The level of development of the health care system is an important indicator that affects the choice of a country for moving. Find out which European countries offer the best health care system for expats

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The level of development of the health care system is one of the most important factors that determines the quality of life. That is why, when planning to move abroad, future expats pay close attention to this indicator. The advantage of the European region is that, in general, the level of development of medical care is excellent, because it is home to 11 of the 20 best health care systems in the world.

Read more about European countries with the best health care system for expats in this article.

Peculiarities of medical care in Europe for expats

Before choosing the countries with the best healthcare systems, it is important to understand how healthcare for foreigners in Europe generally works.

 In most European countries, both the public and private systems of medical care are developed. However, different countries may have different rules regarding which foreigners have access to each of them and under what conditions.

Types of healthcare systems in Europe:

- State health care system – anyone who pays social insurance taxes in one or another EU country, as well as anyone with a European health insurance card, is entitled to medical care. In this regard, it is important to check the rules regarding entitlement to public health care in the country you wish to move to.

  - Private health care system – foreigners who do not have the right to services within the framework of the state system can receive medical care in private institutions. Usually, the services in these institutions are paid for by the insurance policy.

Types of health insurance policies:

- Travel insurance, which is also known as nomad insurance, has a limited duration of validity of the document (usually up to 6 months). Its cost is usually more affordable, the document covers only assistance during an accident and treatment of all diseases except chronic ones.

- Medical insurance – has a wider field of disease coverage and a longer term of validity.

European countries with the best healthcare system for expats

Portugal

Portugal has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, consistently ranked high by the World Health Organization. A developed network of state and private medical institutions allows citizens to receive the best care.

Expats have the right to access public healthcare facilities. Both the public and private healthcare systems offer excellent care, but in the private system you can make an appointment with an English-speaking doctor by phone or online, the cost of an appointment ranges from €50 for a general practitioner to €90 for a specialist.

In the public system, patients need to visit a local clinic in person to make an appointment. The cost of the consultation is minimal, from about 7 euros, but the doctor may not speak English.

Expats in Portugal can also expect to receive medical assistance from emergency services in an emergency.

That is why the health care system for emigrants in Portugal is recognized as one of the best in the world, because the existence of both public and private institutions helps to provide the best medical services.

Read more about the healthcare system for expats in Portugal in this article.

Spain

Spain is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for expats and remote workers, not only because of its sun-drenched beaches, vibrant culture and great cuisine, but above all because of its amazing healthcare system. In a recent survey by the World Population Review, in 2023, public health care in Spain was ranked 8th in the world.

There are 23 medical facilities in Spain that have received accreditation from the Joint Commission International, which is a sign of exceptional hospital care.

Spain provides free services to its citizens through the Spanish National Health System (SNS). Expats living in the country are also eligible for these benefits under certain conditions, for example if they are students under the age of 26 or have access to an EHIC.

  All other foreigners can receive medical care through a private health insurance policy.

A guide to Spain's healthcare system for expats in this article.

To simplify moving abroad, as well as facilitate the employment procedure, consult a migration specialist. We help solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any corner of the world.

France

The healthcare system in France is easily accessible and simple. The public health care system in France provides partial or full reimbursement to people. It is included in the list of European countries with the best healthcare system for expats. As an expat, you can apply for public health insurance after living in the country for more than 3 months.

Another amazing benefit of the French healthcare system is that you can visit any doctor anywhere in the country. Public health care is just as good as a private facility.

Another distinctive feature of French health care is the long-term illness policy. Anyone with cancer, ulcers, heart disease, certain forms of diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease (and many other diseases) is entitled to 100% coverage of medical services for the duration of their treatment.

Information about the French healthcare system for expats in this article.

Sweden

All legal residents and those with a Swedish tax number (personnummer) can access Sweden's public health care system. Taxes and public funding cover 97% of the costs of the Swedish health care system, and patients over 20 cover the remaining 3% through small co-payments.

The maximum out-of-pocket payment is around SEK 1,000 ($94) per year, while the cost of prescription drugs is around SEK 2,250 ($211) per year. Private healthcare in Sweden costs about SEK 4,000 (US$375) per year.

A detailed guide to the health care system for expats is here.

Ireland

Anyone who has legally resided in Ireland for at least a year is entitled to the country's public health system. In some cases, expats moving there (such as students and retirees) must have private insurance to be approved for a visa. Once approved, they can register in the public system.

The public health care system is free for about 30% of the population and inexpensive for everyone else.

Total costs include:

- Doctor's visit: €54 (~$59).

- Emergency room visit: €100 (~$109).

- Inpatient stay: free of charge.

- Prescriptions: no more than 80 EUR (~87 USD) per month.

We talked about the health care system of Ireland in more detail here.

Germany

Everyone who pays social insurance is entitled to the German public health system (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, or GKV), as are their immediate relatives. Also generally eligible are university students under the age of 30, interns/interns who earn within a certain range, and retirees/unemployed who previously had public health insurance.

The policy covers all basic healthcare services, but specialist areas such as dentistry and orthodontics usually require a co-payment.

Those earning more than €5,775 (~US$6,290) per month, the self-employed, civil servants and those not eligible for public health insurance can opt for private health insurance. Private plans cost around €200 (~$218) to €500 (~$545) per month.

Read about the health insurance system in Germany here.

Norway, Belgium, Switzerland and other European countries can also offer the best healthcare system for expats.

We will remind you! In recent years, Albania has been actively developing as a center of medical tourism. The country offers cosmetic and medical procedures that attract more and more people. We have already told why foreign patients are attracted to medical tourism in Albania.

Are you planning to travel or move abroad? An important component of a successful trip is a travel insurance policy, because it guarantees the provision of high-quality medical care in any corner of the world and is able to protect you from unnecessary expenses during the trip. You can buy insurance from verified agents on the Visit World portal.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.