Which Countries Have the Best Healthcare Systems in the World?
In 2024, Taiwan was ranked as the country with the best healthcare system in the world, followed by South Korea, Australia, Canada, Sweden, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, and Israel.
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This Pacific Prime article will take a closer look at 10 major countries that offer the best healthcare in the world in 2022. Wonder how much the cost of health insurance is in these countries? Download Pacific Prime’s The Cost of International Health Insurance Report 2024 for FREE!
Countries with the Best Healthcare Systems in the World in 2025
According to CEOWORLD Magazine, Taiwan was ranked as the country with the best healthcare system in the world. Other countries that ranked among the top include South Korea, Australia, Canada, Sweden, and Ireland.
Each country is ranked based on key aspects such as medical infrastructure and professionals, medicine availability and cost, government readiness, and overall healthcare index.
Taiwan NHI Healthcare System
Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) healthcare system is ranked the best in the world in 2024, according to CEOWORLD Magazine. The NHI is a compulsory social insurance plan that provides equal access to healthcare for all citizens.
South Korea NHIS Healthcare System
The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) in South Korea is a universal healthcare system funded by a mix of government subsidies, employer contributions, and individual premiums. The NHIS covers a wide range of medical services, and the country is recognized for its advanced medical technology and innovative treatments.
Australia’s Medicare Healthcare System
Australia‘s healthcare system, known as Medicare, offers universal access to healthcare services for citizens and permanent residents. Funded through taxation and a Medicare levy, it covers a variety of medical services, including visits to doctors and public hospitals.
Canada’s Medicare Healthcare System
Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system known as Medicare, which provides universal access to medically necessary hospital and physician services for all Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
The system is funded through taxation at both the federal and provincial levels. Under this system, individuals do not have to pay out-of-pocket for most basic healthcare services, and access to care is based on need rather than ability to pay.
Sweden’s Universal Healthcare System
Sweden has a universal healthcare system that provides comprehensive healthcare services to all residents. The system is largely funded through taxes and is decentralized, with responsibility shared between the national government and regional authorities.
On the national level, Sweden’s healthcare system is overseen by the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs. Sweden’s healthcare system is known for its high-quality care, focus on preventive medicine, and patient-centered approach, making it one of the top healthcare systems in the world.
Ireland’s HSE Healthcare System
Ireland’s public healthcare system, known as the Health Service Executive (HSE), provides healthcare services to residents based on need, with access to hospital care, primary care, and some specialist services. The system is funded through general taxation and individual contributions.
While Ireland faces challenges such as long waiting lists for certain services and overcrowding in hospitals. Efforts are being made to improve the system and address these issues to ensure better access and quality of care for all residents.
Netherlands’ Healthcare System
The Netherlands has a healthcare system that is based on a model of mandatory health insurance. All residents are required to have basic health insurance, which covers essential medical services. The Dutch healthcare system is managed by the National Health Care Institute.
Funding for the healthcare system comes from a combination of premiums paid by individuals, government subsidies, and taxes.
The Dutch healthcare system is known for its high quality of care, accessibility, and patient satisfaction. It is consistently ranked as one of the top healthcare systems in Europe.
Germany’s Income-based Healthcare System
Germany offers some of the best healthcare in the world, thanks to the country’s high proportion of the world’s best medical technology universities. Germany’s primary source of health insurance comes from the national public system, which employers and employees fund.
The country also offers reduced subsidies for people with chronic illnesses. However, a small group of citizens chooses private insurance plans—those that aren’t qualified for subsidies, though premiums are regulated.
Norway’s Universal Healthcare System
Fueled by payroll and taxes, Norway’s universal healthcare system offers public and private services. Each resident has access to the country’s universal healthcare scheme, regardless of nationality. One of the biggest reasons for Norway’s healthcare success is sufficient funding.
In turn, the financial support enables its residents to benefit from healthcare services that other nations don’t. For example, approximately 70% of long-term care recipients in Norway can receive care at home.
Norway has a unique approach, ensuring that its residents have access to a doctor whenever required. Once residents sign up for the National Registry, they are assigned to a local doctor and can choose their general practitioner from an approved list.
Israel’s NHI Healthcare System
Israel’s healthcare system, known as the National Health Insurance Law, provides all residents with access to a comprehensive package of healthcare services. The system is funded through a combination of health insurance contributions, government funding, and taxation.
Every resident is required to be a member of one of several non-profit Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), which are responsible for providing healthcare services.
Under the Israeli healthcare system, individuals have access to a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription medications, and preventive care.
Switzerland’s Healthcare System
Switzerland offers one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Swiss residents are required to secure private insurance through federally approved insurers.
The private insurance providers offer policies that cover all medical examinations and treatments and are obliged by law to provide a basic level of healthcare coverage regardless of the resident’s age, medical condition, etc.
The Swiss healthcare system is paid for with public contributions such as taxes, premiums, and copayments (where the patient pays for a part of the medical bills).
The residents of Switzerland benefit from 4.6 beds per 1,000 people—one of the world’s highest figures. Moreover, there are 17.5 midwives in Switzerland per 1,000 people.
Cover Insurance Gaps with Pacific Prime
So, what does it take to be the best provider of healthcare? According to the industry-leading nations mentioned in this article, you must ensure all citizens are taken care of to be among the best.
On top of that, the government or private organizations must monitor the state of healthcare regularly and provide regulations to help maintain the system. Lastly, accessibility is key—the more hospitals and services a healthcare system offers, the better it is.
While these countries have some of the best healthcare systems, there will still be gaps in coverage. In order to fill these gaps, it is crucial that you secure a private health insurance plan to make sure that all your healthcare needs are covered.
To secure health insurance coverage today, contact Pacific Prime and our health insurance experts to get a quote and expert advice.
Born and raised in the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong, and having studied at an international school, Vista has developed a multicultural perspective that he uses in his writing and strives to connect to people of different backgrounds.
In his free time, Vista enjoys immersing himself in different worlds, from video games to light novels and movies. His hobbies help him expand his writing style by putting himself in the point-of-view of different people and characters.
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How do healthcare costs and insurance premiums compare between France and Japan for routine and emergency medical care?
Healthcare costs and insurance premiums in France tend to be lower than in Japan due to France’s universal coverage system, which reimburses a significant portion of medical expenses through statutory health insurance. In Japan, while the Statutory Health Insurance System (SHIC) also offers comprehensive coverage for over 98% of the population, out-of-pocket expenses for routine care and premiums are generally higher compared to France, particularly for certain specialized treatments. To explore international health insurance plans that offer coverage in both countries, contact Pacific Prime via our Contact Us page for personalized advice.
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