The Top 10 Healthcare Systems 2024

When moving abroad, knowing what sort of healthcare you’ll be receiving will be an important priority. Even with international health insurance, expats will need to know they’ll have access to quality facilities and highly trained professionals whilst they’re abroad. Finding the best healthcare systems in the world can, therefore, be a huge help when deciding where to relocate.

Using data from CEOWORLD which surveyed 110 countries, the countries offering the best healthcare were found. Each country was ranked on three categories: Medical Infrastructure and Professionals, Medicine Availability and Cost, and Government Readiness. An overall healthcare index was then assigned for each region.

Below, we look into each of these countries to find out what makes their healthcare provision stand out from the others.

Taiwan tops the list of best healthcare systems in the world for 2024. This East Asian country scored 78.72 overall, the highest score of all countries surveyed.

The healthcare provision in Taiwan is celebrated for being efficient, cost-effective and of high quality. Taiwan provides universal healthcare to citizens and foreign residents, ensuring everyone can access the healthcare they need when they need it.

Healthcare operates on a single-payer system, funded by taxes and premiums, which covers the large majority of the population. This simple, straightforward system helps to reduce overheads and streamline administration, which has meant that more resources can be put towards treatment and care.

The Taiwanese Government monitors the healthcare system closely and regularly adjusts policies to address any healthcare challenges that arise. They strive to maintain high standards across the healthcare provision and work to continuously improve and innovate.

South Korea comes second in the rankings of best healthcare systems in the world, with an overall score of 77.7. The quality of healthcare is reflected in the life expectancy for people in South Korea, which, at 84.33, is the third-highest in the world.

South Korea provides universal health care, funded through contributions from employees, employers, and the government. South Korea also offers a social welfare programme to cover those who are unable to contribute to the national health insurance scheme, meaning nearly the whole population will be able to access healthcare.

South Korea is a pioneer in medical technology and has put large investment into developing and implementing innovative, modern medical equipment and facilities. The country is also known for its quick adoption of new treatments and procedures, particularly in fields such as cancer and robotic surgery.  

The Government plays an active role in the monitoring and regulation of healthcare provision, which includes keeping medical fees low whilst ensuring high quality care. The Government also puts a priority on preventative healthcare, with promotions for regular health screenings and preventative measures, helping to improve health across the population.

Australia is the third best healthcare system in the world for 2024, with an overall score of 74.11.

Australia scored particularly high in the Government Readiness category, at 92.06. This reflects the government’s commitment to healthcare and its efforts to ensure everyone in the population can access healthcare. This includes implementing policies to address inequalities in the system, particularly in rural areas and Indigenous communities, where access to healthcare is more challenging. The government also regularly runs programmes and schemes for preventative care, such as promoting healthy lifestyles and awareness of early signs of diseases, which helps to reduce the burden on the wider system.

Overall, Australia maintains extremely high standards of medical care. Facilities are modern and well-cared for, and healthcare professionals are highly trained. Australia offers a shared public-private model, which allows everyone to access the basic healthcare they need but also offers the choice for additional treatment through private services. Those who are able are encouraged through tax surcharges to purchase private health insurance to cover these services, further funding healthcare and reducing the pressure on the public system.

Canada has the fourth best healthcare system in the world, with an overall score of 71.32.

Healthcare in Canada is delivered through their publicly-funded scheme, Medicare. This is not a single system but instead is provided by the provinces and territories across the country. All Canadian citizens and permanent residents are able to access healthcare through this scheme, which is designed to provide healthcare based on need and not ability to pay.

Canada places an importance on primary care and preventative health, which puts the family GP at the heart of healthcare provision. This approach helps to detect health issues early and reduces the need for more intense and costly treatment, which is beneficial both to the individual and the overall healthcare system.

Sweden ranks fifth on our list of the best healthcare systems in the world, with an overall score of 70.73. The high level of healthcare provision in Sweden is reflected in key healthcare outcomes, such as high life expectancy and low child mortality rates, where Sweden ranks in the top 10 and top 20 respectively.

Sweden operates a universal but decentralised healthcare system. This makes healthcare accessible to all residents, but provision is managed by 21 regional counties. This allows services to be tailored to local needs, making it more responsive and efficient.

Sweden is a leader in integrating technology into the healthcare system. This includes electronic health records and telemedicine services, which help to streamline processes as well as improve access to care, particularly in rural areas. Patients in Sweden are also often able to benefit from the latest advancements in treatments and care, which often leads to improved outcomes.

Ireland has the sixth best healthcare system in the world, with an overall score of 67.99. Ireland scored particularly highly in both the Infrastructure and Professionals category and Medicine Availability and Cost category, at 92.58 and 96.22 respectively.

Ireland operates a dual private and public system. All Irish citizens are entitled to receive public healthcare, funded through taxes and subsidised fees. However, all maternity care and care for children under six is free. Plus, people who aren’t able to cover costs and/or have a chronic condition are able to claim a Medical Card, which enables them to access certain services for free. This helps to keep healthcare accessible for all, including the most vulnerable.

Healthcare professionals in Ireland are highly trained, thanks in part to the number of excellent, internationally recognised medical schools across the country. In addition, Ireland has ongoing investment in healthcare infrastructure, working to modernise and expand facilities to adapt to the needs of the population.  

The Netherlands comes seventh in the ranking of best healthcare systems in the world in 2024, with an overall score of 65.38.

The Netherlands operates on a mandatory health insurance system, which covers primary care such as emergency care and GP services. There is also optional additional health insurance, for services such as dentistry and opticians, plus another level for long-term illnesses. Although people in the Netherlands are required to have health insurance, the market is regulated to help keep costs down and ensure healthcare is still accessible to all.

The Netherlands places a strong value on patient-centred care, allowing individuals to choose their healthcare providers and encouraging strong doctor-patient relationships. It will be a patient’s GP that will usually be the first port-of-call when someone has a health issue, and they will then refer them on to the right treatment or specialised care. This helps to keep costs down across the system, as well as helping people find the treatment they need.

Germany has the eighth best healthcare in the world, with an overall score of 64.66.

Germany offers universal healthcare through a shared public-private system. The majority of people in Germany are covered by statutory health insurance, but many higher-income earners opt for private health insurance. This helps to ensure everyone has access to the healthcare and treatment they require, regardless of their ability to pay.

The healthcare provision in Germany is comprehensive, covering a wide range of services including preventative care, mental health, and prescription medication. Whilst GPs play a central role in healthcare, people are also generally able to access specialists easily, which can help to streamline processes and reduce waiting time for treatment.

Germany places a strong emphasis on research and development, specifically on integrating new technologies and treatments. This helps to put healthcare services at the forefront of innovation, bringing benefits and, often, better outcomes for patients.

Norway has the ninth best healthcare system in the world, with an overall score of 64.63. This is reflected in key health indicators such as low infant mortality rates and long life expectancy, where Norway ranks in the top five and top 20 in the world respectively.

All citizens and residents in Norway are covered by the public healthcare system, paid for by taxes, although there is an option to opt out of this and purchase private healthcare if preferred. Not all services are included, and some may require an additional fee or just not be covered at all. However, healthcare is free for children under 16 and for pregnant and nursing women, plus Norway is celebrated for a strong welfare system to support vulnerable groups.

The separate municipalities across Norway are responsible for managing their own healthcare provision, including how their budget is allocated, so they are able to customise services to the needs of the local community. This also helps to maintain accessibility for all, even those in more rural and isolated areas.

Israel ranks 10^th on the list of best healthcare systems in the world, with an overall score of 61.73. Israel scored particularly highly in the Government Readiness category, with a score of 90.25. The quality and level of provision of Israel’s healthcare is reflected in the country’s ranking of most hospital beds per 1,000 people, coming fourth in the world.

Israel provides universal healthcare, with all residents entitled to basic healthcare as a fundamental right. It is compulsory for residents to join one of four official health maintenance organisations, with the option to purchase additional private health insurance if required. Allowing individuals to choose from a selection of four official providers fosters competition, with all vying to offer the best quality care and treatments, helping to raise standards across the board.