Best healthcare in the world: ranking health care systems

Best health systems in the world: which country would you pick?

Access to quality healthcare varies significantly between countries. From universal coverage to cutting-edge technology, we explore the nations leading the way in healthcare delivery so you can choose the best country to live in.

In this guide, we'll discuss which countries have the best healthcare systems and who offers free health services to their residents. We explain the European Health Insurance Card and the Global Health Insurance Card, both valuable resources for healthcare access while travelling. Plus, the difference between the healthcare systems of the United Kingdom and the United States, and more.

In countries with free-at-the-point-of-entry healthcare, such as the United Kingdom and Canada, it's considered a fundamental human right, regardless of financial status.

How are health systems different in other countries?

Worldwide healthcare systems differ in structure, availability of funds and accessibility for citizens. In countries with free-at-the-point-of-entry healthcare, such as Canada's Medicare and the United Kingdom's NHS, it's considered a fundamental human right, regardless of financial status.

Such systems are funded by taxation, providing access to essential medical services for all, including doctor visits, hospital stays and operations. Similar systems exist in many other countries, including Sweden, Norway, New Zealand and Australia.

In contrast, countries like the United States focus on private healthcare, where access depends on an individual's insurance coverage. However, those on lower incomes, pregnant women and children can access the government-subsidised Medicaid.

Germany, Switzerland, and others utilise a mix of public and private insurance, offering universal coverage via competing insurance companies, which are mainly accessed through employers.

Healthcare rankings by country

The best healthcare in the world is supplied by the Taiwanese healthcare system according to the 2023 edition of the CEOWORLD magazine Health Care Index. The index evaluated 110 countries, awarding each a score out of a hundred based on factors like medical infrastructure, healthcare staff's abilities and qualifications, and the cost and availability of medicines. Further considerations include environmental care, access to clean water, sanitation, and government actions to address tobacco use and obesity.

Two additional Asian nations made the top ten, with South Korea claiming second place and Israel in tenth. Europe also performed well, making up an impressive five of the top ten spots: Sweden in 5th place, Ireland in 6th, the Netherlands in 7th, Germany in 8th, and Norway in 9th.

What country has the best healthcare?

The Health Care Index has named Taiwan as the country with the best healthcare due to its short waiting times and low cost. However, while moving to Taiwan might now be at the top of your agenda, the question of which country has the "best" healthcare is still open to debate as many other worldwide healthcare systems excel in different areas.

Switzerland consistently scores high in healthcare performance. All Swiss citizens and residents must have basic health insurance provided by private insurance companies. It covers various medical services, including hospital stays, doctor visits and prescriptions. The Swiss government regulates insurers to guarantee high standards.

Singapore's healthcare system is also widely praised for its universal coverage, affordability and efficiency. The government prioritises preventive care and strongly encourages citizens to save for healthcare expenses, resulting in one of the world's longest life expectancies of 84.8 years.

Other high-performing countries include Germany, which has innovative and affordable medication, and the Netherlands, which emphasises patient-centred care.

Monaco had the world's highest life expectancy.

For men:

84 years old

For women:

89 years old

Source: Statista

The EHIC covers emergency treatment, maternity care, treatment for pre-existing conditions and more.

The European Health Insurance Card: what is it and how to apply

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a free scheme for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland. It grants access to essential healthcare services without excessive costs during short stays in all participating countries.

The EHIC covers emergency treatment, maternity care, treatment for pre-existing conditions and more. It mainly benefits holidaymakers, international students, and expats working in other EU or EEA countries.

You can apply for an EHIC via your home country's national healthcare system, usually through the official website. You must provide personal details like your name, address and national insurance number. Once approved, your card is valid for up to five years.

The EHIC shouldn't be substituted for travel insurance, as it may not cover all medical costs or other travel-related emergencies, such as delayed flights home.

What is a Global Health Insurance Card?

The UK introduced the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) in 2021, replacing the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Like the EHIC, the GHIC provides access to necessary healthcare services during short stays in European Union (EU) countries, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

The GHIC lets UK residents receive healthcare, including treatment for pre-existing conditions, at the same cost as citizens of the country they are visiting.

UK residents can apply online via the National Health Service (NHS) website. The card is free of charge and valid for up to five years. You must provide the National Insurance numbers of all the family members over 16 you're applying on behalf of. Depending on your medical history, you may also need your NHS number.

The GHIC replaces the EHIC for UK residents. However, you can still use your EHIC until it expires. Like the EHIC, the GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance, so it's advisable to ensure you are fully covered before departure.