What Are the Countries With the Best Healthcare?
Healthcare systems differ significantly by country and region, making it difficult to determine where to find the best healthcare in the world. Fortunately, some organizations have assessed which country has the best healthcare (as well as the countries with the worst systems!). Below, you will find results from multiple studies to help you compare various systems and determine the level of care you will receive in each.
In 2024, CEOWorld Magazine's Health Care Index analyzed the overall quality of healthcare systems across various countries. The index considered factors such as healthcare infrastructure, competencies of healthcare professionals (including doctors, nursing staff, and other health workers), cost per capita in USD annually, availability of quality medicine, and government readiness. Italy, with a score of 72.15, ranked highest on the index, followed by Singapore at 67.22 and Iceland at 65.15. Other countries in the top ten included Hong Kong, Finland, Taiwan, New Zealand, Australia, Monaco, and Norway—source: CEOWorld Magazine.
Healthcare systems differ significantly by country and region, making it difficult to determine where to find the best healthcare in the world. Fortunately, some organizations have assessed which country has the best healthcare (as well as the countries with the worst systems!). Below, you will find results from multiple studies to help you compare various systems and determine the level of care you will receive in each.
In 2024, CEOWorld Magazine's Health Care Index analyzed the overall quality of healthcare systems across various countries. The index considered factors such as healthcare infrastructure, competencies of healthcare professionals (including doctors, nursing staff, and other health workers), cost per capita in USD annually, availability of quality medicine, and government readiness. Italy, with a score of 72.15, ranked highest on the index, followed by Singapore at 67.22 and Iceland at 65.15. Other countries in the top ten included Hong Kong, Finland, Taiwan, New Zealand, Australia, Monaco, and Norway—source: CEOWorld Magazine.
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Healthcare System Performance Ranking
The Commonwealth Fund regularly ranks the best healthcare in the world. The United States has come in last in 2006, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2017, and 2021.
Key Findings: "The top-performing countries overall are Norway, the Netherlands, and Australia. The United States ranks last despite spending far more of its gross domestic product on health care. The U.S. ranks last on access to care, administrative efficiency, equity, and health care outcomes, but second on care process measures."
Ranking World Healthcare by Country 2021-2022
Source: Commonwealth Fund
The Best Healthcare Systems in the World in 2024
The Legatum Institute, a London-based think tank, has also evaluated where to find the best healthcare in the world. Its 2023 report includes a "Health pillar" based on how healthy a society is and whether people can access tools to maintain their 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 services.
According to this assessment, what country has the best healthcare? Singapore comes in at No. 1! Japan and South Korea came in 2nd and 3rd.
In this assessment, The USA came in 69th!
Other countries with the best healthcare, according to their rankings, are listed below.
Related: best healthcare for women by country.
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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 Country Has the Best Healthcare in Europe?
BAV Group, part of the global marketing company VMLY&R, and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania surveyed 17,000 people worldwide, which confirmed that Europe has some of the best public healthcare systems in the world. The countries with the best healthcare in Europe were:
- Denmark
- Germany
- Sweden
- Norway
- Switzerland
- the United Kingdom
- the Netherlands
- Finland
- Belgium
Keep in mind that public healthcare in some European countries often comes with long wait times to receive care. And if you don't qualify for enrollment in a country's public healthcare system, you'll need an international health insurance plan to be sure your medical needs will be covered. Private plans provide you with access to quality healthcare around the world, as well as offering shorter wait times and more choices in treatment.
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
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 reveals that affordability is an ongoing concern for healthcare in the United States. Premature deaths from heart disease, diabetes, and drug overdoses remain an ongoing problem. Visitors to the United States will need an international health plan to have their medical care covered.
States With the Best Healthcare Systems
- Massachusetts
- Hawaii
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
States With the Worst-Rated Healthcare Systems
- Arkansas
- Texas
- Oklahoma
- West Virginia
- Mississippi
Source: 2023 Scorecard on State Health System Performance
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
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
Related: Best Travel Insurance for Seniors
Which Countries Have the Worst Healthcare in the World?
According to the Legatum Prosperity Index, 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.
Best International Health Plans by Location
Guides to the best health insurance for international citizens or expatriates living in specific countries based on the top destination countries of 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.