🌍 Best Countries for Healthcare for Expats (2025)

🇫🇷 France

• Why It Stands Out: World-renowned healthcare system, universal coverage with excellent public and private options.
• Expat Advantage: After 3 months of residency, expats can apply for state healthcare (PUMA).
• Cost: Very low out-of-pocket expenses.

🇪🇸 Spain

• Why It Stands Out: High-quality universal healthcare and modern hospitals.
• Expat Advantage: Access to public healthcare after residency registration; private insurance is affordable.
• Bonus: English-speaking doctors in major expat hubs.

🇵🇹 Portugal

• Why It Stands Out: Public healthcare available to residents; efficient and affordable.
• Expat Advantage: D7 and Golden Visa holders gain access; private insurance is inexpensive.
• Bonus: Ranked highly for healthy living and medical outcomes.

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

• Why It Stands Out: Universal system (Caja) combined with a thriving private system.
• Expat Advantage: Legal residents must contribute to the Caja; private healthcare is cheap and high quality.
• Bonus: Popular destination for medical tourism.

🇹🇭 Thailand

• Why It Stands Out: Excellent private hospitals with Western-trained doctors.
• Expat Advantage: Very affordable private insurance; short wait times.
• Bonus: Bangkok and Chiang Mai are global hubs for medical tourism.

🇲🇾 Malaysia

• Why It Stands Out: High-standard private healthcare, low costs, and modern facilities.
• Expat Advantage: English-speaking doctors; MM2H visa holders use private care.
• Bonus: Common destination for elective surgery and retirement.

🇩🇪 Germany

• Why It Stands Out: Mandatory universal coverage, high standards, and efficiency.
• Expat Advantage: Access to public healthcare with registration and insurance.
• Bonus: Ranked among the world’s best in medical infrastructure.

🇨🇭 Switzerland

• Why It Stands Out: Top-tier care, clean facilities, and highly trained professionals.
• Expat Advantage: Required to purchase health insurance upon residency.
• Downside: Expensive premiums.

🇯🇵 Japan

• Why It Stands Out: Exceptional healthcare system, technologically advanced.
• Expat Advantage: National Health Insurance is available to all residents.
• Bonus: High life expectancy and preventive care culture.

🇨🇦 Canada

• Why It Stands Out: Universal healthcare system; excellent care quality.
• Expat Access: Permanent residents receive full access; temporary expats may need private insurance.
• Note: Wait times for non-emergency procedures.