Europe

Best healthcare in Europe of 2024

In this article, we've compiled a list of countries with the best healthcare in Europe, elaborating on each of them to provide a comprehensive overview.

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Thanks to advances in technology, new tools, and research methods, and groundbreaking discoveries, the healthcare sector has undergone tremendous evolution in recent decades. This progress is evident in indicators such as the global average life expectancy, which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), has significantly increased over the last 20 years.

Differences in healthcare coverage for expats and tourists in Europe

Before looking further into the list of countries with the best healthcare systems, let's briefly explore the differences in coverage for expats and tourists.

Expats's health

An expatriate is simply someone who has left their country of origin to live in another, commonly referred to as an immigrant from the perspective of the new country. In Europe, expats or immigrants generally have access to the same healthcare rights and coverage as nationals, although some countries may impose restrictions or differences, such as requiring a minimum residency period for access to certain treatments.

Tourist's coverage

Tourists do not always have medical coverage in the destination country, depending on their country of origin and existing agreements between countries. For instance, citizens or residents of the European Union can access healthcare in any European country by presenting their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), although costs are typically paid upfront, and reimbursement is sought in the home country.

Dr. Home?

Non-European nationals or residents usually need to cover their own medical expenses and given the potential high costs in case of accidents it is advisable to travel with medical insurance.

Top 10 countries with the best healthcare in Europe

Now, let's dive into the rankings and explore the top 10 countries with the best healthcare systems in Europe. Various rankings exist, with different entities creating their own based on diverse parameters. For our assessment, we'll rely on the Legatum Prosperity Index 2023, specifically focusing on the health pillar's score. This pillar gauges the extent to which a country's population enjoys good health and has access to necessary services to maintain it.

Luxembourg

Health Doctors in EU Europe 2024 countries with the best healthcare

Source: Pixabay

Luxembourg boasts a robust healthcare system, recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the leading countries in health investment. With a focus on quality preventive care and comprehensive coverage of healthcare expenses, Luxembourg ensures the well-being of its citizens and residents.

The Luxembourgish system comprises the private sector (Caisse Nationale de Santé or CNS) and the public sector, divided into three sections: CMFP for public sector employees, CMFEC dedicated to communal and government officials, and EMCFL for railway system officials.

CNS

Health

Luxembourg

How to obtain CNS in Luxembourg?

Accsess to healthcare

Built on the principles of universal coverage, accessibility, and equality, Luxembourg's healthcare system ensures that all residents, regardless of income or employment status, have access to healthcare services. To maintain this level of provision, health insurance is mandatory, and residents must enroll in the CCSS (Centre Commun de la Sécurité Sociale) to benefit from the Caisse Nationale de Santé (CNS) services.

80%

of the medical costs are typically covered for most scenarios for residents and those living in the country: it includes various medicaments and even psychotherapy sessions

100%

of cost is covered for kids and some cases. The health insurance is financed through a combination of employer and employee contributions, as well as public subsidies

Switzerland

Source: Pixabay

Switzerland boasts one of the world's finest healthcare systems with mandatory universal coverage for all residents. The Swiss health insurance system, known as LAMal (l'assurance maladie, translating to "basic health insurance" in French) or KVG (Krankenversicherungsgesetz in German), is not public but rather administered by strictly regulated private insurance companies registered under LAMal. These non-profit organizations, referred to as "sickness funds," must accept everyone, irrespective of age, region, or health status.

60 insurance companies to choose from

Anyone permanently relocating to Switzerland is obligated to procure local private health insurance. Within 90 days of arrival, individuals must enroll with one of the 60-plus insurance companies in the country; failure to do so results in government-assigned coverage.

Healthcare services are not entirely free; individuals are responsible for medical expenses ranging from 300 to 2,500 Swiss Francs. Beyond this threshold, insurance covers all costs.

Denmark

Source: Pixabay

Denmark's healthcare system ranks among the world's best, driven by well-funded public hospitals and the National Health Insurance (NHI), with approximately 11% of the country's GDP dedicated to health.

The country's hospitals, adequately staffed and government-owned, provide a significant benefit to residents, completely free healthcare. This includes:

free visits to the general practitioner and referrals from them included

24/7 emergency care and medical assistance for everyone

nursing services at home and visits from healthcare professionals

hospital treatment, including surgeries and post-care

While the medical service is extensive, it doesn't cover all specialties. Excluded services encompass podiatry, dentistry, and physiotherapy. Additionally, the system does not cover the cost of medications entirely; while some are subsidized, individuals typically bear between 25% and 50% of the expense.

Iceland

Source: Pixabay

Here, the Department of Social Welfare oversees the Public Health System. The government funds 85%, with the remainder sourced from fees generated within the system.

Following a model akin to other northern European countries, Iceland's healthcare system benefits significantly from its small population and substantial per capita GDP, resulting in robust financial support. However, despite meeting the criteria for world-class standards, Iceland's healthcare system faces a critical flaw: a shortage of physicians. The country lacks facilities for medical education, and its doctors are trained at the expense of the government in Europe, leading to a shortage of specialists within the country.

Weak diagnoses

As a consequence, medical diagnoses may not always be crystal clear. Knowledge is often institutional and passed down through generations of experts. For complex cases requiring a second or third opinion, there are limited specialists available in Iceland.

Every citizen and long-term resident in Iceland must register with a general practitioner in their area, with personal payment for the general practitioner's visit fees. If the general practitioner refers you to a specialist, you can visit one at the nearest general hospital. For additional assistance, there are two specialized hospitals in Reykjavik and Akureyri. Hospital treatment is free of charge.

Norway

Source: Pixabay

While the medical service is extensive, it doesn't cover all specialties. Excluded services encompass podiatry, dentistry, and physiotherapy. Additionally, the system does not cover the cost of medications entirely; while some are subsidised, individuals typically bear between 25% and 50% of the expense.

Personal doctor

Since the extensive hospital reforms of 2002, all public hospitals in Norway have been managed by four Regional Health Authorities. Every Norwegian resident is registered with a 'fastledge', a general practitioner serving as the primary healthcare provider, advising on visits to public hospitals and consultations with specialists.

Hard limit of medical cost

Each citizen is responsible for a maximum expenditure of 2,000 Norwegian kroner (just under 180 euros). The healthcare system reimburses any amount exceeding this cap. The advantage of this system lies in shared financial responsibility, discouraging unnecessary visits and ensuring that no serious issues go untreated. The system is overseen by Helfo (short for Helseøkonomiforvaltningen, or the Health Economics Administration of Norway), with an annual budget of 35 billion kroner for a population of 5 million.

Requires registration in the system

Whether you're a resident or planning to become one, registration in the population registry is mandatory. Once completed, you'll have access to healthcare services as if you were a native of the country.

Netherlands

Source: Pixabay

The Netherlands boasts one of the world's premier healthcare systems, regulated by the government through the Ministry of Health.

The Dutch healthcare system is a blend of private and public partnerships. It is a legal requirement for everyone to acquire health insurance from a private company. Simultaneously, these private health insurance providers must adhere to strict government-set rules and charge appropriate premiums.

Equality and access

Monthly health payments are income-based, and those with lower incomes may receive government subsidies for healthcare, ensuring access regardless of financial capacity. Each basic health insurance plan has a specific list of covered doctors. Visiting a doctor outside this list requires nearly full payment of the care cost.

Approximately 84% of the population also holds additional private health insurance beyond the mandatory coverage. These plans offer supplementary coverage for high-cost treatments, dental care, medications, and psychiatric treatment, among other services.

Finland

Source: Pixabay

Finland boasts a universal healthcare system, extending to all residents as a constitutional right. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health oversees legislation and regulation at all levels, collaborating with various healthcare providers.

up to 30 euros

patients typically pay a nominal fee for medical appointments and other services, but for extensive, long-term treatments, the cost is income-dependent, reflecting Finland's commitment to making healthcare accessible to all

2 categories

of care are recognised – primary and specialized healthcare. Municipal hospitals handle primary health services, while specialized care is delivered in university hospitals, like at the Helsinki University Central Hospital

Finland's public healthcare system operates at the municipal level, granting municipalities the autonomy to organize and provide health services independently, collaborate with other municipalities, or procure services from private companies.

Happy people

Finland shines in happiness, ranking as the world's happiest nation according to World of Statistics. Additionally, it secures the second spot as the least corrupt country.

Germany

Source: Pixabay

Germany boasts one of the best medical cares in Europe, rooted in a social pact that ensures no citizen is left unprotected in the face of illness. Recognizing that treatment costs can quickly surpass an individual's economic means, Germany mandates health insurance for all residents.

The German healthcare system operates on the health insurance model. Medical insurers cover the services for each insured individual, granting all legally residing persons access to healthcare. Citizens and residents can choose from three systems:

The public universal system (GKV)

Preferred by the majority, it is funded by both employees and employers, with costs based on income levels.

The system for self-employed workers (KSK)

Designed for artists, writers, journalists, musicians, and anyone working independently.

The private system (PKV)

Offering broader coverage with reduced wait times, enrollment requires an annual income exceeding 64,350 euros due to the higher costs associated with this service.

Sweden

Source: Pixabay

A nation with a universal healthcare system for all its citizens and residents. The system is primarily funded through regional and municipal taxes, government contributions, and patient copayments for services.

Swedish citizens enjoy some of the world's best healthcare, evidenced by the fact that the cancer survival rate ranks among the highest in Europe, as reported by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Expats too

Sweden's healthcare system ensures equal access for both citizens and expatriates, with expats required to provide a personal identification number.

Waiting times for treatment continue to rise, contrary to the Swedish law stipulating that no patient should wait more than 90 days for a specialist visit or elective surgery. In reality, the current wait time is close to a year. This can be attributed, in part, to a shortage of nurses and specialists, coupled with increased demand for healthcare services driven by demographic growth.

Italy

Source: Pixabay

Health is recognized as a fundamental human right under Italian law. The Ministry of Health provides public healthcare services accessible after enrollment in the Italian National Health Service (SSN). Enrollment with the SSN can be mandatory, in which case it's free, or voluntary, requiring an annual fee. Free registration applies to:

Individuals with an employment contract
Self-employed individuals in Italy
Family members of registered individuals and Italian citizens
Official residents in Italy for five years or more
Unemployed individuals on job lists or enrolled in professional training courses.

The National Health Service (NHS), or Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), delivers healthcare services to residents and expatriates through local health agencies known as Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL). Those ineligible for free registration can opt for voluntary registration with an annual fee. Contacting the local Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) allows individuals to access state healthcare services

Immigration to Europe

The requirements and documents needed vary significantly based on the country and the type of employment. Distinct criteria apply for salaried workers, independent contractors, and highly skilled professionals. Visit the European Union's immigration page., where you can easily access all the information you need.

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