Healthcare is one of the most important factors to consider when relocating, choosing a country that offers the best healthcare in the world is essential for HNW retirees and expats. An accessible, affordable, high-quality healthcare system can give you peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are in good hands.
It should be noted, as many of the countries on this list are European – and thanks to the EU’s right to movement – Astons’ residency and citizenship solutions have the ability to provide access to some of the world’s best healthcare.
Countries with the best healthcare in the world
The Health Care Index by CEOWorld Magazine examines the comprehensive quality of a nation’s health care system, and then ranks the countries accordingly.
The factors used to determine where a countriy’s healthcare ranks are:
- Health care infrastructure
- Competencies of health care professionals
- Cost per capita in USD
- Availability of quality medicine
- Government readiness
- Access to medical procedures as a matter of right and choice
After assigning scores for each category, the countries were ranked, with the Top 10 highest scores representing the best healthcare in the world.
South Korea
Topping the list is South Korea with a modern, efficient healthcare system that boasts well-equipped medical facilities and extensively trained medical professionals who provide top quality care.
South Korea’s public healthcare system is called the National Health Insurance (NHI). South Korea has a focus on preventative healthcare, including regular check-ups and disease detection. It has also heavily invested in healthcare infrastructure and technology, such as electronic health records and telemedicine, improving citizen access to healthcare services.
Taiwan
Taiwan ranks second in the world’s best healthcare systems, thanks to its comprehensive coverage, high-quality care and affordable costs.
The country has achieved universal health coverage with a single-payer system that is financed through a combination of taxes and premiums ensuring all citizens and legal residents have access to healthcare services without facing financial barriers.
Taiwan’s healthcare system is also supported by a large number of well-trained healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.
Denmark
Denmark, known for its exceptional standard of living, comes in third on the list of the best countries in the world for healthcare. It offers high-quality, modern and comprehensive healthcare system where residents have access to free public healthcare, provided they have a CPR (Central Person Register) number and a yellow health insurance card.
Denmark also has stringent regulations concerning medication, and expats may require a prescription for medication that they would typically purchase over the counter in their home country. There are many pharmacies available throughout Denmark, with numerous operating 24 hours a day.
Austria
Ranked fourth on the list of the top ten countries in the world for healthcare, Austria offers a two-tier healthcare system, with basic publicly funded medical care. Basic public healthcare in Austria includes basic dental care, medication, well-equipped hospitals, and certain specialist consultations.
With a higher doctor-to-patient ratio than the European average, Austria offers its residents more options and lower waiting times than many other countries.
Japan
Japan’s healthcare system comes in at fifth place. Japan boasts four times the average number of MRI scanners and six times the average number of CT scanners compared to Europe. On average, a Japanese person visits the doctor 13 times per year, which is more than double the average for OECD countries.
Japan also boasts the world’s highest life expectancy, which can be partly attributed to its high-quality healthcare provision.
Australia
Australia comes in at sixth place as one of the best countries in the world for healthcare, offering both public and private healthcare. It also has one of the highest life expectancies worldwide, with accessible and affordable treatment.
The Australian government supports the public healthcare system, Medicare, which covers treatment in public hospitals and part or all of the cost of doctor consultations. However, not all medical procedures are covered under this scheme, but private medical insurance options are also available.
France
France ranks seventh for having one of the best healthcare systems in the world, thanks to its combination of public and private healthcare provision. The healthcare service in France is accessible to all, with a high number of hospital beds and medical staff, meaning there are short wait times for consultations and treatment.
Basic healthcare is covered by the public health insurance system, which is available to workers and retirees who qualify. The majority of medical fees are covered by the public system, with private healthcare insurance covering the rest. Those with chronic illnesses receive full medical bill coverage from the government.
Spain
Spain comes in at number eight on the list with a healthcare system that is regarded as one of the most efficient health systems in Europe. In Spain, people can choose between public and private healthcare options.
The public healthcare system offers free basic medical services to citizens and residents who contribute to the Spanish social security system and their immediate family members.
Additionally, retirees, including those from other European Union countries, are entitled to free healthcare. Spain boasts a first-rate healthcare network, which includes some of the world’s top-rated hospitals and medical centers.
Belgium
Belgium is ranked ninth on the list of best healthcare systems in the world. Its healthcare system is made up of three components – publicly funded healthcare, private healthcare, and university or semi-private institutions. The system is recognized for its reliability and consistency in providing high-quality care.
Belgium has a high density of doctors and hospitals, and the system is known for being both reputable and consistent in providing a high standard of care to patients. Additionally, everyone working in Belgium is required to contribute to the national health insurance scheme, resulting in a large portion of the population with access to quality healthcare.
United Kingdom
The UK is ranked tenth among the best healthcare systems in the world. Known as the National Health System (NHS), the medical facilities across the board are of high quality, and the medical staff is well-trained and knowledgeable. The palliative care provided in the UK is considered the best in the world.
Additionally, the NHS is committed to research and innovation, which has led to many medical advancements and improved treatments for various illnesses. Despite some challenges, such as long wait times, many people move to the UK simply for the healthcare.
So, it is no surprise that, according to the CEOWorld Health Care Index, the NHS remains one of the best countries in the world for healthcare.
Astons – Connecting private clients to the best the world has to offer
Many of the residency and citizenship solutions offered by Astons not only provide unparalleled levels of personal freedom, tax avoidance, and asset diversification, but also provide access to some of the world’s best healthcare and doctors – including some on this list.
To find out which of our solutions best addresses your needs, goals, and demands, schedule your Free Confidential & Comprehensive Consultation with Astons today.