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.

Canal view in AmsterdamPhoto: 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.

IndicatorData Life expectancy 82 years Hospitals 586 Healthcare workers 500,000+ Healthcare model Universal insurance with private providers Notable strength Low 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.

IndicatorData Life expectancy 83.8 years Healthcare spending 12.1% of GDP Nurses per 1,000 people 17 Healthcare model Public-private hybrid Notable strength Exceptional 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.

IndicatorData Life expectancy 83 years Infant mortality 2.6 per 1,000 births Hospitals Around 100 Healthcare model Public and decentralized Notable strength Mental 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.

Top 10 Countries with Best Healthcare in the World in 2025Reykjavik, 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.

IndicatorData Life expectancy 83 years Smoking rate Lowest in OECD Average hospital stay 5.6 days Healthcare model Universal, tax-funded Notable strength High 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.

IndicatorData Life expectancy 83.1 years Adults missing needed care Less than 1% Healthcare model Public, tax-funded Notable strength Equal 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.

IndicatorData Coverage 95% of population Annual healthcare spending US$1.1 trillion Child vaccination rate 99% Healthcare model State-funded insurance Notable strength Nationwide 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.

Top 10 Countries with Best Healthcare in the World in 2025New 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.

IndicatorData Life expectancy 80.7 years Population coverage 99% Healthcare model National Health Insurance Notable strength Affordable 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.

Top 10 Countries with Best Healthcare in the World in 2025Photo: 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.

IndicatorData Life expectancy 83.6 years Hospital beds per 1,000 people 12.8 Obesity rate 7% Healthcare model National Health Insurance Notable strength Digital 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.

Tourists in front of Senso-ji Temple-Hozomon Gate in Tokyo, JapanPhoto: 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.

IndicatorData Life expectancy 84.4 years Hospital beds per 1,000 people 12.6 Obesity rate 4.6% Healthcare model Universal insurance Notable strength Preventive 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.

Top 10 Countries with Best Healthcare in the World in 2025Civic 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.

IndicatorData Life expectancy 83.4 years Hospitals 12 public, 10 private Physicians per 1,000 people 2.5 Healthcare model Universal (3M system) Notable strength Preventive 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.

Reykjavik, IcelandPhoto: Darrell Gough / Pexels

Comparison of the Top 10 Countries with the Best Healthcare in the World

RankCountryLife ExpectancyHealthcare Model% of Population CoveredHospitals / BedsNotable Strength 10 Netherlands 82 years Universal insurance with private providers 100% 586 hospitals Strong preventive care and low obesity rates 9 Switzerland 83.8 years Public-private hybrid insurance 100% High hospital density Advanced medical technology and efficiency 8 Sweden 83 years Public, tax-funded 100% ~100 hospitals Mental health and maternal care 7 Iceland 83 years Universal, tax-funded 100% Few hospitals, high access Preventive programs and social health support 6 Norway 83.1 years Public, tax-funded 100% Modern regional hospitals Equal access and strong digital healthcare 5 China 78 years State-funded insurance 95% 36,000+ hospitals Expanding rural healthcare and research 4 Taiwan 80.7 years National Health Insurance 99% ~400 hospitals Affordable universal access 3 South Korea 83.6 years National Health Insurance 100% 12.8 beds per 1,000 people Digital innovation and rapid care 2 Japan 84.4 years Universal insurance 100% 12.6 beds per 1,000 people Preventive care and longevity 1 Singapore 83.4 years Universal (3M system) 100% 22 major hospitals Preventive healthcare and strong public trust

Source: William Russel

Top 10 Countries with Best Healthcare in the World in 2025Photo: 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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