Top 10 Countries with the Best Healthcare Systems in the World (2024 CEO World Index)

As the demand for accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare rises globally, only a select group of countries has managed to set a benchmark in this vital sector. The CEO World Healthcare Index 2024 evaluated 110 nations across five key parameters: infrastructure, medical staff competency, per capita expenditure, availability of quality medicine, and government preparedness for health emergencies. The outcome reflects not just national wealth, but also systemic efficiency, policy vision, and citizen-focused care models. Here's a detailed breakdown of the top 10 global leaders in healthcare in 2024.

Centralized insurance and digital integration define excellence

Taiwan’s healthcare model is a globally celebrated example of centralized efficiency. Its National Health Insurance (NHI) system covers almost the entire population under one unified administrative structure. Regardless of income or geography, citizens can access primary care, specialist consultations, surgeries, and diagnostics with minimal cost.

The use of Smart Health Cards and a centralized digital health record system enables real-time access to patient history across hospitals, significantly improving coordination and care quality. This eliminates the need for repetitive diagnostics and long waits, especially for routine checkups or follow-up treatments.

Taiwan's CEO World 2024 score is an impressive 78.72, with standout performances in infrastructure (87), medicine availability (83), and government readiness (82+). Hospitals like National Taiwan University Hospital demonstrate how institutional quality blends seamlessly with system-wide policies to deliver superior health outcomes.

National coverage with futuristic medical practices

South Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHI) covers nearly 97% of its population, offering uniform healthcare benefits regardless of economic status. What distinguishes Korea is its aggressive investment in health technology, including robotic surgeries, telemedicine platforms, and data-driven diagnostics.

Both public and private hospitals maintain high standards, with an emphasis on early detection and chronic disease management. South Korea’s affordable pricing, even for advanced procedures, attracts medical tourists and earns the country global recognition.

With a CEO World score of 77.7, South Korea’s healthcare ranks high in access, infrastructure, and innovation. Institutions like Severance Hospital in Seoul are global leaders in integrating technology with personalized care.

Public-private hybrid system supporting urban and rural health equity

Australia’s Medicare system is a universal public healthcare scheme that subsidizes or fully covers a wide range of medical services. Australians enjoy the flexibility to opt for private healthcare as well, creating a strong hybrid system that blends accessibility with choice.

What sets Australia apart is its regional balance. The country ensures medical access not just in major cities, but also in rural and Indigenous communities through mobile clinics and telehealth.

The Royal Melbourne Hospital, among others, exemplifies the clinical excellence supported by this system. With a score of 74.11, Australia continues to be a model for healthcare equity backed by both policy and practice.

Free, government-funded care for all permanent residents

Canada maintains its reputation through its Universal Healthcare System, which provides essential medical services to all citizens and permanent residents without direct charges at the point of care. From hospital stays to surgeries and prescription drugs, the public system ensures basic healthcare is never a financial burden.

Despite some criticism for longer wait times for specialist services, the overall quality of care, government preparedness (scoring 88), and patient safety are rated among the highest globally.

Canada’s commitment to equal access, bolstered by institutions like Toronto General and Vancouver General Hospital, places it fourth globally in the healthcare index.

A public health model driven by equality and innovation

Sweden ranks fifth on the list thanks to its government-run health system where care is distributed based on need rather than income. Primary healthcare centers serve as the first point of contact and are capable of managing the majority of health concerns.

There’s an emphasis on preventive care, with focused services for children, elderly, and pregnant women. Sweden also leads in e-health infrastructure and medical research, including in areas like genomics and mental health.

The Karolinska University Hospital is a symbol of Sweden’s research-integrated healthcare philosophy. With a score of 78 in infrastructure and 75 in medicine access, Sweden’s holistic model makes it a global pioneer.

Strong buildings, mixed coverage, and world-class medication access

Ireland boasts some of the strongest healthcare infrastructure (above 92) and medicine availability (96) in the world. The system features a balance between public healthcare and private insurance offerings.

However, government preparedness for large-scale health crises remains an area needing improvement, slightly lowering the overall average to 67.99.

Despite this, Irish healthcare institutions continue to deliver high-quality services, and patient safety and innovation in treatment are notably robust.

Mandatory private insurance under government regulation

The Netherlands runs a unique system where all citizens are required to purchase private health insurance, but providers operate under strict governmental guidelines. This ensures competitive pricing while maintaining universal coverage.

The system supports smooth coordination between general practitioners, specialists, and rehabilitation services. Mental health care and post-operative rehabilitation are notable strengths.

Out-of-pocket costs are relatively low, and the average spending per patient is among the most efficient in Europe, providing high value for money.

Comprehensive insurance and digital integration

Germany’s system is built on the Sick Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) model, covering nearly the entire population. Both public and private hospitals deliver consistent quality, and patient rights are strongly protected under federal law.

Germany has made significant strides in e-health, including e-prescriptions, digital health records, and real-time physician coordination. The doctor-to-patient ratio is healthy, and the country ensures affordable access to essential medicines.

Hospitals like Charité in Berlin exemplify Germany's combination of research, teaching, and clinical excellence.

Government-funded care from cities to remote areas

Norway’s fully tax-funded healthcare guarantees access for all, from urban centers to the most remote Arctic villages. The government directly covers almost all treatment costs, and services like maternal care, pediatric services, and senior care receive special focus.

The system excels in crisis response, logistics, and ambulatory care, supported by advanced training for frontline health workers. Norway also prioritizes medical research, contributing to global health knowledge and preparedness.

Hospitals like Oslo University Hospital ensure that top-tier care is not limited to the capital but distributed across the nation.

Mandatory insurance with a focus on prevention and high technology adoption

Israel’s healthcare system is insurance-based but highly individualized, offering a wide range of choices within a regulated framework. The system emphasizes preventive care and leverages technology and artificial intelligence in diagnostics and treatment.

Government planning and responsiveness are strong, with a crisis preparedness score exceeding 90, and the country also leads in nursing standards and doctor-patient ratios.

Israel’s model is increasingly being studied by other nations seeking to modernize their health infrastructure and deliver future-ready, people-centered care.

Final Thoughts

These ten nations demonstrate that excellent healthcare does not solely depend on economic wealth, but also on policy innovation, digital integration, universal coverage, and human-centered service design. From Taiwan’s efficient centralized system to Israel’s tech-powered preventive model, each of these countries offers lessons worth emulating by governments striving for a healthier future for all.