Healthcare is one of the most important parts of a country’s well-being. Some nations have made incredible progress in building affordable, efficient, and accessible systems.
These countries invest heavily in hospitals, medical staff, and preventive care, which helps their citizens live longer and healthier lives.
Data from the Legatum Prosperity Index suggests that these are the ten countries that currently have the best healthcare systems in the world.
Photo: Chait Goli / Pexels
10. Netherlands
The Netherlands has built a healthcare model that mixes public oversight with private services. Every resident must have health insurance, which ensures that no one is left out of the system.
IndicatorDataLife expectancy82 yearsHospitals586Healthcare workers500,000+Healthcare modelUniversal insurance with private providersNotable strengthLow obesity rates and strong preventive care
Dutch hospitals are known for their short waiting times and good patient outcomes. The country promotes healthy lifestyles through public awareness campaigns, making it one of the healthiest places in Europe.
Geneva, Switzerland; Photo- Switzerland Tourism
9. Switzerland
Switzerland’s healthcare is among the most advanced in the world. The system is built on mandatory insurance that combines both public and private elements, giving patients access to top-quality facilities.
IndicatorDataLife expectancy83.8 yearsHealthcare spending12.1% of GDPNurses per 1,000 people17Healthcare modelPublic-private hybridNotable strengthExceptional medical technology and access
Even though Switzerland’s system is expensive, it produces some of the best results globally. From digital records to advanced diagnostic tools, Swiss hospitals are models of precision and efficiency.
Göteborg, Sweden; Photo- Wikipedia
8. Sweden
Sweden provides its citizens with healthcare that is both accessible and efficient. Funded mainly through taxes, it focuses on equality and preventive care.
IndicatorDataLife expectancy83 yearsInfant mortality2.6 per 1,000 birthsHospitalsAround 100Healthcare modelPublic and decentralizedNotable strengthMental health and maternal care
Sweden’s strong emphasis on mental health makes it stand out. Patients across the country, including those in remote areas, receive excellent care through well-connected regional hospitals.
Reykjavik, Iceland; Photo- Pexels
7. Iceland
Iceland may be small, but its healthcare system is powerful and reliable. Funded through taxes, it offers free or low-cost services to all residents.
IndicatorDataLife expectancy83 yearsSmoking rateLowest in OECDAverage hospital stay5.6 daysHealthcare modelUniversal, tax-fundedNotable strengthHigh social support and prevention programs
The country’s culture of healthy living contributes to its excellent results. Iceland’s population benefits from short hospital stays and effective community healthcare.
Kunstsilo – Kristiansand, Norway; Photo- Kunstsilo
6. Norway
Norway provides some of the most accessible healthcare services in the world. Publicly funded, it guarantees care for every citizen.
IndicatorDataLife expectancy83.1 yearsAdults missing needed careLess than 1%Healthcare modelPublic, tax-fundedNotable strengthEqual access and strong digital healthcare
Norway’s focus on mental health and early intervention has helped it achieve both higher happiness levels and longer lifespans.
Photo: By HALUK COMERTEL, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=53649648
5. China
China’s “Healthy China” initiative has transformed its healthcare over the past decade. Its universal coverage program now protects almost the entire population.
IndicatorDataCoverage95% of populationAnnual healthcare spendingUS$1.1 trillionChild vaccination rate99%Healthcare modelState-funded insuranceNotable strengthNationwide reach and research investment
While China still faces challenges in rural areas, its large-scale vaccination programs and growing medical technology sector have made major progress.
New World Building and Partyworld Zhonghua New Hall, Taipei, Taiwan; Photo- Wikipedia
4. Taiwan
Taiwan’s National Health Insurance system provides world-class healthcare at affordable prices. Everyone in the country, including foreign residents, is covered under one public plan.
IndicatorDataLife expectancy80.7 yearsPopulation coverage99%Healthcare modelNational Health InsuranceNotable strengthAffordable universal access
Taiwan combines low costs with high efficiency. The country’s strong digital system and quick access to treatment have made it a role model for other nations.
Photo: Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul / Pexels
3. South Korea
South Korea’s medical system is known for speed, high satisfaction, and advanced technology. It is funded through the National Health Insurance Service, which ensures that everyone contributes and benefits.
IndicatorDataLife expectancy83.6 yearsHospital beds per 1,000 people12.8Obesity rate7%Healthcare modelNational Health InsuranceNotable strengthDigital innovation and high patient satisfaction
South Korea also leads in preventive healthcare and has some of the world’s best survival rates for major diseases like heart problems and cancer.
Photo: Tourists in front of Senso-ji Temple-Hozomon Gate, Tokyo, Japan / Pexels
2. Japan
Japan consistently ranks among the best healthcare systems worldwide. Its universal insurance coverage, combined with healthy lifestyle habits, results in the highest life expectancy of any major country.
IndicatorDataLife expectancy84.4 yearsHospital beds per 1,000 people12.6Obesity rate4.6%Healthcare modelUniversal insuranceNotable strengthPreventive care and longevity
Japan’s citizens benefit from regular checkups and advanced medical equipment. The government’s focus on elderly care and technology keeps its population healthy for longer.
Civic District, Singapore; Photo- Wikipedia
1. Singapore
Singapore ranks first for having the best healthcare system in the world. Its focus on prevention, organization, and affordability makes it a global example of excellence.
IndicatorDataLife expectancy83.4 yearsHospitals12 public, 10 privatePhysicians per 1,000 people2.5Healthcare modelUniversal (3M system)Notable strengthPreventive healthcare and strong public trust
The “3M” system—MediShield Life, MediSave, and MediFund—ensures that all citizens have affordable access to quality care. Regular screenings, healthy lifestyle campaigns, and advanced hospitals all contribute to Singapore’s global top ranking.
Photo: Darrell Gough / Pexels
Comparison of the Top 10 Countries with the Best Healthcare in the World
RankCountryLife ExpectancyHealthcare Model% of Population CoveredHospitals / BedsNotable Strength10Netherlands82 yearsUniversal insurance with private providers100%586 hospitalsStrong preventive care and low obesity rates9Switzerland83.8 yearsPublic-private hybrid insurance100%High hospital densityAdvanced medical technology and efficiency8Sweden83 yearsPublic, tax-funded100%~100 hospitalsMental health and maternal care7Iceland83 yearsUniversal, tax-funded100%Few hospitals, high accessPreventive programs and social health support6Norway83.1 yearsPublic, tax-funded100%Modern regional hospitalsEqual access and strong digital healthcare5China78 yearsState-funded insurance95%36,000+ hospitalsExpanding rural healthcare and research4Taiwan80.7 yearsNational Health Insurance99%~400 hospitalsAffordable universal access3South Korea83.6 yearsNational Health Insurance100%12.8 beds per 1,000 peopleDigital innovation and rapid care2Japan84.4 yearsUniversal insurance100%12.6 beds per 1,000 peoplePreventive care and longevity1Singapore83.4 yearsUniversal (3M system)100%22 major hospitalsPreventive healthcare and strong public trust
Source: William Russel
Photo: Hong Kong, China / Pexels
Bottom Line
The world’s best healthcare systems share several key features: universal coverage, focus on prevention, use of technology, and strong trust between patients and healthcare providers.
For anyone planning to move abroad, learning how healthcare works in your destination can make all the difference. The top countries prove that investing in health means investing in the future.
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