Countries with the best healthcare in the world
When you're exploring the world, especially if you're a free tour lover who thrives on local discovery and spontaneous plans, knowing where you’ll be well taken care of if something goes wrong is more than just useful, it’s smart travel. This guide helps you make better travel decisions by showing which countries offer the best healthcare based on the metrics that really matter. We’ll show you where universal healthcare is available, where out-of-pocket expenses are low, and where health outcomes and expat care make a real difference. So, before you pack your bag, check this guide because it may change where you go next!
If you're traveling through Europe or East Asia, you're in luck: most of the world’s top healthcare systems are concentrated in these regions. Taiwan, South Korea, the Netherlands, and France combine excellent care with reliable infrastructure, which means that if something unexpected happens during your trip, you’ll be in a place where help is accessible and high-quality. If you love discovering cities on foot or joining free walking tours, these destinations let you explore with confidence, knowing good care is nearby if you need it.
But what about the other side of the spectrum?
If you're traveling to countries like Egypt, Peru, or Morocco, especially popular tourist spots, be aware that their healthcare systems rank among the lowest in the world for 2025. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go, but you should be extra prepared: get solid travel insurance, know where the nearest private clinics are, and pack a basic medical kit. And don’t forget, some countries with even worse healthcare didn’t make the list at all, this is why always do your own research before the trip.
Every country has its own approach to healthcare, shaped by culture, policy, and resources. While it’s not easy to compare them using a single universal standard, we’ll do our best to make sense of the differences!
If you’re traveling to the U.S., it might surprise you that despite being the world’s top economy and a tech powerhouse, it only ranks 38th in healthcare quality in 2025. Don’t assume care will be easy or affordable; travel insurance and a backup plan can save you from a big headache.
The topic of US healthcare compared to other countries reveals major performance gaps across access, quality, efficiency, and outcomes. The charts below show how the U.S. ranks alongside nine peer nations that participate in the Commonwealth Fund’s international surveys and offer universal coverage. While some countries outside this group rank even higher globally, these selected comparisons provide consistent, reliable data that highlight where the U.S. system falls short.
If you're traveling to the U.S. from one of these countries, this chart gives you a quick look at how American healthcare stacks up, especially in access, equity, and outcomes. It helps you spot the biggest gaps so you can prepare smartly for your trip, whether that means better insurance or knowing where to find urgent care.
Curious how countries like China, Mexico, or Finland compare in global healthcare rankings? Explore the data below to see where these diverse systems stand; whether it's a rising regional power or a top-tier European performer, each offers a unique lens on global health.
Healthcare systems measure how care is delivered—like access and efficiency—while healthcare outcomes focus on results: how long people live, how many preventable deaths occur, and how well the system keeps people healthy. For travelers, outcomes matter most in emergencies or serious situations, when you need to trust that the care will actually work. Check the chart below to see which countries truly deliver when it comes to keeping people alive and well.
South Korea, Qatar, and the UAE lead the world in healthcare outcomes - these are extra safe bets for travelers prioritizing health security.
Travel hack: If you're traveling with a condition or doing a long stay, these countries may offer better peace of mind—and sometimes even high-quality, affordable private care for visitors.
This chart looks specifically at how well countries support expats and travelers in their healthcare systems, combining quality, affordability, and whether visitors have access to public care. For anyone staying more than a few days—from digital nomads to long-haul backpackers—this can make a big difference in both comfort and cost. Check the rankings to see where you’re most likely to find accessible, reliable care as a visitor.
Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan top the list for expat-friendly healthcare in 2025, making them excellent choices for longer stays.
Pro tip: In many of these countries, you can access affordable private clinics without insurance—just search for expat-focused medical centers in major cities before you go.
To estimate the health outcome rating for each country, we combined four metrics: healthcare index (30%), mortality rate (20%), life expectancy (30%), and treatable mortality rate (20%). Each metric was normalized using min-max scaling, with higher scores for better outcomes (e.g., lower mortality rates resulted in higher scores). If a country had missing data for a metric, we adjusted the weights proportionally to ensure a fair and consistent final score.
To calculate the Expat Healthcare Score, we combined three metrics: healthcare index (50% weight), out-of-pocket expenditure (30%), and universal healthcare availability (20%). Each value was normalized for comparability, with lower out-of-pocket costs and the presence of universal healthcare contributing positively. If a country had missing data for a metric, the weights of the remaining metrics were proportionally adjusted to ensure a fair final score.
Key findings:
- Taiwan ranks #1 in the world for healthcare quality in 2025.
- South Korea ranks #2 in the world for healthcare quality in 2025.
- Japan holds the 3rd spot globally for healthcare quality in 2025.
- In 2025, the United States ranks 38th in global healthcare quality.
- Norway holds the 13th spot worldwide for healthcare system performance in 2025.
Countries with the best healthcare systems
If you're traveling through Europe or East Asia, you're in luck: most of the world’s top healthcare systems are concentrated in these regions. Taiwan, South Korea, the Netherlands, and France combine excellent care with reliable infrastructure, which means that if something unexpected happens during your trip, you’ll be in a place where help is accessible and high-quality. If you love discovering cities on foot or joining free walking tours, these destinations let you explore with confidence, knowing good care is nearby if you need it.
Top 10 best healthcare systems in the world
- Taiwan is the #1 country in the world by healthcare quality in 2025, with a healthcare index of 86.5.
- South Korea ranks 2nd globally in healthcare quality in 2025, scoring 82.8 on the healthcare index.
- Japan holds the 3rd spot worldwide for healthcare in 2025, with a healthcare index of 80.
- The Netherlands ranks 4th in the world for healthcare in 2025, earning a healthcare index of 79.3.
- Denmark is ranked 5th globally for healthcare quality in 2025, with a score of 78.4.
- Austria takes the 6th position in 2025 healthcare rankings, reaching an index of 77.9.
- France is ranked 7th worldwide for healthcare in 2025, with a healthcare index of 77.7.
- Finland ranks 8th in the world by healthcare in 2025, scoring 77.5 on the healthcare index.
- Thailand shares the 8th position in global healthcare rankings in 2025, also scoring 77.5.
- Spain rounds out the top 10 countries for healthcare in 2025, with a healthcare index of 77.3.
What country is #1 in healthcare?
- Taiwan is ranked the world's top country for healthcare quality in 2025
But what about the other side of the spectrum?
Worst healthcare in the world
If you're traveling to countries like Egypt, Peru, or Morocco, especially popular tourist spots, be aware that their healthcare systems rank among the lowest in the world for 2025. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go, but you should be extra prepared: get solid travel insurance, know where the nearest private clinics are, and pack a basic medical kit. And don’t forget, some countries with even worse healthcare didn’t make the list at all, this is why always do your own research before the trip.
Healthcare rankings by country
Every country has its own approach to healthcare, shaped by culture, policy, and resources. While it’s not easy to compare them using a single universal standard, we’ll do our best to make sense of the differences!
The United States' healthcare system ranking
- The United States ranks 38th in global healthcare quality in 2025.
If you’re traveling to the U.S., it might surprise you that despite being the world’s top economy and a tech powerhouse, it only ranks 38th in healthcare quality in 2025. Don’t assume care will be easy or affordable; travel insurance and a backup plan can save you from a big headache.
U.S. healthcare compared to other countries
The topic of US healthcare compared to other countries reveals major performance gaps across access, quality, efficiency, and outcomes. The charts below show how the U.S. ranks alongside nine peer nations that participate in the Commonwealth Fund’s international surveys and offer universal coverage. While some countries outside this group rank even higher globally, these selected comparisons provide consistent, reliable data that highlight where the U.S. system falls short.
https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/23011546/
If you're traveling to the U.S. from one of these countries, this chart gives you a quick look at how American healthcare stacks up, especially in access, equity, and outcomes. It helps you spot the biggest gaps so you can prepare smartly for your trip, whether that means better insurance or knowing where to find urgent care.
Quality of healthcare by country
Curious how countries like China, Mexico, or Finland compare in global healthcare rankings? Explore the data below to see where these diverse systems stand; whether it's a rising regional power or a top-tier European performer, each offers a unique lens on global health.
What is the ranking of Iceland's healthcare in the world?
- Iceland’s healthcare ranks 39th in the world in 2025.
What is the Mexico healthcare system ranking in the world?
- Mexico’s healthcare system ranks 22nd globally in 2025.
What is Argentina's healthcare ranking globally?
- Argentina holds the 37th position for healthcare quality in the world in 2025
What is Turkey's healthcare ranking in the world?
- Turkey ranks 28th in global healthcare performance in 2025.
What is China's healthcare ranking worldwide?
- China’s healthcare is ranked 32nd in the world in 2025.
What is Finland's healthcare system ranking in the world?
- Finland is ranked 8th globally for healthcare quality in 2025.
Which European country has the best healthcare system?
- The Netherlands has the best healthcare system in Europe, ranking 4th globally in 2025.
Countries with the best healthcare outcomes
Healthcare systems measure how care is delivered—like access and efficiency—while healthcare outcomes focus on results: how long people live, how many preventable deaths occur, and how well the system keeps people healthy. For travelers, outcomes matter most in emergencies or serious situations, when you need to trust that the care will actually work. Check the chart below to see which countries truly deliver when it comes to keeping people alive and well.
South Korea, Qatar, and the UAE lead the world in healthcare outcomes - these are extra safe bets for travelers prioritizing health security.
Travel hack: If you're traveling with a condition or doing a long stay, these countries may offer better peace of mind—and sometimes even high-quality, affordable private care for visitors.
Countries with the best healthcare for expats
This chart looks specifically at how well countries support expats and travelers in their healthcare systems, combining quality, affordability, and whether visitors have access to public care. For anyone staying more than a few days—from digital nomads to long-haul backpackers—this can make a big difference in both comfort and cost. Check the rankings to see where you’re most likely to find accessible, reliable care as a visitor.
Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan top the list for expat-friendly healthcare in 2025, making them excellent choices for longer stays. Pro tip: In many of these countries, you can access affordable private clinics without insurance—just search for expat-focused medical centers in major cities before you go.
Conclusions:
- If you're heading to Europe or East Asia, you're in good hands. These regions dominate the top of global healthcare rankings, which means you’ll have access to reliable, high-quality care if something unexpected happens during your trip. Whether you're joining free walking tours or exploring local markets, you can enjoy your adventure with more peace of mind.
- Traveling to a popular destination doesn’t guarantee good healthcare. Countries like Egypt, Morocco, and Peru are amazing to explore, but they rank low in healthcare quality, so don’t skip prep. A solid travel insurance plan, a few essential meds, and knowing where to find a reputable clinic can make all the difference if things go sideways.
- The U.S. may lead in tech and business, but not in healthcare. If you’re planning a trip there, don’t assume you’ll be covered or that care will be affordable, because it won’t be. Treat the U.S. like a high-risk destination for medical costs: always travel insured, and research where you can go for emergency help before you arrive.
Methodology:
To estimate the health outcome rating for each country, we combined four metrics: healthcare index (30%), mortality rate (20%), life expectancy (30%), and treatable mortality rate (20%). Each metric was normalized using min-max scaling, with higher scores for better outcomes (e.g., lower mortality rates resulted in higher scores). If a country had missing data for a metric, we adjusted the weights proportionally to ensure a fair and consistent final score.
To calculate the Expat Healthcare Score, we combined three metrics: healthcare index (50% weight), out-of-pocket expenditure (30%), and universal healthcare availability (20%). Each value was normalized for comparability, with lower out-of-pocket costs and the presence of universal healthcare contributing positively. If a country had missing data for a metric, the weights of the remaining metrics were proportionally adjusted to ensure a fair final score.
Sources:
- Health Care Index by Country 2025. https://www.numbeo.com/quality-of-life/rankings_by_country.jsp?title=2025&displayColumn=3 . Accessed 5 May 2025.
- "List of Countries by Life Expectancy - Wikipedia." Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., 1 Mar. 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_life_expectancy.
- Healthcare by Country 2024 - The Commonwealth Fund, https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2024/sep/mirror-mirror-2024, Accessed 5 May 2025.
- “World Bank Open Data.” World Bank Open Data, https://data.worldbank.org . Accessed 5 May 2025.
- Death Rate. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/death-rate . Accessed 5 May 2025.
Fact-checked
Last reviewed: June 2, 2025
Last updated: June 2, 2025
Licensed under CC BY 4.0
