Everyone needs quality medical attention. Healthcare is a broad term used to describe the various systems that help to maintain health. It encompasses medical doctors and hospitals and dentistry, psychology, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more. Having access to a strong healthcare system is as important as ever. Every country has its own system, distinct methods of finance, and a special combination of public and private health services. Countries with efficient and effective healthcare systems have overall better health outcomes than countries whose healthcare systems lag. In this post, you’ll find the top 10 countries with the best healthcare systems in 2024 based on the Health Care Index from CEOWorld Magazine. Wherever you decide to move, just make sure you have the confidence of international health insurance coverage.
If you’re considering moving to another country for a specific assignment, you need to ensure your health is taken care of. Mental health is a key aspect to consider as well as physical and physical health. Being aware of the availability and practicalities of these services keeps you on the safe side. This post is therefore intended to serve as a guide for you in this regard.
According to our source, South Korea is ranked as the country with the best public healthcare system in the world. Taiwan ranked 2nd on the list, followed by Denmark in 3rd place. Spain (8th), Belgium (9th), and the United Kingdom (10th) complete the top 10 list. Let’s now delve into the full list of the countries that have the best healthcare system in 2024, according to our source.
RECOMMENDED: Top 10 Countries in Africa with the Best Healthcare System in 2022
Top 10 Countries with the Best Healthcare systems in 2024
The ranking for the countries with the best healthcare system is based on a number of indices. These have to do with the overall quality of the healthcare system, including infrastructure; healthcare professionals; competencies; cost; quality medicine availability, and government readiness.
Based on this, the top 10 countries in the world with the best healthcare system are in 2024
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Denmark
- Austria
- Japan
- Australia
- France
- Spain
- Belgium
- United Kingdom
1. South Korea (Health Care Index: 78.72)
South Korea is reputable for having a top-class high-quality public healthcare system. Its healthcare system scheme, National Health Insurance (NHI), provides universal coverage. However, not all treatment is covered by the universal healthcare scheme (chronic illnesses such as cancer). South Korea boasts modern and efficient, quality, well-equipped medical facilities, and highly trained medical professionals. In South Korea, healthcare is easily accessible and most are privately funded. Patients are normally expected to pay 20 percent of their medical treatment fees.
There are 10 beds per 1000 persons, which is much more than the OECD average of 5. South Korea has a score of 78.72, the highest of any country in the world making it the country with the best healthcare system in the world.
2. Taiwan (Health Care Index: 77.70)
Taiwan has one of the best healthcare systems in the world and its healthcare system is similar to that of South Korea. It has an integrated, universal-coverage scheme that is run by the government Government through a National Health Insurance system. The system is obligatory to join and this also applies to foreigners living in the country for more than 6 months.
3. Denmark (Health Care Index: 74.11)
Denmark is known for its high standard of living, which includes a quality healthcare system. Residents have access to free public healthcare, as long as they hold CPR (Central Person Register) number and a health insurance card. The country does have strict regulations for medicine and because of that, some medications may require a prescription.
4. Austria (Health Care Index: 71.32)
Austria has a Health Care Index of 71.32 to rank fourth on the list of the best healthcare systems in the world. It has a two-tiered healthcare system, with basic publicly-funded medical care provided to nearly all and private healthcare available for those that want better quality or faster access. In addition, Austria has a higher doctor-to-patient ratio, giving residents more choices and shorter waiting times.
Read Also: Top 10 Highest Paying Countries for Doctors
5. Japan (Health Care Index: 70.73)
Japan is among the countries with the best healthcare system in the world, with a score of 70.73. In Japan, there are two healthcare systems: one for employees and one for the general public. Japan has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, partially attributed to the high caliber of healthcare services offered. An average patient in Japan visits a doctor 13 times a year. There are four times as many MRIs and six times as many CTs as there are overall scanners in Europe.
6. Australia (Health Care Index: 69.99)
Australia is ranked sixth among the best healthcare systems in the world. With a mix of public and private healthcare, it boasts one of the greatest life expectancies. The government funds the public healthcare system, Medicare, which pays for medical care at public hospitals as well as all or a portion of the cost of a doctor’s visit. Medicare does not always cover medical expenses, hence it is advised that foreigners purchase private health insurance. Foreign nationals requesting a working visa must demonstrate they have a specific level of private health insurance.
7. France (Health Care Index: 65.38)
Occupying the 7th position on the list of the countries with the best healthcare systems in the world is France. France’s healthcare system blends private and governmental services, creating a high level of healthcare that is readily available to everyone. Basic healthcare is covered by the public health insurance system for those who qualify, whereas most people will use private healthcare insurance to cover the rest. France benefits from a high number of doctors and hospital beds, and thus offers patients short waiting times.
8. Spain (Health Care Index: 64.66)
Spain is eighth on the list of countries with the best healthcare systems in the world, combining a mix of private and public facilities. It is reputed for having the most efficient health system in Europe. The majority of hospitals in the nation are well-equipped, but Spain has had a shortage of medical staff. Thus, foreign nationals who choose to skip the lengthier wait time typically get private health insurance.
9. Belgium (Health Care Index: 64.63)
Belgium’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world. It consists of three parts – publicly funded healthcare, private healthcare, and university and semi-private institutions. Belgium has a reliable and consistent healthcare system, offering all patients a high degree of care. Every employee in Belgium is required to pay into the government-run health insurance program.
10. United Kingdom (Health Care Index: 61.73)
The United Kingdom completes our list of the top 10 countries with the best healthcare systems. Medical facilities across the UK are generally of a high standard and medical staff are well-trained and knowledgeable. Most medicines are readily available and there are plenty of pharmacies. The UK healthcare system does suffer from long wait times, so many people opt for private medical insurance to avoid these.
10 Student Loans for Medical Students for 2023
Top 10 Highest Paying Countries For Nurses
10 Countries with the Highest Salaries for Architects
