15 Countries With the Best Healthcare for Expats in 2026

The countries with the best healthcare for expats all share similar traits like universal healthcare systems, exceptional standards of care, and, often, low-cost private options as well. In 2026, top countries include Portugal, France, and Spain as they combine private and public options with excellent standards and affordable costs.

Our article explores the 15 countries with best expat healthcare, what makes these systems noteworthy, how much they tend to cost, and some of the visa options available to live in these countries.

1. Portugal

Portugal consistently ranks among the best healthcare systems for expats due to its combination of universal healthcare coverage, affordability, and high-quality medical services. The public healthcare system (SNS) provides comprehensive medical care, including hospital treatment, GP visits, and prescriptions, to legal residents who contribute to social security.

Healthcare costs are low compared to many Western nations, with co-payments for consultations averaging between €5 and €10. Many expats also opt for private health insurance in Portugal to reduce wait times and access English-speaking specialists, with premiums starting at €40 per month.

Portugal healthcare for foreigners offers advanced hospitals, bilingual medical staff, and digitized health services in urban centers. The country ranks does well in the OECD healthcare report 2025 performing better than the average on 7 out of 10 vital indicators measuring health status.

Residency visas, such as the Portugal D7 Visa for passive income earners or the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, grant eligibility to public healthcare after registration. With a strong focus on preventive medical care, modern medical technology, and cost efficiency, Portugal is one of the top destinations for expats seeking quality healthcare.

2. France

France is globally recognized for its efficient healthcare system, ranking among the top in OECD performance metrics. The public model, known as PUMA (Protection Maladie Universelle), guarantees universal healthcare coverage for all legal residents after three months of stay.

The system covers most costs for medical services, hospital care, and prescriptions, while private health insurance supplements coverage for extras like dental and optical care. France spends 11.3% of its GDP on healthcare, ensuring modern facilities and short wait times. Expats report high satisfaction with the quality of medical care and English-speaking professionals in major cities.

Residency options, including long-stay visas and the Talent Passport, grant access to healthcare after registration. With top-tier hospitals, strong mental health provisions, and digitized billing systems, France offers one of the best healthcare systems in the world for those living abroad.

3. Spain

Spain’s public healthcare system, the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), provides universal healthcare coverage to all legal residents, including expats who register and contribute to social security. Alternatively, the Convenio Especial program offers full coverage for a low monthly fee, starting at €60.

Spain is celebrated for its affordable healthcare services, with private GP consultations averaging €50 to €80. Many expats choose a private health insurance plan for shorter wait times and access to international hospitals, with policies starting at €40 monthly.

Ranked among the best in OECD reports, Spain also enjoys one of the world’s highest life expectancies at 83 years. Residency options, such as the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa for passive income earners or the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, ensure public healthcare access. With high-quality medical facilities, English-speaking doctors, and strong emphasis on preventive medical care, Spain is not only one of the best healthcare systems in Europe but, also one of the most expat-friendly.

4. Germany

Germany operates a dual healthcare system combining statutory public health insurance (GKV) with private health insurance (PKV), ensuring universal access and world-class medical services.

Public coverage is mandatory for employees earning under €66,600 annually, while high earners and self-employed professionals can choose private insurance. The country allocates 12.7% of its GDP to healthcare, resulting in advanced hospitals, efficient services, and advanced diagnostics.

According to OECD rankings and World Health Organization data, Germany is among the top five globally for quality and outcomes. Expats with work or long-term visas must provide proof of health insurance before arrival, making compliance straightforward. The registration process is digitized, and English-speaking doctors are common in urban centers.

Residency permits for work, study, or entrepreneurship grant healthcare eligibility. With exceptional hospital infrastructure and a focus on digital health tools, Germany is a leading choice for expats seeking comprehensive care.

5. Switzerland

Switzerland has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, ranking highly in WHO global health reports. Unlike universal models, healthcare in Switzerland is based on mandatory private insurance, ensuring access to modern hospitals, advanced technology, and highly skilled professionals. Premiums average CHF 350 to 500 per month, with subsidies available for low-income residents.

Public hospitals deliver exceptional care, while clinics utilized via private health insurance plans offer personalized services. Switzerland consistently ranks in the top 10 globally for healthcare outcomes, supported by OECD indicators like low infant mortality and high life expectancy.

Expats must purchase health insurance within three months of arrival as part of residency requirements. Digital systems streamline claims and prescriptions, making it easier for newcomers. Though costs are higher than average, Switzerland delivers unmatched quality, efficiency, and multilingual support, making it a top destination for expats prioritizing premium healthcare.

The Swiss Residence Permit is available for high-net-worth individuals who negotiate a flat, annual tax with a canton. This tax cannot be less than CHF 435,000 which is the current federal minimum.

6. The Netherlands

The Netherlands combines universal healthcare principles with mandatory basic health insurance, ranking among the world’s most efficient systems per OECD. All residents, including expats, must purchase private health insurance, starting at €140 per month, covering essential medical services like GP visits, hospital care, and emergencies.

The Dutch model emphasizes preventive care and patient rights, with one of the shortest wait times among European countries. The Netherlands is in the global top 10 for healthcare and Expat Insider reports high satisfaction among expats for service quality and accessibility.

Residency is straightforward for those with EU citizenship, while non-EU citizens can qualify through work permits or long-stay visas. English-speaking doctors and digital tools for billing and prescription medications enhance convenience. With a strong public-private mix and high patient satisfaction scores, the Netherlands remains one of the best countries with top-tier healthcare for foreigners.

7. Sweden

Sweden offers universal healthcare coverage through its tax-funded system, ranking among the world’s best for preventive care and health outcomes. The system includes hospital care, prescription medications, maternity, and mental health services, often at minimal cost.

According to OECD and WHO, Sweden excels in efficiency and equity, while it has also been placed in the top 10 globally. Expats gain access by registering for a personnummer, social security number, after obtaining residency.

While public healthcare is strong, many expats opt for private health insurance to reduce wait times and ensure English-speaking specialists. Private consultations average €50 to €100. Residency visas, such as the work permit or family reunification visa, unlock healthcare eligibility.

Digital health platforms, e-prescriptions, and bilingual professionals make Sweden an expat-friendly healthcare destination known for both quality medical care and accessibility.

8. New Zealand

New Zealand has a publicly funded, universal healthcare system that serves all citizens and permanent residents. The system provides low and no-cost care for both general practice and for specialized needs.

Private Insurance is used by roughly 28% of the population to speed up wait times. Private plans are more expensive than most other countries on the list, costing between NZD 1,000 and NZD 2,000 per year.

The New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa is a residency by investment program for high-net-worth individuals. It has a starting cost of NZD 5 million (~$3 million), and provides investors with permanent residency after 3 or 5 years depending on the investment type.

9. Japan

Japan’s healthcare system is widely regarded as one of the most efficient globally, delivering universal coverage through public health insurance schemes. Residents, including expats, must enroll in either an Employee Health Insurance or a National Health Insurance program. Premiums are income-based but affordable, with out-of-pocket costs capped at 30% of total expenses.

Japan ranks highly in WHO reports for life expectancy (84 years) and healthcare outcomes. Hospitals accessed via private health insurance offer additional comfort and English-speaking staff in major cities.

Residency permits linked to employment, study, or business allow immediate access to healthcare. Japan is among the global leaders in healthcare quality and efficiency. With cutting-edge medical technology, digital health infrastructure, and emphasis on preventive care, Japan is a prime destination for expats seeking world-class healthcare.

10. South Korea

South Korea offers a hybrid healthcare system, blending universal coverage under the National Health Insurance (NHI) system with private care options. Expats with a valid visa and Alien Registration Card must enroll in the NHI after six months.

The system is highly affordable, with premiums averaging $50 to $80 per month, and it provides access to world-class facilities and English-speaking specialists. South Korea ranks near the top in OECD healthcare efficiency rankings.

Residency is tied to employment visas or investor programs. With advanced hospitals, tele-health options, and short wait times, South Korea remains one of the best countries for expats seeking modern, tech-driven medical services at reasonable costs.

11. Taiwan

Taiwan consistently ranks highly in healthcare indexes, thanks to its efficient National Health Insurance (NHI) system. All residents, including expats, can enroll after six months, paying affordable premiums of $30 to $50 per month. This grants access to comprehensive healthcare services, including GP visits, hospital care, and prescriptions.

Taiwan boasts some of the world’s shortest wait times and highest patient satisfaction rates, supported by a strong digital health infrastructure.

Residency options like the Employment Gold Card make enrollment easy for expats. WHO and OECD data confirm Taiwan’s leadership in healthcare quality and equity. With advanced facilities, bilingual doctors in urban areas, and affordable care, Taiwan is a top destination for expats prioritizing healthcare excellence.

12. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a leading healthcare destination in Latin America, offering universal coverage through the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS). Legal residents can access public healthcare by contributing to social security, with monthly costs based on income.

The public system covers essential medical services, while private care is widely available for shorter wait times and English-speaking doctors. Private consultations average $50 to $100, making it highly affordable compared to Western countries. Costa Rica ranks well in WHO global health reports and is favored in expat surveys for accessibility and value.

With modern hospitals, expanding telemedicine options, and strong preventive care programs, Costa Rica offers some of the best healthcare for expats seeking quality and affordability in a tropical setting.

The Costa Rica Investor Visa is a residency by investment program with a starting cost of $150,000. The programs enables investors to live and work in the country, with a pathway to permanent residency after three years and citizenship after seven years.

13. Thailand

Thailand stands out as one of Asia’s most expat-friendly destinations for healthcare, thanks to its combination of advanced facilities, affordability, and accessibility. This is supported by its world-class private hospitals and thriving medical tourism industry. Retiring in Thailand is a great option for foreigners as a result.

Many hospitals are internationally accredited and equipped with cutting-edge technology, while English-speaking doctors are widely available, making communication easy for foreigners.

Healthcare costs in Thailand are significantly lower than in Western countries. A GP consultation typically costs between $30 and $50, while private health insurance plans start at approximately $100 per month, offering comprehensive coverage for treatments and specialist care. Public hospitals are available but often preferred by locals, while expats primarily use the private sector for convenience and speed.

For long-term stays, Thailand offers several visa options that include access to healthcare, such as the Thailand Elite Visa, the Retirement Visa (O-A) for those over 50, and the new Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa, which appeals to remote workers and investors. These visas often require proof of private health insurance for approval.

14. Greece

Greece offers an excellent balance of cost and quality through its hybrid healthcare system, which combines a universal public system (ESY) with private care options. Greece ranks 14th globally in WHO’s healthcare rankings, making it a strong contender for expats seeking reliable healthcare.

The public system offers free or low-cost treatment for residents who register and contribute to social security, while private healthcare ensures faster service and greater convenience.

Healthcare costs in Greece are relatively affordable, with private consultations typically costing €50 to €100 and private health insurance plans starting at around €70 per month. Expats can access the public system by obtaining an AMKA social security number, which is required for enrollment. Urban centers like Athens and Thessaloniki provide high standards of care with English-speaking professionals available in both public and private hospitals.

Residency options like the Greece Golden Visa, which offers residency through real estate investment, or the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, allow expats to stay long-term and access healthcare. Registration with the national system or proof of health insurance is typically required during the visa process.

15. Malta

Malta is home to one of the most efficient healthcare systems in the world, ranking 5th globally in WHO assessments. The country operates a mixed model, providing heavily subsidized or free public healthcare to residents alongside a thriving private sector that many expats prefer for faster access and more personalized services.

Modern hospitals, English-speaking doctors, and advanced diagnostic facilities make Malta a strong healthcare destination. Healthcare in the country is affordable compared to other European nations. Private consultations cost between €50 and €75, while private health insurance premiums typically range from €200 to €400 per month, depending on coverage and age. Expats gain access to the public healthcare system upon registering for residency and paying social security contributions.

Those moving to Malta can apply for visas such as the Malta Residency by Investment program (also known as Malta Permanent Residence Program) or the Malta Digital Nomad Visa (also known as the Nomad Residence Permit). These visas provide long-term residency and access to healthcare services.

Malta consistently scores high in OECD healthcare performance indicators and is praised by expats for its efficiency and accessibility. With excellent healthcare rankings, a straightforward registration process, and high-quality medical infrastructure, Malta is one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for expats seeking reliable healthcare services.

Choosing the right country for relocation or retirement is about healthcare quality and accessibility. Here are the factors to evaluate when comparing healthcare systems abroad:

1. Quality of Care: Look for countries that score highly in global healthcare rankings such as the WHO or OECD. Indicators like life expectancy, hospital infrastructure, and access to modern technology reflect strong systems. Countries with accredited hospitals and English-speaking doctors are a major plus for expats.

2. Affordability: Healthcare costs vary widely. Universal healthcare systems like those in Spain and Portugal provide low-cost care funded by social contributions. In countries with private models, check the cost of private expat health insurance plans, out-of-pocket fees, and whether supplemental coverage is needed for specialist care.

3. Accessibility for Expats: Ensure the system is expat-friendly. Most countries require residency or visa registration for public healthcare access. Digital nomads and temporary residents may need international health insurance or private coverage.

4. Universal Coverage Options: Top systems include universal healthcare coverage, ensuring residents access essential services like hospital care, prescriptions, and preventive medicine.

5. Efficiency and Bureaucracy: Simple registration processes, digital health tools, and transparent billing systems make navigating a new healthcare system easier for foreigners.

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