Best Countries to Relocate to for World-Class Healthcare

Healthcare is fast becoming a relocation dealmaker or dealbreaker for many global investors.

In the past, high-net-worth individuals (HWNIs) have focused on tax efficiency, residency options, and quality of life when planning to move, but increasingly, high-quality medical care is becoming a priority.

For many Westerners, the default assumption is that countries like the United States or the United Kingdom still lead the world in healthcare systems.

Friends and advisors often reinforce this narrative – warning that any move abroad could mean compromising on treatment standards, availability or safety.

But that’s just not true anymore.

In global healthcare rankings – from patient outcomes to efficiency, cost, and accessibility – both the US and UK have slipped noticeably.

Long wait times, rising insurance costs and bureaucratic red tape have left many residents frustrated, and globally mobile individuals are taking note.

At the same time, a new cohort of countries is emerging as healthcare leaders.

These nations combine modern medical infrastructure with internationally accredited hospitals, highly trained specialists, and significantly lower treatment costs.

Crucially, many of them also offer investor-friendly residency programs and stable legal systems, making them not only good places to seek care but also smart places to live and invest.

Relocating abroad no longer has to mean settling for second-best on the medical front. On the contrary, the right jurisdiction can offer improved health outcomes, quicker access to diagnostics and treatment, and a more personalised patient experience – all while delivering a better return on your lifestyle and capital.

So whether you’re thinking about long-term residence, part-time relocation, or building a globally diversified life, healthcare should be a strategic consideration — not an afterthought.

To give you an idea of what’s available worldwide, the Nomad Capitalist Team has put together this guide, exploring the countries offering world-class healthcare systems along with attractive pathways for internationally minded investors.

Countries with the Best Healthcare Systems for Expats

This list of the ten countries with the best healthcare systems is based on the latest CEOWORLD Magazine Healthcare Index.

It rates 110 countries based on medical infrastructure, healthcare professionals, medicine availability, costs and government readiness, among other factors. 

10. Israel

Israel boasts one of the most advanced and innovative healthcare systems in the world despite the ongoing conflict in the region. 

Healthcare in Israel is universal. It’s compulsory for residents to invest in medical insurance, although they can choose from one of four insurers: Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet or Leumit.

Innovation in Israel’s healthcare sector is led by Teva Pharmaceuticals, the world’s largest generic pharmaceutical manufacturer. 

Sheba Medical Centre in Tel Aviv, the largest medical facility in the Middle East, has developed a reputation as a global leader in clinical research and cancer treatment. 

Some 7.6% of Israel’s gross domestic product (GDP) was spent on its healthcare sector in 2023, and the number of healthcare startups operating there is rising significantly. 

9. Norway

Norway’s fantastic universal healthcare system is funded 100% by its taxpayers. 

Enrollment in the healthcare system is automatic. Its effectiveness is demonstrated by high life expectancy rates in Norway (83.23, which is the 17th highest in the world).  

Responsibility for specialist care is administered by four regional health authorities. Each of these authorities is also responsible for operating a group of public hospitals.  

Public healthcare in Norway is not completely free. Patients may have to make a small contribution toward treatment costs, with an annual deduction of around NOK2,040 (around US$190). However, children, pregnant women and those who have given birth can expect to receive care for free.   

8. Germany

Germany spends a greater share of its GDP on healthcare (12.8%) than most European countries, and the result is one of the most consumer-oriented healthcare systems on the continent.  

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany, with around 86% of residents invested in statutory insurance and the rest opting for private health insurance. 

The former is funded by social security payments, although out-of-pocket payment may still be required for hospital visits or medicines. 

The country is also home to world-class healthcare facilities. The German Heart Centre in Berlin is one of the world’s most reputable for cardiac procedures, while Helios Hospital is staffed by leading experts in cancer care. 

Berlin is home to The Charité – Universitätsmedizin, one of the largest university hospitals in Europe.

7. The Netherlands

The Netherlands regularly topped the widely credited Euro Health Consumer Index, which ranked European healthcare systems on various factors, before it was disbanded in 2018. 

Nevertheless, the effectiveness of the healthcare provided to Dutch residents is still very much present. 

The Dutch health model is based on statutory health insurance, with some 84% of residents choosing to pay extra for complementary coverage. 

With that said, minors receive free healthcare up until age 18, and some 30% of the population access additional healthcare allowances from the Dutch government. 

6. Ireland

Ireland has a reputable public healthcare system managed by the Healthcare Service Executive (HSE), although many residents opt for private health insurance to receive faster treatment.

Many public health services are free, but a fee may apply in some cases. 

Wherever you seek treatment in the country, you can expect to find high-quality facilities staffed by highly qualified professionals. Wait times have been a concern in Ireland, although official data suggests these are shrinking. 

Ireland ranked 2nd in the latest edition of the World Index of Healthcare Innovation, scoring particularly well for fiscal sustainability and preventative care. 

Indeed, a European Commission study suggests that 80% of Irish people report being in good health, which is a higher percentage than anywhere else in the European Union. 

5. Sweden

Sweden’s healthcare system is funded by its taxpayers, and out-of-pocket costs for treatment are usually very affordable. 

It has a reputation for delivering quality healthcare services, and was ranked number one in the world for this in the World Index of Healthcare Innovation.  

The efficiency of the healthcare system in Sweden is also notable, with 62% of accident and emergency patients receiving treatment within an hour, according to official statistics.   

Taxes are notoriously high in Scandinavian countries, including Sweden, but the data suggests that the money is being put to good use by the Swedish government. 

4. Canada

Each of Canada’s provinces has a different Medicare plan that covers different products and services.  

Canada spends about 12.1% of its GDP on healthcare services, and you can expect to find modern state-of-the-art facilities throughout the country. 

It’s extremely common for US residents to visit Canada for medical procedures due to its lower costs (even for non-residents) and its reputation for high-quality care.   

The Canadian government is actively working to attract more workers to the healthcare industry, particularly in remote areas, by introducing a series of financial incentives and training programmes.    

3. Australia

Australian citizens have an average life expectancy of 84, which is the world’s 8th highest, and its high-quality universal healthcare system plays a big role. 

Indeed, it ranks as the best country in the world for healthcare in the latest annual study by the Commonwealth Fund. The study found Australian healthcare to be the world’s best for quality of care and overall health outcomes. 

The level of preventative care given in Australia is particularly impressive. Residents are given free cancer screenings for chronic conditions, while there are quality initiatives available for mental health conditions, obesity prevention and addiction issues.      

2. South Korea

The South Korean healthcare system is managed by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). It’s funded by taxes, government subsidies and outside contributions. 

Many hospitals in South Korea are privately owned but still accept patients covered by the NHIS. Indeed, these institutions are particularly modern and innovative. 

The healthcare delivered within South Korea is of an exceptional standard, as demonstrated by its high life expectancy rates (83.77, the 12th highest in the world). 

Recent data suggests there are 12.8 hospital beds per 1,000 people in South Korea, among the world’s highest ratio. 

What’s more, South Korea has increased its healthcare spending faster than most OECD countries in recent times.   

1. Taiwan

Taiwan’s healthcare system is ranked the best in the world in a CEO WORLD Magazine study. This single-payer system ensures universal healthcare for all Taiwan residents. 

The healthcare system is highly digitised in Taiwan. Some 93% of medical facilities are contracted with the National Health Insurance (NHI) program, many of which use the latest medical technology. 

Taiwan attracts world-class medics and does a lot to encourage prevention among its ageing population. 

This was demonstrated by its response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The country was widely praised for the way it dealt with the virus without ever imposing lockdowns.  

Countries with Best Healthcare for Expats: FAQs

Planning for a Healthier, Happier Life?

Your health and well-being are among the most important issues to consider when deciding where to move abroad. There are certainly many countries that provide a better service than you may be used to. 

It’s reassuring to know that your health won’t suffer if you decide to move to a new country to seek financial and lifestyle freedom.  

It will take planning, though. 

Nomad Capitalist helps high-net-worth individuals build their dream lives overseas, whether that’s by moving their business offshore, relocating to a tax-friendly country or seeking a second citizenship. 

If you need help navigating the complexities, Nomad Capitalist can guide you through the process. 

We’ve helped over 2,000 high-net-worth entrepreneurs and investors go where they’re treated best through tax optimisation, offshore planning, second citizenships and more. To get started, reach out today.