The Quick Report

30 Countries With Great Healthcare Systems

The US isn’t the only country in the world that can provide quality healthcare. Insurance cost and accessibility aside, the quality of doctors and facilities in our country is very good. But we are not alone, and some countries have even taken it a step further. So if you are thinking of visiting or potentially moving outside the USA but healthcare is a concern, this list is for you!

30. Israel

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Israel’s healthcare system is publicly funded and offers universal coverage. The country is known for its high-quality care, advanced medical technology, and a strong emphasis on preventive services.

29. Brazil

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Brazil’s Sistema Único de Saúde healthcare system offers universal healthcare coverage. The system emphasizes equity and access, providing a wide range of services and preventive care. This goes against the popular misconception of Brazil held by some Americans that assumes the country has poor infrastructure.

28. United Arab Emirates

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The UAE has made significant investments in healthcare, providing universal coverage with a mix of public and private providers. The focus on innovation and high-quality services has attracted medical tourism. The UAE is a very wealthy country, primarily due to its exporting of oil.

27. Malaysia

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Malaysia’s healthcare system provides universal coverage through a public system, with private options available. The country is known for its high-quality medical services and affordable care. People often travel to Malaysia from nearby areas to secure medical care at a lower cost.

26. Chile

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Chile, like many other South American countries, has a mixed healthcare system that includes both public and private options. The government has invested in expanding access and improving quality, particularly in primary care. This mixed healthcare system offers more choices for patients.

25. Estonia

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Estonia’s healthcare system is publicly funded, with a strong emphasis on digital health services. The focus on innovation, preventive care, and efficient service delivery makes it a standout in Europe. That’s saying something, too, as many European countries have great medical care systems.

24. Slovenia

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Slovenia offers universal healthcare through a publicly funded system. The country emphasizes preventive care, accessibility, and a strong network of primary care providers. That focus on preventative care helps to keep costs down and is more efficient than simply treating each symptom as it arises.

23. Czech Republic

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The Czech healthcare system is publicly funded and provides universal coverage. It combines a strong public health system with private healthcare options, focusing on access and quality. That allows for a flexible, wide-ranging medical system for all patient needs.

22. Ireland

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Ireland has a mixed healthcare system where both public and private services coexist. The country provides universal access to public healthcare, with a focus on primary care and improving health equity. Notably, Ireland is not part of the UK, which uses the NHS instead of the Irish healthcare system.

21. Taiwan

Alishan Taiwan Alishan-Forest-Railway-02
Openverse

Taiwan’s National Health Insurance program offers universal coverage and is known for its efficiency and affordability. The system provides a wide range of services and emphasizes preventive care, contributing to high health outcomes. Preventative care is a huge focus for many Asian and European countries.

20. South Korea

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South Korea’s healthcare system is characterized by mandatory health insurance that covers a wide range of services. South Korea is also known for its numerous medical technological advancements and high-quality medical care, as well as its focus on preventive services.

19. Portugal

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Portugal offers universal healthcare through the Serviço Nacional de Saúde, which provides comprehensive services funded by taxation. The system emphasizes preventive care and has made significant strides in improving health outcomes by focusing on averting disease before it occurs.

18. Spain

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Spain has a universal healthcare system that is publicly funded. The country emphasizes access to comprehensive services and preventive care, with a strong network of primary care physicians. This makes it somewhat typical among European countries, as it’s common for countries in the EU to use universal healthcare.

17. New Zealand

Nelson New Zealand
Image via Openverse

New Zealand’s healthcare system is publicly funded, with an emphasis on equity and access. It combines public services with private options, focusing on preventive care and a strong primary healthcare sector. It’s considered one of the world’s best examples of public healthcare coverage.

16. Iceland

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Iceland provides universal healthcare funded through taxation. The country emphasizes preventive care and has a strong primary care system, ensuring high-quality services for its small population. While Iceland is remote, it has access to world-class medical coverage and hospital facilities.

15. Finland

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Finland’s healthcare system is publicly funded and ensures access for all citizens. The focus on preventive care, mental health services, and patient involvement in care decisions are key strengths of the system. Many Northern European countries are renowned for their exceptional public healthcare services.

14. Austria

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Austria offers a universal healthcare system funded through a mix of employee and employer contributions. The system is known for its high standards of care, a well-trained workforce, and a robust public health infrastructure. It’s similar to many of its neighbors in that regard.

13. United Kingdom

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The National Health Service (NHS) provides healthcare that is mostly free at the point of use for residents. The UK emphasizes preventive care and health equity, offering a comprehensive range of services funded by taxation. It’s considered one of the most important public programs in the UK.

12. Canada

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Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system provides universal coverage for medically necessary services. Each province manages its own system, allowing for regional adaptations. The focus on access and equity is a hallmark of Canadian healthcare. While many Americans disparage Canada’s system, it’s one of the world’s best medical systems.

11. Belgium

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Belgium’s healthcare system combines compulsory health insurance with a wide array of providers. It is known for its high-quality medical care and patient choice, as well as a strong emphasis on specialty services and advanced technology. That focus on specialization is a big factor for many who travel to Belgium for medical care.

10. Denmark

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Denmark has a publicly funded healthcare system that offers universal access. The system is designed to provide free care at the point of service, and it emphasizes preventive care, patient-centered practices, and a high degree of coordination among providers.

9. Netherlands

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The Dutch healthcare system requires all citizens to have health insurance, which is provided through a mix of private and public insurers. The system is known for its accessibility and quality of care, with a strong emphasis on primary care and patient choice.

8. Australia

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Australia’s Medicare system provides universal health coverage funded by taxation. It combines public and private healthcare options, ensuring broad access to services. The system emphasizes preventive care and has a strong focus on mental health. It’s considered an exemplar in medical coverages internationally.

7. Singapore

Marina Bay Street Circuit
Photo by moollyem

Singapore’s healthcare system is a hybrid model that combines public and private elements. The government promotes personal responsibility through health savings accounts while providing comprehensive public services. The focus on efficiency and innovation makes it one of the top systems globally.

6. Japan

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Japan boasts a universal healthcare system that combines employer-based insurance with government coverage. The country is known for its advanced medical technology and low patient wait times. Preventive care is prioritized, contributing to the country’s high life expectancy.

5. Norway

Norway’s healthcare system is publicly funded and offers universal coverage. It is characterized by a high amount of medical spending per capita and a focus on primary care. The system emphasizes preventive medicine, mental health services, and patient-centered care.

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4. Sweden

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Sweden’s healthcare system is publicly funded and decentralized, allowing regions to tailor services to their populations. The system prioritizes preventive care and has a strong emphasis on primary healthcare. The focus on equity ensures that all citizens have access to high-quality medical services.

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3. Switzerland

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Switzerland has a unique healthcare model that mandates health insurance for all citizens. It combines private insurance with a high level of service. Patients can choose from a variety of plans and have access to a wide range of services, ensuring that care is both comprehensive and personalized.

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2. Germany

Uniworld River Cruises in Passau Germany
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Germany’s healthcare is characterized by its social health insurance model, where citizens are required to have health insurance. The system emphasizes a mix of public and private healthcare providers and offers a comprehensive range of services. High-quality care and patient choice are key features, alongside strong regulatory standards.

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1. France

TGVs at Gare de Nice-Ville, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
Openverse

France’s healthcare system is known for its high quality and accessibility. It employs a mix of public and private providers, funded primarily through a government-run insurance program. The government covers a significant portion of medical costs, and patients can choose their healthcare providers freely. The system is praised for its preventive care and low wait times.

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