Best Countries for Healthcare: Where Expats Get the Best Care

If you have ever paid a $400 copay for an emergency room visit that lasted twenty minutes, you already know the US healthcare system is not built for the patient. What you may not know is that dozens of countries deliver objectively better health outcomes — longer life expectancy, lower infant mortality, shorter wait times — at a fraction of the cost. And many of them actively welcome expats into their systems.

The best countries for healthcare are not just the wealthiest ones. France, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand all outperform far richer nations because they have built systems that prioritize access, prevention, and efficiency over profit. For expats, that means better care, lower out-of-pocket costs, and far less anxiety about a medical bill bankrupting you.

This guide ranks the best countries for healthcare based on WHO performance data, healthcare access indices, doctor density, out-of-pocket costs, and real expat experience. Whether you are planning a permanent move, retiring abroad, or evaluating medical tourism options, these are the countries where you will get the best care.

How We Ranked Healthcare Systems

Healthcare quality is not a single number. A country can have world-class hospitals in its capital and almost nothing in rural areas. Another might offer universal coverage but with six-month wait times for specialists. To account for this complexity, our ranking weighs five factors:

• WHO health system performance — the most comprehensive global assessment of healthcare effectiveness, responsiveness, and fairness of financing
• Healthcare access and quality index — measuring how effectively a country prevents deaths from treatable conditions
• Doctor and hospital density — physicians per 1,000 population and hospital bed availability
• Out-of-pocket costs — what patients actually pay after insurance, as a percentage of total health spending
• Expat accessibility — how easily foreign residents can enroll in the public system or obtain affordable private coverage

The result is a composite score that reflects not just how good a healthcare system is on paper, but how accessible and affordable it is for someone moving from abroad. For the full methodology, see how WhereNext scores countries.

Top 10 Countries for Healthcare Quality

This ranking captures overall healthcare excellence — system performance, clinical outcomes, infrastructure, and responsiveness. These are the countries where you are most likely to receive world-class medical care as a resident.

Universal vs. Private Healthcare: What Expats Need to Understand

The single most important distinction in global healthcare is the difference between universal public systems and private insurance-based systems. Most of the top countries on our list use some version of universal coverage, but the details matter enormously for expats.

Universal Public Healthcare

Countries like France, Spain, Portugal, and Australia provide government-funded healthcare to all legal residents. You pay into the system through taxes or a modest monthly contribution, and in return you get access to hospitals, GPs, specialists, prescriptions, and emergency care at little to no additional cost.

For expats, the key question is when you become eligible. In Spain, legal residents gain access to the public system immediately. In France, you must wait three months after establishing residency. In Portugal, you can register with a local health center as soon as you have a residency permit. During any gap period, private insurance covers you.

Mandatory Insurance Models

Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Switzerland take a different approach: everyone — including foreign residents — is required by law to carry health insurance. In Japan and South Korea, this means enrolling in the National Health Insurance system, which covers 70% of medical costs with modest copays. In Germany, you choose between the public statutory system (GKV) and private insurance (PKV). In Switzerland, every resident must purchase a basic insurance plan from a private insurer, with government subsidies for low-income residents.

These mandatory models tend to produce the shortest wait times and the most consistent quality, because the entire population is insured and providers are paid reliably.

Hybrid and Private-Dominant Models

Singapore and Thailand represent a hybrid approach. Singapore's system combines mandatory savings accounts (MediSave), catastrophic insurance (MediShield Life), and government subsidies — the result is exceptionally efficient care at controlled costs. Thailand offers universal coverage to citizens through its 30-Baht Scheme, while expats typically access the country's outstanding private hospitals directly or through international insurance plans.

Country-by-Country Breakdown

France — The Gold Standard

France has held the WHO's number-one ranking for healthcare system performance since the organization published its landmark assessment. The French system, Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMa), covers all legal residents and reimburses 70% of most medical costs. Most French residents also carry a supplementary private policy called a mutuelle, which costs EUR 50 to 150 per month and covers the remaining 30%.

What makes France exceptional is the combination of quality and access. There are 3.4 doctors per 1,000 people. Wait times for specialists average two to four weeks — a fraction of what patients experience in the UK or Canada. Prescription medications are heavily subsidized, and pharmacy access is extraordinary: there are over 21,000 pharmacies across the country, nearly one for every 3,000 residents.

For expats, France is one of the most straightforward systems to join. After three months of legal residency, you can enroll in PUMa. The cost is income-based, and retirees with modest pensions often pay nothing. Explore France's full profile.

Japan — Longevity Leader

Japan's healthcare outcomes speak for themselves: the country has the highest life expectancy in the world at 84.8 years. The system is built on mandatory universal insurance. Every resident — including foreign nationals on visas longer than three months — must enroll in either employer-based insurance or the National Health Insurance (NHI) program.

NHI covers 70% of medical costs, with patients paying 30% out of pocket up to a monthly cap that prevents catastrophic bills. A typical doctor's visit costs $10 to $30 after insurance. Japan has 2.5 doctors per 1,000 people but compensates with an astonishing 13 hospital beds per 1,000 — the highest ratio in the developed world.

Preventive care is deeply embedded in Japanese healthcare culture. Annual health checkups (ningen dock) are standard, and early detection rates for cancers and metabolic conditions are among the best globally. Explore Japan's full profile.

South Korea — Tech-Forward, Affordable

South Korea has built one of the most technologically advanced healthcare systems in the world. The National Health Insurance (NHI) system covers all residents, including registered foreign nationals, and pays for approximately 60 to 70% of medical costs. Monthly premiums are income-based and typically run $80 to $200 for expats.

What sets South Korea apart is speed and technology. MRI and CT scans are available within days, not months. Robotic surgery, AI-assisted diagnostics, and telemedicine are widely deployed. Out-of-pocket costs are remarkably low: a specialist consultation runs $15 to $40, and a hospital stay costs roughly $50 to $100 per day after insurance.

Mental health services are an area of active expansion. South Korea has invested heavily in community mental health centers and telepsychiatry since 2020, though stigma remains a barrier to utilization. Explore South Korea's full profile.

Singapore — Efficiency Perfected

Singapore consistently ranks as the most efficient healthcare system in Asia and among the top five globally. The government spends less per capita than most Western nations yet achieves outcomes that match or exceed them. The secret is a disciplined combination of mandatory savings, insurance, and subsidies that keeps costs controlled without sacrificing quality.

For expats, Singapore's private hospitals — including Mount Elizabeth, Raffles Hospital, and Gleneagles — offer world-class specialist care. Private health insurance is strongly recommended and typically runs SGD 200 to 600 per month depending on age and coverage. Public hospitals are also accessible and significantly cheaper, though subsidies are primarily for citizens and permanent residents.

The downside is cost. Singapore is one of the more expensive countries on this list for healthcare, especially at private facilities. Explore Singapore's full profile.

Spain — Mediterranean Care

Spain's public healthcare system, the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), is one of the best-funded and most accessible in Europe. Legal residents receive a health card that grants access to GPs, specialists, hospitals, and emergency services at no out-of-pocket cost. Prescription medications are subsidized, with patients typically paying 40% of drug costs (reduced to 10% for retirees).

Spain has 4.4 doctors per 1,000 people — one of the highest ratios in Europe. Pharmacy density is also exceptional, with over 22,000 pharmacies across the country. Private insurance is popular as a supplement and costs just EUR 100 to 200 per month, offering faster access to specialists and private hospital rooms. Explore Spain's full profile.

Germany — No-Wait Healthcare

Germany's healthcare system is the oldest universal system in the world, dating back to Bismarck in 1883. It operates on a dual-track model: roughly 87% of residents are in the public statutory system (GKV), while the remaining 13% opt for private insurance (PKV). Foreign residents earning below EUR 69,300 per year must join the public system; those above that threshold can choose private.

The system's defining feature is virtually no wait times. Germans can see specialists within days, not weeks or months. Germany has 4.5 doctors per 1,000 people and 8 hospital beds per 1,000 — well above the OECD average. Mental health services are fully integrated into the insurance system, with psychotherapy covered by both public and private plans. Explore Germany's full profile.

Switzerland — Premium Quality, Premium Price

Switzerland mandates that every resident purchase basic health insurance (LAMal) from a private insurer. There is no public option — the system is entirely private but heavily regulated. Basic premiums average CHF 300 to 450 per month depending on canton, age, and deductible. Government subsidies are available for lower-income residents.

What you get for that price is among the best healthcare in the world. Switzerland has some of the shortest wait times in Europe, outstanding specialist care, and a doctor density of 4.4 per 1,000 people. The country is particularly strong in oncology, cardiology, and orthopedics. The trade-off is clear: this is the most expensive healthcare system on our list, but the quality is undeniable. Explore Switzerland's full profile.

Australia — Medicare Down Under

Australia's Medicare system provides universal coverage to citizens, permanent residents, and residents from countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements. The system covers GP visits, specialist consultations, hospital care, and subsidized prescriptions through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Australia stands out for its strong rural and remote healthcare infrastructure — the Royal Flying Doctor Service and telehealth networks ensure that even Australians in the outback have access to care. For expats, private health insurance is common and costs AUD 150 to 400 per month, providing shorter wait times for elective surgery and access to private hospital rooms. Explore Australia's full profile.

Portugal — Affordable European Healthcare

Portugal's Servico Nacional de Saude (SNS) provides universal healthcare to all legal residents. Registration is straightforward: once you have a residency permit, you can sign up at your local health center and receive a user number. Most services are free or involve nominal fees of EUR 5 to 15.

Where Portugal shines for expats is the combination of quality and affordability. Private health insurance costs just EUR 80 to 180 per month and grants access to modern private hospitals in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Pharmacy access is excellent, with pharmacists authorized to provide basic consultations and administer vaccines. Explore Portugal's full profile.

Thailand — The Medical Tourism Powerhouse

Thailand is the world's most popular medical tourism destination, attracting over 3.5 million international patients annually. Hospitals like Bumrungrad International in Bangkok hold JCI accreditation — the same standard as top US hospitals — and offer procedures at 50 to 80% below American prices.

For expats living in Thailand, private healthcare is the primary path. A comprehensive international insurance plan costs $100 to $300 per month. Without insurance, a specialist consultation runs $30 to $60, and a full health checkup costs $100 to $250. The quality at top-tier Bangkok hospitals genuinely rivals anything in Europe or North America.

Thailand's weakness is the gap between its world-class private hospitals and its underfunded public system. Outside Bangkok and major tourist centers, healthcare infrastructure thins considerably. Explore Thailand's full profile.

France vs. Japan: Healthcare Head-to-Head

France and Japan represent two different philosophies that both deliver outstanding results. France uses a reimbursement-based universal system with supplementary private insurance. Japan mandates universal enrollment with fixed copays and monthly cost caps. Here is how they compare on the metrics that matter most to expats.

The verdict depends on what you prioritize. France offers a more affordable system with lower out-of-pocket costs and an easier language transition for English speakers. Japan delivers longer life expectancy, faster specialist access, and extraordinary preventive care — but the language barrier is significant if you do not speak Japanese.

Best Affordable Healthcare: Where Cost Meets Quality

Not every expat can afford Swiss premiums or Singapore private hospitals. If your priority is getting excellent healthcare without spending a fortune, these countries offer the best value.

Key Healthcare Factors Expats Overlook

Mental Health Services

Mental health care is one of the most underexamined factors in expat healthcare planning, and it should not be. Relocating to a new country is inherently stressful, and access to therapy, psychiatry, and counseling matters more than most people anticipate.

Best for mental health access: Germany and France integrate psychotherapy fully into their public insurance systems. South Korea has expanded community mental health centers significantly. Australia's Medicare covers up to 20 psychology sessions per year under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. In Thailand and Portugal, English-speaking therapists are available in major cities, primarily through private practice.

Pharmacy Access and Prescription Costs

The ability to walk into a pharmacy and get the medications you need — affordably and without jumping through bureaucratic hoops — is something Americans in particular should not take for granted abroad. The good news is that most countries on this list beat the US comprehensively on prescription drug costs.

France, Spain, and Portugal all subsidize prescription medications heavily, with patients paying 0 to 40% of drug costs depending on the medication category. Japan's NHI covers prescriptions at 70%. South Korea subsidizes most essential medications. Thailand's pharmacies sell many drugs over the counter that require prescriptions in Western countries, at a fraction of the price.

Doctor Availability and Language

Having a great healthcare system means little if you cannot communicate with your doctor. This is a genuine consideration in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, where English proficiency among medical professionals varies. In major cities and at international hospitals, English-speaking doctors are available. In smaller cities or public facilities, you may need a translator.

Best for English-speaking care: Singapore (English is an official language), Australia (English-speaking), Germany (many doctors speak English in major cities), and Thailand (international hospitals employ multilingual staff). In France, Spain, and Portugal, private clinics in expat-heavy areas typically have English-speaking practitioners.

Healthcare Costs: What Expats Actually Pay

Abstract rankings are useful, but what matters in practice is the number on the bill. Here is what you can realistically expect to pay in the top healthcare countries, as an expat with standard insurance coverage:

• GP visit: Free to $30 in most universal systems (France, Spain, Portugal, Australia). $10 to $40 in Japan, South Korea. $30 to $60 in Thailand and Singapore private clinics.
• Specialist consultation: $15 to $60 after insurance in Japan and South Korea. $30 to $100 in Thailand. Free to $50 in European public systems with referral.
• Hospital stay (per day): Free to $50 in public hospitals across Europe and Australia. $50 to $150 in Japan and South Korea. $100 to $400 in Singapore and Thailand private hospitals.
• MRI scan: $100 to $300 in Japan and South Korea. $200 to $500 in Thailand. $300 to $800 in Germany and Switzerland. For comparison, the US average exceeds $1,200.
• Monthly insurance premium: Ranges from EUR 50 in France (mutuelle) to CHF 450 in Switzerland (basic LAMal). Most countries on this list fall between $80 and $250 per month for comprehensive expat coverage.

How to Secure Healthcare When Moving Abroad

Navigating a foreign healthcare system sounds daunting, but the process is more straightforward than most people expect. Here is a practical roadmap:

• Before you move: Purchase international health insurance that covers you from day one. Providers like Cigna Global, Allianz Care, and IMG specialize in expat coverage. Expect $100 to $350 per month depending on age and whether you include US coverage.
• Upon arrival: Register with the local healthcare system as soon as your residency permit allows. In most European countries, this means visiting a local health center with your residency card and passport. In Japan and South Korea, enrollment in NHI is handled through your local municipal office.
• Find an English-speaking doctor: International hospitals maintain multilingual staff directories. In smaller cities, expat forums and Facebook groups are the fastest way to find recommended English-speaking practitioners.
• Carry medical records: Bring translated copies of your medical history, current prescriptions, and any specialist reports. Many countries will not refill prescriptions without a local doctor reviewing your records first.
• Consider evacuation insurance: If you are living in a country where top-tier care is concentrated in major cities, medical evacuation insurance (from providers like Medjet, $300 to $500 per year) provides peace of mind for emergencies.

Final Thoughts

The best countries for healthcare share a common principle: they treat medical care as a fundamental right, not a luxury product. Whether through universal public systems like France and Spain, mandatory insurance models like Japan and Germany, or efficient hybrid approaches like Singapore, these countries have built systems that deliver better outcomes at lower costs than what most Americans, Canadians, or Britons experience at home.

For expats, the opportunity is clear. You do not have to choose between quality healthcare and affordable living. Countries like South Korea, Portugal, and Thailand prove that you can have both. The key is understanding how each system works, what it costs, and how to enroll — and then making the move with confidence.

Healthcare should be a reason to move abroad, not a reason to stay home. If access to quality, affordable medical care is one of your priorities, our personalized country quiz factors healthcare into every recommendation, alongside cost of living, safety, visa accessibility, and the dimensions that matter most to you.