Countries That Offer Universal Healthcare To Expats

Many countries around the world provide free healthcare to all citizens, regardless of economic or job position, race, gender, or medical history.

However, the term “free” is rather deceptive, as the citizens and residents of that country pay taxes to the government to fund the national healthcare fund. In turn, the government pays for medical expenses.

So, while you get free health care if you are sick, you have to pay for it with your taxes.

What Countries Have Universal Healthcare?

Here’s the list of countries that have universal healthcare for their citizens and expats:

• 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

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 with a single-payer health system, the government bears the cost of medical treatment for all residents. The system is often funded through taxes. Under this system, everyone, regardless of money, will receive the same level of treatment. The British NHS is an example of a single-payer healthcare schemes.

Universal Healthcare

Everyone gets access to healthcare in a universal healthcare program, however there are typically several insurers from which to select. Typically, you would make monthly contributions to an insurance company, either directly or through your work, and the company would cover your medical bills. Those who cannot afford a policy will receive government aid or lower premiums.

Germany and Switzerland are examples of countries with universal healthcare systems.

Countries With Free Healthcare for Visitors

Even while some hospitals waive minor treatment fees for tourists, no country provides free healthcare to short-term visitors. As a tourist in a foreign country, you should obtain travel health insurance to cover any unexpected medical bills; otherwise, you may have to pay out of yourself.

That’s because there is no such thing as “free” healthcare anywhere; every health-care system is paid by taxes or other contributions from the country’s citizens. If you do not contribute to a country’s national health fund, you will be ineligible to get benefits; therefore, you must obtain 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: