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There are a large number of world countries with free healthcare for everyone, regardless of economic or employment status, race, gender, or medical history.
However, the “free” is a little misleading, since the citizens and residents of that country pay taxes to the government to finance the national healthcare fund. In turn, the government pays for medical treatment costs.
So, while you receive free health care if you do get sick, you pay for it through your taxes.
What Countries Have Universal Healthcare?
Here’s the list of countries that have universal healthcare for their citizens and foreigners:
- Albania
- Algeria
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bhutan
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Burkina Faso
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Egypt
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Bahamas
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- United Kingdom
»Here you can check the list of countries that offer the best health care for expats.
Types of Healthcare Systems
There are two main types of health insurance schemes: free (single-payer) healthcare and universal healthcare. They are not exactly the same thing.
Free Healthcare (Single-Payer)
In countries where there is a single-payer health system, it is the government who covers the cost of medical treatment for all residents. The system is usually funded through taxes. Under this system, everyone, regardless of income, will receive the same type of healthcare.
The British NHS is an example of single-payer healthcare schemes.
Universal Healthcare
Under a universal healthcare scheme, everyone has access to healthcare, but there is usually a range of insurers you can choose from. Typically, you would be paying monthly contributions to an insurance company, either yourself or through an employer, and the company covers your medical expenses. Those who cannot afford to purchase a policy will receive government assistance or reduced premiums.
Germany and Switzerland are examples of universal healthcare.
Are There Countries With Free Healthcare for Visitors?
Even though there are cases where hospitals do not charge tourists for minor treatment, there’s really no country that offers free healthcare for short-term visitors. As a tourist in a foreign country, you should have travel health insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses or you may have to pay out of pocket.
That’s because there is no “free” healthcare anywhere; every health system is funded either by taxes or other contributions by the residents of that country. If you do not contribute to a country’s national health fund, then you are not eligible to reap the benefits – so, you need travel insurance.
Pros and Cons of Free Healthcare Countries
Free healthcare for everyone may seem like it’s a perfect system, but many do not agree. Here are some of the pros and cons of having universal single-payer healthcare:
| Pros | Cons |
| Everyone has the same amount of health insurance coverage, regardless of their economic situation. | There are longer waiting times. |
| People are less likely to become ill and die due to not having access to adequate health care. | There are higher taxes. |
| The cost of treatment is lower. | Doctors are paid less. |
| Doctors and hospitals can be overwhelmed by the number of patients. |
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