Countries with the best healthcare: which country would you pick?

Countries with the best healthcare include Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, Canada and Sweden.

However, access to quality healthcare varies significantly between countries. From universal coverage to cutting-edge technology, we explore the nations leading the way in healthcare delivery so you can choose the best country to live in.

In this guide, we'll discuss which countries have the best healthcare systems and who offers free health services to their residents. We explain the European Health Insurance Card and the Global Health Insurance Card, both valuable resources for healthcare access while travelling. Plus, the difference between the healthcare systems of the United Kingdom and the United States, and more.

How is healthcare in other countries different?

Healthcare in other countries is different in structure, availability of funds and accessibility for citizens. In countries with free-at-the-point-of-entry healthcare, such as Canada's Medicare and the United Kingdom's NHS, it's considered a fundamental human right, regardless of financial status.

Such systems are funded by taxation, providing access to essential medical services for all, including doctor visits, hospital stays and operations. Similar systems exist in many other countries, including Sweden, Norway, New Zealand and Australia.

In contrast, countries like the United States focus on private healthcare, where access depends on an individual's insurance coverage. However, those on lower incomes, pregnant women and children can access the government-subsidised Medicaid.

Germany, Switzerland, and others utilise a mix of public and private insurance, offering universal coverage via competing insurance companies, which are mainly accessed through employers.

The European Health Insurance Card: what is it and how to apply

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a free scheme for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland. It grants access to essential healthcare services without excessive costs during short stays in all participating countries.

The EHIC covers emergency treatment, maternity care, treatment for pre-existing conditions and more. It mainly benefits holidaymakers, international students, and expats working in other EU or EEA countries.

You can apply for an EHIC via your home country's national healthcare system, usually through the official website. You must provide personal details like your name, address and national insurance number. Once approved, your card is valid for up to five years.

The EHIC shouldn't be substituted for travel insurance, as it may not cover all medical costs or other travel-related emergencies, such as delayed flights home.

What is a Global Health Insurance Card?

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) was introduced in the UK in 2021, replacing the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Like the EHIC, the GHIC provides access to necessary healthcare services during short stays in European Union (EU) countries, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

The GHIC lets UK residents receive healthcare, including treatment for pre-existing conditions, at the same cost as citizens of the country they are visiting.

UK residents can apply online via the National Health Service (NHS) website. The card is free of charge and valid for up to five years. You must provide the National Insurance numbers of all the family members over 16 you're applying on behalf of. Depending on your medical history, you may also need your NHS number.

The GHIC replaces the EHIC for UK residents. However, you can still use your EHIC until it expires. Like the EHIC, the GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance, so it's advisable to ensure you are fully covered before departure.