Americans are traveling, and living abroad in record numbers. The State Department estimates up to eight million Americans live in another country, double the numbers from 1999. While Americans aren’t known for traveling abroad often, millions do leave the country on vacations each year. While we know America has one of the most developed health care systems in the world, other nations are starting to catch up.
Health care is one of the leading indicators of the well-being of its people, and its guests. Whether you are living in another country, or just visiting, health care is not equal in every country. However some countries stand-out as some of the best in the world. Here are a few of our picks for best countries for health care:
Switzerland
The only country that spends more on health care than Switzerland is the United States. Switzerland offers universal health care for all of its citizens longer than three months. It’s also some of the most affordable health care. Switzerland citizens all pay the same amount for heath care premiums, and it isn’t based on employment. Subsidies are also available for people who can’t afford health care. The low costs doesn’t lead to bad service, either. Forbes Magazine, in 2011, named Switzerland the country with the world’s best health care.
San Marino
San Marino is a microstate that is surrounded by Italy. It’s population is just over 33,000 people, however it has one of the highest GDPs per capita, and one of Europe’s lowest unemployment rates. With a lot of tourist dollars coming in, the nation has invested heavily in health care. San Marino has both free health care, and private options for those who can afford it. The World Health Organization (WHO) has named San Marino as having the best healthcare system in the world.
France
Many organizations consider France to be the model for healthcare in the world. The healthcare in France is made up of a network of private and public hospitals with full coverage for all residents. The government in France pays most of its citizen’s hospital bills through taxes. France isn’t just affordable. The country also boasts some of the best hospitals and doctors in the world, according to the WHO.
Austria
Austria has one of the best income-based healthcare services in the world. All residents are entitled to basic health care services and Austria also provides free healthcare to all visitors, including tourists. People with more money can choose premium plans which can ensure better services. Austria is also know for having excellent mental healthcare. It’s the home of Sigmund Freud. Asperger’s syndrome was also discovered as a mental disorder by Austria’s Hans Asperger. The country also has some of the best emergency services in the world.
Japan
Japan citizens must have healthcare coverage, either via their employer or through a national program. While Japan has some of the highest living expenses in the world, that doesn’t apply to healthcare. The per-person costs are a lot lower than most other countries. Japan has some of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world. Japan also leads the world in recovery rates for illnesses. Some free services offered by Japan’s national healthcare program include hospital visits, exams and screenings. It’s one of the reasons why Japan is one of the healthiest countries in the world.
Singapore
Singapore is a very wealthy country, with a high GDP, like San Marino. The nation offers a balance between private and public options for its residents, but basic services are covered by the government. Mount Elizabeth, one of the best private hospitals in the world, has over 1,000 medical specialists. Many people from surrounding countries will fly to hospitals in Singapore for screenings because the hospitals have some of the best technology in the region.
Those are a few countries, outside the United States, that have some of the best healthcare services. What have your experiences been with healthcare in other countries? Share them in our comments or on our Facebook page!
