Where to Find the Best Healthcare in the World

1. Sweden

Sweden’s healthcare system is known for its high quality. As a result, only about 600,000 Swedes have private health plans—usually provided by employers—mainly to skip treatment queues. According to Cigna Global, the public system meets most needs, but private plans offer quicker access when needed.

Healthcare in the Nordic nation is tax-funded and subsidized, with minimal co-pays for visits and affordable prescriptions. Once patients reach an annual cap of SEK 2,200, the government covers the rest, ensuring everyone gets the care they need, says Velocity Global. 

Sweden boasts one of the highest life expectancies at 83 years. William Russell highlights that the country also enjoys one of Europe’s shortest hospital stays, averaging 5.4 days. Plus, it maintains an impressively low infant mortality rate of less than 2.6 per 1,000 births.

2. Norway

Norway’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world, with the highest number of physicians per person. Healthcare is free for children under 16. Velocity Global notes The Patients’ Rights Act ensures timely access to essential services, from GP visits to hospital treatments, with strict time limits to reduce waiting times.

In 2019, fewer than one percent of Norwegian adults missed necessary treatment, a testament to the country’s efficient healthcare system. The adoption of telehealth during the pandemic has further strengthened this accessibility. Norway’s commitment to mental health also plays a significant role in its consistent ranking among the world’s happiest countries, according to William Russell.

Norway’s citizens are definitely taken care of when it comes to healthcare. U.S. News & World Report highlights Norway’s impressive performance in several key areas, ranking it 5th in Public Health and 2nd in Quality of Life. These rankings reflect the country’s strong social support systems and its focus on ensuring a high standard of living for all its citizens.

3. Canada

With one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world, Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system is often credited for its efficiency and effectiveness in keeping its population healthy. Many believe it’s a key reason Canadians enjoy living there. Whether it’s routine checkups or critical care, Cigna Global says Canada’s approach ensures that healthcare is not just a privilege but a fundamental right.

According to U.S. News & World Report, Canada ranks an impressive second in public health and third in quality of life. With an overall ranking of second among the best countries, Canada continues to set the bar high globally.

Canada stands out as the only country in North America to make the top 10 for healthcare based on stats in CEOWORLD Magazine. This just shows the country’s commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare to its citizens. 

4. Australia

Australia’s healthcare system is divided into two main components: public and private. According to Cigna Global, Medicare has served as the Commonwealth Government’s universal health insurance since 1984, providing Australian residents with free treatment in public hospitals.

The Medicare program down under covers essentials like medical appointments, hospital care, and prescriptions (Velocity Global). To alleviate pressure on the public system, the government encourages higher-income earners to opt for private insurance, which offers quicker access and covers services like dental and eyecare that Medicare does not.

Australia’s healthcare excellence is reflected in its global ranking. CEOWORLD Magazine places Australia third in global healthcare with a score of 90.75. The country also scored 82.59 for public health and 74.11 for quality of life, reinforcing its status as a healthcare leader.

5. Germany

Germany’s healthcare system is among the best but that doesn’t come without a high cost. Health insurance is mandatory, and according to Cigna Global, most expatriates have it included in their employment contracts.

Velocity Global reports public insurance covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventive care. For those with higher salaries, private health insurance is an attractive alternative, offering more flexibility, shorter wait times, and specialized services tailored to individual needs.

Another key advantage, as Expatsi explains, is that German health insurance providers cannot deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. Additionally, as a member of the European Union, Germany’s healthcare benefits extend to other E.U. countries, providing even more security for residents and expatriates.

6. The Netherlands

Another E.U. member, the Netherlands, rounds out our list. All residents must purchase a comprehensive basic health insurance package from private insurers. According to Velocity Global, citizens pay an annual fee and a capped deductible, with government assistance available for lower-income individuals. 

The Netherlands consistently ranks high in global healthcare, and for good reason, writes CEOWORLD Magazine. With an overall healthcare quality score of 77.86, the Dutch system is designed to prioritize efficiency and patient well-being. What sets the Netherlands apart is the country’s requirement for residents to have not only basic health insurance but also long-term care coverage (Cignal Global).