The Countries with the Best Healthcare 2025

As global healthcare systems continue to evolve, certain countries consistently stand out for their exceptional healthcare services, innovative medical practices, and impressive health outcomes.

2025 is set to bring further advancements in medical technology, health policies, and public health strategies, making it an ideal time to assess which nations are leading the way in providing the best healthcare to their citizens.

We collected the latest data on 41 countries using a variety of sources to find the overall best healthcare in the world. We looked at life expectancy, infant mortality rates, mortality rates, number of hospital beds, number of physicians, and healthcare expenditure, scoring each country for every category to find the overall best healthcare provider.

Join us as we take a closer look at the nations that are setting the global standard for healthcare excellence in 2025.

These are the top 10 countries with the best healthcare in the world.

The full ranking can be found at the end of this article.

Switzerland has ranked first in our list of countries with the best healthcare in the world. Whilst it has not ranked first in any of our categories, it consistently features in the top 20 for five categories and just outside of the top 20 for just one category.

Switzerland combines high standards of care with a focus on accessibility and efficiency. Its healthcare system operates on a universal coverage model, funded by mandatory health insurance. Every resident is required to purchase basic health insurance from private providers, which helps to ensure comprehensive access to medical services.

What sets Switzerland apart is its exceptional quality of care. The country boasts advanced medical facilities, cutting-edge technology, and highly trained healthcare professionals. Hospitals and clinics are known for their efficiency, short waiting times, and patient-centred approach.

Switzerland’s system also places an emphasis on choice for residents. Patients can select their own doctors and hospitals, giving them greater autonomy over their care. While the cost of health insurance can be higher compared to other nations, government subsidies ensure that lower-income individuals can afford coverage, maintaining the system’s inclusivity.

Beyond its structure, Switzerland’s focus on preventative care contributes significantly to its world-leading health outcomes. Routine check-ups, early diagnosis, and a strong public health infrastructure play a key role in keeping its population healthy. These factors, combined with a high standard of living, help Switzerland maintain its reputation as a global leader in healthcare.

Below are the top 10 countries with the longest life expectancy.

Japan ranks first in countries with the longest life expectancy at birth, at 84.71 years. Japan’s healthcare system is often praised for contributing to the country’s remarkable life expectancy. Even though, on average, Japanese citizens live well into their 80s, many surpass 90, thanks to a combination of accessible healthcare, preventative measures, and a strong cultural emphasis on healthy living.

Japan operates a universal healthcare system that provides excellent coverage for its citizens. It’s funded through a mix of government contributions, employer-based insurance, and individual premiums, and ensures that nearly everyone has access to affordable medical care. The country places a strong emphasis on preventative care, with regular health screenings and check-ups readily available. This proactive approach enables early detection of illnesses, reducing the need for costly treatments later.

A key factor in Japan’s success is its integration of healthcare with cultural habits. A diet rich in fish, vegetables, and rice, coupled with a focus on physical activity and strong social connections, helps prevent many lifestyle-related diseases. Japan also prioritises elderly care, and has many specialised programmes and facilities dedicated to supporting its aging population.

Medical advancements, highly skilled professionals, and efficient infrastructure have further enhanced Japan’s healthcare system. Japan remains at the forefront of medical innovation, incorporating initiatives such as advanced cancer treatments and cutting-edge robotics in surgery/ This combination of a robust healthcare system and a health-conscious society underpins the country’s exceptional life expectancy, making it a global leader in longevity.

Below are the top 10 countries with the lowest infant mortality rates.

Iceland has the lowest infant mortality rates in our ranking. This remarkable achievement is the result of a combination of high-quality care, comprehensive maternal and child health services, and an emphasis on equality within the healthcare system.

Healthcare in Iceland is universal and publicly funded through taxation, which ensures that all residents have access to essential medical services. Pregnant women receive free prenatal care, including routine check-ups, ultrasounds, and access to specialist services when needed. These proactive measures contribute to healthy pregnancies and early detection of potential complications, which significantly reduces risks for both mothers and infants.

Another key factor is Iceland’s small and well-connected population, which allows healthcare providers to deliver personalised and consistent care. There is often collaboration between hospitals, midwives, and general practitioners, and this ensures that expectant mothers are supported throughout their pregnancy and beyond.

Iceland’s commitment to public health extends to postnatal care as well, with free healthcare for children and strong vaccination programmes. This focus on preventative care, combined with access to modern medical facilities and highly trained professionals, plays a vital role in safeguarding infant health.

Below are the top 10 countries with the lowest mortality rates.

Costa Rica is widely recognised for its impressive healthcare system, which plays a key role in achieving some of the lowest mortality rates in the world. It’s known as the “Switzerland of Central America” due to its focus on peace and wellbeing. The country has invested heavily in healthcare to ensure accessible, high-quality services for its population.

Costa Rica’s healthcare system is a hybrid model that combines public and private services. The public system, known as the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS or “Caja”), offers universal coverage funded by income-based contributions and government support. This ensures that even low-income citizens have access to essential medical care. At the same time, additional options are offered by private healthcare, which often caters to medical tourists or those seeking faster access to specialists.

One of the system’s greatest strengths is its focus on preventative care. Nationwide health campaigns target issues such as nutrition, immunisation, and chronic disease management, which significantly reduce preventable deaths. The country’s widespread network of health clinics and community health workers ensures that even those in rural areas receive consistent care.

Costa Rica’s emphasis on public health extends beyond hospitals and clinics. Clean water, improved sanitation, and widespread education initiatives contribute to better overall health outcomes. This, combined with Costa Rica’s relatively high investment in medical infrastructure and its commitment to sustainability, helps support a long, healthy life for its citizens.

Below are the top 10 countries with the most hospital beds per 1,000 people.

South Korea stands out globally for its exceptionally high number of hospital beds per capita, a key indicator of the country’s robust healthcare infrastructure. The availability of hospital beds ensures that South Koreans can easily access medical care, which contributes to the efficient delivery of treatment and better health outcomes overall.

The South Korean healthcare system operates on a universal model, funded by a mix of government contributions, employer payments, and individual insurance premiums. This system, combined with the high number of advanced medical facilities, means that patients rarely face long waiting times for treatment, even during health crises.

The high number of hospital beds reflects the country’s strategic investment in healthcare infrastructure. This not only accommodates routine hospital admissions but also ensures facilities are prepared for emergencies, such as pandemics or natural disasters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, South Korea was able to rapidly admit and isolate patients, which played a significant role in controlling the spread of the virus.

Private hospitals are also an important part of South Korea’s healthcare, accounting for a large proportion of the country’s medical facilities. Many of these institutions are equipped with cutting-edge technology that delivers high-quality care.

Below are the top 10 countries with the most physicians per 10,000 people.

Sweden’s high number of physicians is a key part of its well-functioning healthcare system. This abundance of highly trained medical professionals helps to ensure that Swedish citizens receive quality care, and there is a strong emphasis on accessibility and personalised treatment.

Sweden’s universal healthcare system is publicly funded through taxation, ensuring that all residents have access to medical services regardless of income. The high physician-to-patient ratio allows for shorter waiting times in many areas, better follow-up care, and more time spent addressing individual health needs. Sweden places an emphasis on primary care, where general practitioners play a central role in maintaining public health and preventing illnesses before they become too severe.

The country also places significant emphasis on training and retaining skilled medical professionals. Swedish physicians benefit from a world-class education and are supported by ongoing opportunities for professional development. This ensures that they remain up-to-date with the latest advancements in medical science and technology, and can deliver improved results for patients.

In addition to their high numbers, Sweden’s physicians are distributed relatively evenly across urban and rural areas. This is supported by regional healthcare governance, which ensures that even remote communities have access to qualified medical staff. Sweden also utilises advanced telemedicine initiatives, which help to bridge gaps in care for those living far from major cities.

Below are the top 10 countries with the highest healthcare expenditure.

The United States is known for its high healthcare expenditure and ranks first in the world. This significant investment in healthcare has contributed to advanced medical technology, cutting-edge research, and some of the best healthcare facilities in the world, but it also presents challenges in terms of affordability and access.

The country’s high healthcare expenditure allows for substantial investment in medical research and the development of innovative treatments. American hospitals are often equipped with state-of-the-art technology, offering some of the most advanced diagnostic tools and treatments available. This is particularly evident in specialties such as cancer research, neurology, and cardiology.

However, this high spending also results in one of the most expensive healthcare systems globally, and access to care can be unequal. Healthcare in the U.S. is largely private – insurance coverage is provided through employers, government programmes like Medicare and Medicaid, and private plans. While some Americans benefit from world-class services, others struggle to afford insurance premiums, copayments, and medical bills, particularly those without comprehensive insurance or living in underserved areas.

Despite these challenges, the U.S. remains a global leader in healthcare innovation, with substantial contributions to medical science and technological advancements. The huge scale of its healthcare expenditure allows for extensive research funding, training for medical professionals, and the development of new treatments that have a big global impact.

Below is our full ranking of the countries with the best healthcare.

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