RATING OF COUNTRIES WITH THE BEST MEDICINE

Healthcare Market Trends

According to research data, we are currently experiencing one of the most active surges in medicine in developed countries.

The United Nations (UN) forecasts that the world population will increase to 9.7 billion by 2050. The rise in healthcare quality has already led to an increase in average life expectancy, and the share of the elderly population is expected to triple by 2050.

A large number of countries are increasing their healthcare spending. For example, if global healthcare expenditure was $8 trillion in 2016, it will grow to $8.6 trillion by 2050. This is nearly 10% of the entire global economy. Moreover, 60% of this amount is invested by governments. Special attention in healthcare policy is given to chronic non-communicable diseases, which top the list of causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Currently, 80% of all healthcare costs are spent fighting them.

In the coming years, countries with the best healthcare are expected to make citizens' lives even more comfortable.

Global Trends Ranking:

1. Telemedicine

In 2019, 54% of European patients expressed readiness for online consultations. By 2020, this figure was already 90%. This approach removes boundaries and allows consulting top experts worldwide. Telemedicine is well complemented by smart home complexes that help measure vital signs using wearable devices. Soon, more people will be able to perform ECGs, measure saturation levels, glucose, etc., at home.

2. Digital Assistant

Convenient apps, online consultations, prescriptions, and referrals for examinations: digitalization can significantly simplify dozens of routine processes. Additionally, a digital assistant can help preempt the risks of developing chronic non-communicable diseases.

3. Smart Gadgets

Another important trend. Experts at Deloitte Center believe that medical professionals and gadget manufacturers' cooperation will soon allow people to know almost everything about their health and actively participate in choosing the best treatment.

4. Predictive Analytics

Hospitals in developed countries have minimized medical errors thanks to predictive analytics. Patient data is processed automatically via big data and machine learning. This ensures proper examination control, optimal routing, and patient management tactics.

It is also worth noting the improvement of medical equipment and the development of education (quality training and professional development of doctors in developed countries). Now, let's look at the countries leading in the quality and availability of healthcare.

While digital tools are good for quick communication with doctors and disease prevention, in real life, in case of illness or injury, the quality of healthcare directly depends on the country you are in.

And you'll be lucky if that country has advanced healthcare!

Top 10 Countries with the Best Healthcare Where You Can Obtain a Residence Permit and Receive Medical Care as a Citizen

When developing the ranking of countries by healthcare quality, more than 70 factors were considered. The most important include access to medical services, increased life expectancy, government healthcare spending, cost of medical services per capita, and more.

We present 10 countries we consider the best in terms of rapid healthcare development where you can get a residence permit through a simplified scheme (by investment) and use medical services on par with local citizens. All these countries are in the TOP-30 of all global healthcare rankings.

1. Portugal

Portugal spends about 9.1% of its GDP on healthcare and ranks 12th among EU/EFTA countries. In 2012, it was at 25th place. Of the funding, 30% is private expenditure and 70% is government.

In the global health ranking report, Portugal ranks 18th.

The Portuguese healthcare system is provided by three services.
The first — NHS (National Health Service), providing primary and secondary medical care.
The second — special social health insurance programs for public sector professions.
The third — voluntary private insurance.

Residents and citizens have access to the Portuguese healthcare system. Non-residents and tourists must purchase private insurance.

A consultation with a private doctor costs about 40-50 euros.

2. Spain

Spaniards are leaders among European countries in longevity, with an average life expectancy of 83 years. This is attributed not only to beautiful landscapes and a warm climate but also to Spain’s TOP-4 ranking in medical affordability, doctor qualifications, and hospital equipment.

The country has about 800 medical centers, many university-based, rapidly adopting progressive medical innovations.

Spain has an average of 3.4 medical professionals per 1000 people, and 98% of the population has access to free healthcare, significantly easing life for Spaniards and residents. Paid clinic consultations typically cost between 100-150 euros. Free services include outpatient care, hospitalization, surgeries, and rehabilitation.

3. Greece

Greece struggled economically for many years but is actively closing the quality gap with effective government measures. Thanks to major investments, it now hosts many good clinics with advanced equipment, including public ones, and regularly holds medical conferences.

Average life expectancy is 81 years for women and 75 for men. Like Portugal, Greece has a national health service, mandatory insurance, and voluntary insurance. Insurance is mandatory, with 97% of Greeks holding medical policies.

There are many doctors (4.1 per 1000 people), and 24/7 ambulance crews are present at airports, stations, and large hotels.

4. Turkey

The average life expectancy in Turkey is 79 years, 25 years more than in 1970, confirming healthcare development.

Anadolu Oncology Center ranks fourth in the world for technical equipment. Nearly 50 hospitals have prestigious JCI certification, meeting at least 1100 out of 1300 benchmarks for treatment efficiency, service, and facilities. Turkey is proud of minimally invasive surgeries using Da Vinci robotic systems and CyberKnives for radiotherapy.

Mandatory insurance covers nearly all services in public hospitals, with high-quality healthcare available even in villages.

5. UAE

181 doctors per 100,000 residents — this is the reality in the UAE. The most popular medical fields on the continent are orthopedics, dermatology, sports medicine, dentistry, and infertility treatment. Fourteen hospitals are accredited by the Joint Commission International.

The healthcare sector is coordinated by the Ministry of Health and Prevention. However, on the local level, oversight is carried out by the local authorities of each individual emirate. Medical tourism is well developed here: in 2015, Dubai received the award “Most Recommended Medical Tourism Destination in the World.”

One of the most popular areas is cancer treatment: the UAE ranks first among the TOP countries with the most advanced technologies. All residents of the continent have the right to medical care, and holders of the National Public Health Card receive a substantial 50% discount on it.

6. Malta

In Malta, medical care for all citizens is funded by the government. According to IMTA estimates, Malta is in the top 30 most popular countries worldwide for medical tourism. Treatment there is significantly cheaper than in Canada, Singapore, or Spain. The average life expectancy is 84 years for women and 79 years for men. Forty-two clinics in 8 medical centers provide free medical assistance. Government healthcare spending is about 10% of GDP.

Tourists or non-residents must obtain private insurance while in the country. It is important that the insurance validity does not expire earlier than the length of stay in Malta.

7. Cyprus

Since 2019, Cyprus has operated the National Health System (GHS), which allows citizens to receive good medical services either free or at low cost. The state covers doctor visits in outpatient clinics, medications, tests, X-rays, CT scans, inpatient care, and several other services.

Medical insurance is not mandatory, but treatment costs are quite high, so it is advisable to purchase insurance. Clinics in Cyprus are equipped with modern technology, and doctors are generally trained in Germany and the UK.

8. Canada

According to 2020 data, Canada ranks in the top 25 healthcare systems worldwide. Average life expectancy is 80 years for men and 84 years for women.

The country’s public health insurance program is called Medicare. It covers 70% of medical expenses: outpatient and inpatient services, emergency surgery, and laboratory tests when prescribed by a doctor. The government also covers pregnancy and childbirth costs. Some Canadians take additional private insurance for other medical services.

9. Luxembourg

Healthcare for Luxembourg citizens is almost free. Residents pay only 16% of costs; the remaining 84% is covered by the state. Even dentistry is covered at 80–100%.

Luxembourg allocates about 6.2% of GDP to healthcare, with per capita spending of 5,500 euros per year — one of the highest rates.

Residents can choose their clinic, specialist, and attending physician. When using services, a social insurance card must be presented.

10. Jordan

Jordan is the leader in medical tourism in the Middle East and ranks in the TOP 5 countries for quality medical tourism. Many clinics hold international quality certifications.

Experienced physicians work with cutting-edge equipment, and treatment costs amount to 10% of similar treatments in the USA. The Dead Sea resorts are especially popular for their healing muds used in patient rehabilitation. Additionally, the country is recognized as one of the best for treating psoriasis and skin problems.

Today we reviewed the list of TOP countries with good healthcare that won’t cost you a fortune. Choose any from our ranking — and trust your health to the best professionals!

FAQ

What does a residence permit give in terms of medical services?

By obtaining a residence permit, you get access to healthcare on equal terms with the country’s residents. This means that if the state covers 80% of treatment costs or pays for childbirth preparation and surgery, your expenses are also covered. This allows you to save thousands (and sometimes tens of thousands) of euros annually on quality medical treatment.
How to obtain a residence permit through investment?

You need to buy real estate or invest in a venture fund in an amount specific to each country. You get a residence permit through a simplified scheme: no language exam and no requirement to live in the country for six months. After 5 years, you can obtain citizenship and sell your property.
What are the advantages of healthcare abroad?

Developed countries have more financial resources for healthcare development, so their systems are a level above. The opportunities already available in Portugal or Spain will reach us only in several years (or decades). Meanwhile, you can already receive quality medical care there.