund's 'Mirror, Mirror 2024' Report
The Commonwealth Fund regularly ranks the best healthcare systems in the world. Its eighth edition, Mirror, Mirror 2024: A Portrait of the Failing U.S. Health System, compares the performance of healthcare systems across several countries, with a particular focus on how the U.S. system measures up.
The report evaluates 70 measures, grouped into five main areas of healthcare performance: access to care, care process, administrative efficiency, equity, and health outcomes. It relies heavily on surveys conducted by the Commonwealth Fund in 2021, 2022, and 2023, which capture the perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals who experience the system firsthand.
The report also includes insights from global organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the OECD, and Our World in Data, as well as national health records and academic research.
According to the 2024 Mirror, Mirror report, Australia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom have the best healthcare systems, though the differences in overall performance among most countries are relatively small. In stark contrast, the United States ranks last, with its healthcare system performing dramatically lower than the others.
*Sweden's overall ranking calculation excludes the equity domain due to changes in Sweden’s privacy laws, which prevented income-related questions in recent international surveys, leading to its omission from this edition of Mirror, Mirror.
Source: The Commonwealth Fund
Notably, the U.S. has ranked last in every Mirror, Mirror report since 2006, marking eight consecutive years at the bottom despite its high levels of healthcare spending.
While the U.S. excels in areas like preventive services and patient safety, it consistently falls short in critical areas such as access to care, affordability, and health outcomes. This persistent underperformance highlights the broader systemic issues within the U.S. healthcare system.
Compare the Best International Health Plans
Review the top 10 international health insurance companies that provide expats and their families with comprehensive medical coverage worldwide.
The Legatum Prosperity Index 2023
The Legatum Institute, a London-based think tank, has also evaluated where to find the best healthcare in the world. Its most recent report, The Legatum Prosperity Index 2023, includes a "Health Pillar" that ranks 167 countries based on the overall health of their societies and the accessibility of tools to maintain health, including healthcare services.
Of course, in most countries, you'll need a travel insurance plan for short visits for up to one year or an international medical insurance plan if you want long-term medical coverage for a year or more to access these healthcare services.
According to the index, Singapore ranks first for healthcare, followed by Japan in second place and South Korea in third. In contrast, the United States ranks much lower, coming in at 69th place in this assessment.
The full rankings are listed below.
The Best Healthcare in the World
- Singapore
- Japan
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- China
- Israel
- Norway
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- Luxembourg
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Finland
- Denmark
- Italy
- Belgium
- Malta
- France
- Australia
- Austria
- Ireland
- Slovenia
- New Zealand
- Spain
- Cuba
- Czech Republic
- Cyprus
- Costa Rica
- Thailand
- Canada
- UAE
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
- Colombia
- Estonia
- Qatar
- Seychelles
- Portugal
- Greece
- Malaysia
- Kuwait
- Vietnam
- Slovakia
- Hungary
- Sri Lanka
- Poland
- Uzbekistan
- Bahrain
- Chile
- Peru
- Croatia
- Turkmenistan
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- Panama
- Iran
- Latvia
- Argentina
- Lithuania
- Belarus
- Turkey
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Bulgaria
- Albania
- Jamaica
- Armenia
- United States
- Algeria
- Mexico
- Romania
- Cabo Verde
- Macedonia
- Tajikistan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Kazakhstan
- Nicaragua
- Tunisia
- Serbia
- Mauritius
- Ecuador
- Brazil
- Russia
- Azerbaijan
- Morocco
- Indonesia
- Paraguay
- Dominican Republic
- Georgia
- Belize
- Cambodia
- Moldova
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Philippines
- Venezuela
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Jordan
- Ukraine
- Lebanon
- Montenegro
- Guatemala
Source: Legatum Institute and Prosperity.com
- Singapore
- Japan
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- China
- Israel
- Norway
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- Luxembourg
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Finland
- Denmark
- Italy
- Belgium
- Malta
- France
- Australia
- Austria
- Ireland
- Slovenia
- New Zealand
- Spain
- Cuba
- Czech Republic
- Cyprus
- Costa Rica
- Thailand
- Canada
- UAE
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
- Colombia
- Estonia
- Qatar
- Seychelles
- Portugal
- Greece
- Malaysia
- Kuwait
- Vietnam
- Slovakia
- Hungary
- Sri Lanka
- Poland
- Uzbekistan
- Bahrain
- Chile
- Peru
- Croatia
- Turkmenistan
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- Panama
- Iran
- Latvia
- Argentina
- Lithuania
- Belarus
- Turkey
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Bulgaria
- Albania
- Jamaica
- Armenia
- United States
- Algeria
- Mexico
- Romania
- Cabo Verde
- Macedonia
- Tajikistan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Kazakhstan
- Nicaragua
- Tunisia
- Serbia
- Mauritius
- Ecuador
- Brazil
- Russia
- Azerbaijan
- Morocco
- Indonesia
- Paraguay
- Dominican Republic
- Georgia
- Belize
- Cambodia
- Moldova
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Philippines
- Venezuela
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Jordan
- Ukraine
- Lebanon
- Montenegro
- Guatemala
Source: Legatum Institute and Prosperity.com
What Countries Have the Best Healthcare in Europe?
Based on insights from the Mirror, Mirror 2024 report, and the 2024 Best Countries rankings by U.S. News & World Report, the following countries are ranked among the best in Europe for healthcare.
Top 10 European Countries for Healthcare in 2024
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Switzerland
- France
- Denmark
- Finland
- Norway
- Luxembourg
This list combines findings from both reports, reflecting a range of factors such as access, equity, health outcomes, administrative efficiency, and the global perception of each country’s public health system.
Each country has its unique strengths, but together, they represent some of the most effective healthcare practices in Europe.
What to Know About Accessing Healthcare in Europe
While these European countries stand out for their comprehensive healthcare coverage, innovation, sustainability, and focus on preventive care, it’s important to keep in mind that public healthcare in some countries may involve long wait times for certain treatments or procedures.
Additionally, if you do not qualify for enrollment in a country’s public healthcare system, you may need to secure an international health insurance plan to cover your medical needs.
Private health insurance plans offer the advantage of shorter wait times, more treatment options, and access to high-quality care worldwide, making them an appealing choice for many.
The Best Global Health Insurance Plan for All Nationalities
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Top Health Insurance Plan for European Citizens and Residents
IMG Global Prima Medical Insurance Plan
- Five plan options and additional optional benefits to include
- Choice of the coverage area to reflect your geographical area of need
- Freedom to choose your health care provider wherever you are in the world
The Best International Health Insurance Plan for US Citizens
Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan
- Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
- Define your deductible and prescription benefits
- For Foreigners in the US or US citizens abroad
Which U.S. States Have the Best Healthcare?
The Commonwealth Fund's 2023 Scorecard on State Health System Performance highlights that while many U.S. states have made progress, affordability remains a significant concern within the healthcare system.
The report also emphasizes ongoing public health challenges, including premature deaths from conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and drug overdoses, which continue to strain the healthcare system and overall health outcomes.
Visitors to the United States should be aware that they will need an international health plan to cover their medical care, as the U.S. lacks universal healthcare coverage.
States With the Best Healthcare Systems
According to the Scorecard, the states with the best healthcare systems excel in areas such as healthcare access, quality, equity, and health outcomes. These states consistently rank at the top due to their strong healthcare infrastructure and positive health indicators:
- Massachusetts
- Hawaii
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
States With the Worst-Rated Healthcare Systems
Conversely, the states with the lowest-rated healthcare systems often face challenges such as limited access to care, higher rates of uninsured residents, and poorer health outcomes. These barriers contribute to significant disparities in healthcare access and health outcomes, which result in lower scores:
- Arkansas
- Texas
- Oklahoma
- West Virginia
- Mississippi
Source: 2023 Scorecard on State Health System Performance
Read More: The Best Countries for Women’s Healthcare
The Best Travel Insurance Plans for Visitors to the US
If you are considering visiting any foreign country and are concerned about access to quality health care, an international travel medical insurance plan should be a priority.
These plans cover emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation, repatriation, and other travel insurance benefits.
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
- Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
- IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
- Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest
Trawick Safe Travels USA
- Desinged for non-U.S. citizens traveling to the U.S. and addiitonal countries
- Includes comprehensive medical, evacuation, & repatriation coverage
- Coverage from 5 days to 364 days - extensions are available
The Best Travel Insurance Plan for US Citizens Abroad
GeoBlue Voyager Plan
- For U.S. citizens up to age 95
- Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
- 24/7/365 service and assistance
Read More: Best Travel Insurance for Seniors
Which Countries Have the Worst Healthcare in the World?
According to The Legatum Prosperity Index 2023, the following countries have the worst healthcare in the world. This list begins with the country with the worst healthcare system:
- Central African Republic
- South Sudan
- Chad
- Lesotho
- Somalia
- Sierra Leone
- Swaziland
- Liberia
- Guinea
- Angola
- Nigeria
- Equatorial Guinea
Compare the Best International Health Plans
Review the top 10 international health insurance companies that provide expats and their families with comprehensive medical coverage worldwide.
The Best International Health Plans by Location
Explore our guides to the best health insurance options for international citizens and expats, based on the most popular destinations for people living abroad:
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Author / Editor: Joe Cronin, Founder and President of International Citizens Insurance. Mr. Cronin, a former expat, is an authority in the areas of international travel, and global health, life, and travel insurance, with expertise in advising individuals and groups on benefits for today's global workforce. Follow him on LinkedIn or Twitter.