Is Canada's health good?

Asked by: Libby Heaney  |  Last update: September 15, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (3 votes)

Both the health-adjusted life expectancy tables from the World Health Organization and the Healthcare Access and Quality Index from the Global Burden of Disease Study place Canada in the top 10% of countries, above several comparators that were included in the Commonwealth Fund Report.

Is the Canadian healthcare system good?

Canada spends far less of its GDP on health care (10.4 percent, ver-sus 16 percent in the U.S.) yet performs better than the U.S. on two commonly cited health outcome measures, the infant mortality rate and life expectancy.

Is healthcare better in USA or Canada?

Compared to the US system, the Canadian system has lower costs, more services, universal access to health care without financial barriers, and superior health status. Canadians and Germans have longer life expectancies and lower infant mortality rates than do US residents.

Is Canada healthier than the US?

Results. Life expectancy in Canada is higher than in the US. For those < 40 years, there were no differences in HRQL between the US and Canada. For the 40+ group, HRQL appears to be higher in Canada.

What country is #1 in healthcare?

The Legatum Prosperity Index 2023

According to the index, Singapore ranks first for healthcare, followed by Japan in second place and South Korea in third. In contrast, the United States ranks much lower, coming in at 69th place in this assessment.

What experts say about who has the world's best health-care system | Opinion

40 related questions found

How does US rank in health care?

The US health care system ranked last overall among 10 other high-income countries on key issues such as equity, access to care, and outcome measures, according to a new report, Mirror, Mirror 2024: A Portrait of the Failing US Health System, by The Commonwealth Fund.

What is the healthiest country in the world?

According to the index, Spain takes the top spot as the healthiest country in 2024. This impressive feat is attributed to a robust public healthcare system, readily available preventive care, and the widely celebrated Mediterranean diet.

Is it better to live in Canada or USA?

The U.S. is a larger global superpower than Canada. As such, Americans can expect to pay more for nearly every aspect of living. People in the U.S. and Canada generally have similar annual incomes. However, taxes are reportedly lower in the U.S., which can offer Americans a slight take-home pay advantage.

Is healthcare free in Canada?

In Canada's health care system, some services are free at the point of service while others require the patient to pay a fee. Roughly 70% of health care spending in Canada is covered by the government, paid for with tax dollars. (Some of those services may still require some payment from the patient.)

Why is Canada's life expectancy so high?

Context: Over the last 100 years, the average lifespan in Canada increased by about 20 years, from 60 years in 1920 to more than 80 today. This is largely due to improvements in the way we live, such as better standards of living, nutrition and sanitary conditions.

Do Canadians or Americans live longer?

The gap in life expectancy between Canada and the U.S. continues to widen; Canadians now live three years longer than Americans. Life expectancy is a good indicator of overall health in a country.

Is surgery free in Canada?

We're fortunate to have universal healthcare in Canada to cover medical essentials like doctors' visits, surgery and emergency medical treatment. But not everything is covered by government health insurance plans, and the rules vary from province to province1.

Do doctors make more in Canada or USA?

The U.S. generally offers lower taxes and higher average salaries across medical specialties. Canadian doctors have lower education, insurance and operational costs.

What is the biggest problem in health care in Canada?

However, the health system in Canada has been facing significant challenges, such as overwhelmed emergency rooms, lack of access to a family doctor, and health care workers under enormous strain.

Is medicine free in Canada?

Getting medication

When you're in a Canadian hospital, your doctor will provide the medication you need for free. Medications that you get at a pharmacy are not free. In many cases, public health insurance won't cover medication, so you may have to pay for it yourself.

Does Canada have freedom of speech?

Under section 2of the Charter, Canadians are free to follow the religion of their choice. In addition, they are guaranteed freedom of thought, belief and expression. Since the media are an important means for communicating thoughts and ideas, the Charter protects the right of the press and other media to speak out.

Is it expensive to live in Canada?

Is Canada Expensive? The simple answer is yes—Canada has living costs that are similar to the USA. Some things, like gas, cost more in Canada. Other things, like rent, tend to be lower, especially compared to major cities like New York or San Francisco.

What happens if you don't pay a hospital bill in Canada?

VCH will work with people with unpaid hospital bills and their insurance companies to ensure payments, with debt collection agencies and/or court proceedings as a final resort,” wrote a spokesperson. “In some cases, VCH may enter into payment plans with patients to recover the debt owed.”

Is there a downside to living in Canada?

Housing, transportation, and food costs can be expensive. Weather: Canada has long and harsh winters, with snow and ice covering much of the country for several months each year. This can be challenging for those who are not accustomed to the cold.

Are taxes higher in Canada or the USA?

Maximum Tax Rates

In 2024, Canada's top federal income tax rate is 33%, while the US's top federal rate is 37%. However, when combining federal and provincial/state taxes, Canadians often face higher marginal rates across various income levels.

Which country has the unhealthiest diet?

The five countries with the unhealthiest diet:
  • Uzbekistan.
  • Afghanistan.
  • Marshall Islands.
  • Papua New Guinea.
  • Vanuatu.

Which country has the fittest people?

Healthiest Countries (2024): Japan has been ranked the fittest country in the world for 2024, followed closely by Singapore and Switzerland. These nations excel in health metrics such as life expectancy, obesity rates, and lifestyle choices.

What is the healthiest race?

Fitness expert Harley Pasternak believes Japanese people are the world's healthiest thanks to a diet rich in fish, whole soy, seaweed and green tea. Different foods, cooking techniques and lifestyles can explain why some people of some cultures are leaner, healthier and living longer than others.