Countries with the Best Healthcare Systems

International Citizens Insurance has compiled key findings from various studies on healthcare systems, ranking the countries where it is easiest and fastest to receive high-quality medical services.

The report highlights that healthcare systems can differ significantly between countries, making direct comparisons challenging. However, several organizations have created rankings based on factors such as accessibility, quality, cost-effectiveness, health outcomes, and infrastructure. Below is a summary of some of the most well-known global healthcare reports published by reputable institutions.

CEOWORLD Magazine: Taiwan and South Korea Lead the Ranking

In 2024, CEOWORLD Magazine ranked Taiwan as the country with the world's best healthcare system, with an overall score of 78.72. It is followed by South Korea (77.7) and Australia (74.11). Canada (71.32) and Sweden (70.73) round out the top five. The top 10 also includes Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, and Israel. Belgium ranks 11th, followed by Switzerland, while the United States sits in 15th place, and the UAE is ranked 17th. Other notable mentions in the top 20 include Greece, Finland, and Portugal, while the UK ranks 27th.

The index evaluates 110 countries based on healthcare infrastructure, competency of medical professionals, annual spending, accessibility of high-quality medication, and government preparedness for healthcare crises.



It is notable that the top 10 includes three Asian and five European countries, emphasizing the diversity of healthcare models worldwide. Taiwan, for example, prioritizes preventive care, while South Korea ranks high due to advanced medical technology and a robust national insurance program. Meanwhile, Australia's ranking reflects its excellent infrastructure and public health policies.

Mirror, Mirror 2024: Australia and the Netherlands on Top

The Mirror, Mirror 2024 report evaluates healthcare systems in several countries using 70 performance indicators, grouped into five categories: access to care, healthcare process, administrative efficiency, equity, and health outcomes. The report also incorporates patient and physician surveys from previous years.

According to the study, Australia, the Netherlands, and the UK have the best healthcare systems, although the overall differences among most countries are relatively small. However, the U.S. ranks last, with significantly lower scores than all other countries.

Remarkably, the U.S. has ranked last in every Mirror, Mirror report since 2006, despite having the highest healthcare expenditures. While the country leads in areas such as preventive care and patient safety, it consistently falls behind in affordability, accessibility, and health outcomes. This trend highlights systemic inefficiencies in the U.S. healthcare system.

Legatum Institute: Singapore and Japan

London-based Legatum Institute ranked 167 countries based on overall health standards and access to medical services in its 2023 index. According to the report, Singapore ranks first, followed by Japan, while South Korea takes third place. The U.S. is ranked 69th.

The Best Healthcare in Europe

Based on data from Mirror, Mirror 2024 and the U.S. News & World Report rankings, the best healthcare system in Europe is found in the Netherlands. Sweden ranks second, followed by Germany in third place. Other top European healthcare systems include the UK, Switzerland, and France, along with Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Luxembourg.

This ranking combines results from both reports, reflecting accessibility, fairness, efficiency, administrative effectiveness, and public perception of healthcare systems. These countries have some of the most advanced healthcare models in Europe, characterized by comprehensive coverage, innovation, resilience, and a focus on preventive care. However, some public healthcare systems require long waiting times for certain treatments, and international health insurance may be necessary for non-citizens.

While rankings vary depending on the methodology used, several trends emerge: Asian countries, such as Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore, consistently perform well, thanks to universal coverage, technological advancements, and efficient administration.

European nations, especially the Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany, rank high for accessibility, efficiency, and strong public health infrastructure.
The U.S. continues to struggle, ranking at the bottom in multiple studies, despite having the world’s highest healthcare spending.

Affordability, accessibility, and patient outcomes remain key factors that influence healthcare rankings worldwide.

As global healthcare systems evolve, nations that focus on efficiency, universal coverage, and preventive care are likely to maintain their top positions, while countries facing systemic issues, such as the U.S., will need major reforms to improve their rankings.