The Top 7 Healthiest Countries for Expats
When planning to move abroad to settle for good or to work for several years, the most common things to check out are the lifestyle, culture, and living costs in the country you will be living in. Overlooking healthcare options often happens because the chance of getting hospitalized is relatively low. But when you do, it can negatively impact your life and finances. Make sure to research your new potential homes and learn which offers the best healthcare for expats.
The next time you look for a place overseas, either for work, retirement, or emigration, narrow down your choices to those that provide the best healthcare for expats. These countries must have excellent private and public hospital services and also accept international insurance coverage.
To help filter the candidates, here is a list of the countries with the best healthcare for expats:
When planning to move abroad to settle for good or to work for several years, the most common things to check out are the lifestyle, culture, and living costs in the country you will be living in. Overlooking healthcare options often happens because the chance of getting hospitalized is relatively low. But when you do, it can negatively impact your life and finances. Make sure to research your new potential homes and learn which offers the best healthcare for expats.
The next time you look for a place overseas, either for work, retirement, or emigration, narrow down your choices to those that provide the best healthcare for expats. These countries must have excellent private and public hospital services and also accept international insurance coverage.
To help filter the candidates, here is a list of the countries with the best healthcare for expats:
Expatriate Healthcare in France
France has always been one of the countries with the best healthcare for expats because of its world-class health facilities and medical services. This was made better by the ‘Protection Universelle Maladie’ or PUMA law which allowed public healthcare access to anyone who is legally residing in the country. To qualify, you need to have lived in the country for at least 3 consecutive months and be a permanent resident.
While public healthcare in France is not free, it is inexpensive compared to the service provided by private medical institutions. If you are looking for countries with universal healthcare for expats, France should be on your shortlist.
Expatriate Healthcare in Mexico
Being hospitalized can be made worse by having to communicate with doctors and nurses who do not understand what you are saying. Not being able to understand what they are saying and relying on gestures is not that good either for your situation. In Mexico, language and communication will not be a problem at all.
Mexico's healthcare system is great for expats because the doctors, nurses, and staff there are professional, well-trained, and fluent English speakers. The healthcare providers in the country receive training in English-speaking countries, making it easier for them to communicate in the language.
Public hospitals in Mexico are better when compared to those in similar developing countries. But as expected, they cannot be compared to the quality of facilities offered by private institutions. They provide affordable healthcare for expats, though, so they are always a good option for dealing with minor medical problems.
Expatriate Healthcare in New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the countries that make universal healthcare for expats accessible through permanent residency. Public healthcare in New Zealand has high standards and is heavily subsidized by the government, covering standard medical tests, immunizations, prescription medications, and emergency treatments.
The only downside to the accessibility of the country’s public healthcare system is the long waiting lines for non-emergency procedures. This is why many locals and expats choose private healthcare for minor procedures.
Both private and public facilities in New Zealand offer affordable healthcare for expats. Also, even if you already have a private international medical insurance plan in New Zealand, you can still use the free public health services. The flexibility to choose how you want to receive medical care is why the country is viewed to have one of the best healthcare for expats.
Expatriate Healthcare in Singapore
You would find Singapore in almost every publication enumerating the countries with the best healthcare for expats. The public healthcare system of Singapore is very effective in that it can rival those offered by private hospitals in other countries.
The private hospitals are on a different level with their high-quality service, making you feel like you are admitted to a luxury hotel. But this level of service comes at a cost that is far above the average of what most countries offer.
Still, when it comes to medical services, you get what you pay for. If you are looking for a luxury-level healthcare service, Singapore is the country to go to.
Expatriate Healthcare in South Korea
Both public and private hospitals in South Korea adhere to high standards when it comes to medical care. The advanced facilities, adequate level of care, and above-average level of professional service make the medical institutions in the country on par with their international counterparts. Additionally, most staff are also able to communicate in English, so language is the least of your problems when you get admitted.
South Korea is one of the few countries with universal healthcare for expats and travelers. The national health service is accessible to everyone in the country and is extra friendly to foreign workers. If enrolled with the National Health Insurance, you will only need to pay a portion for doctor consultations and specialist visits. For broader access to private doctors and less wait time, as well as coverage worldwide, consider global medical plans in South Korea for immigrants and foreigners.
Expatriate Healthcare in Thailand
Thailand’s medical tourism sector has been booming for the past years due to several factors. First, the combination of modern hospitals equipped with the latest technologies and the relaxing vibe of traditional wellness centers can keep you healthy physically and spiritually.
Second, the country itself is tourist-friendly. Important locations and instructions have an English translation and many people understand the language. Since Thai hospitals are frequented by foreigners, the staff there are used to communicating in English.
Last, the rates of private hospitals are cheaper compared to those from neighboring countries. Even the hospitals that provide world-standard quality service still charge lower than the average in the region.
To many foreigners, these factors constitute why Thailand offers one of the best and most affordable healthcare for expats.
Expatriate Healthcare in United Arab Emirates
Private hospitals in Dubai far outnumber state-owned facilities. These private medical facilities have more advanced equipment, faster service, and English-speaking staff. Dubai is also a leader in medical technology, pioneering online diagnoses, using automated patient reminders, and delivering personalized dosage recommendations through the use of AI.
Considering all these aspects, it is no wonder why the UAE is hailed as one of the countries with the best healthcare for expats.
With more than a thousand private clinics and hospitals around the country, you will not run out of options to choose from. What remains is for you to search for the best expat health insurance that can give you access to these medical facilities and coverage in crucial situations.
Cigna Healthguard Insurance Plan
- Private medical insurance for expats residing in the UAE
- Three distinct plans with regional or worldwide coverage
- Ability to choose your Healthcare Provider Network tier
International Health Insurance Plans for Expats
Whichever country you choose to work or live in, medical services will always be costly. The risk of getting hospitalized abroad does not necessarily increase, but it is not reduced either to the point that it can be dismissed. You will face a lot of unexpected circumstances overseas that may have a huge impact on your expenses. So, it is best to get global health insurance from a reliable insurer for your peace of mind.
An international medical insurance plan has the most comprehensive coverage and is accepted in top-tier medical institutes in almost every country. There are a variety of plan and coverage options so you have to do your research to get the best deal.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan
- Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
- Define your deductible and prescription benefits
- For Foreigners in the US or US citizens abroad
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Four plan options and additional optional coverages
- Choice of the coverage area to reflect your geographical area of need
- Freedom to choose your health care provider wherever you are in the world
Our team of global insurance experts can guide you in finding the best healthcare for expats. We can help you compare travel and international health insurance by presenting the most trusted insurers worldwide.
Whichever destination country you have in mind, we guarantee to have a global insurance plan to offer. We work with the best global medical insurance companies with a solid financial history, reliable customer service, and a convenient claiming process.
