Is European healthcare better than the US?

Asked by: Mr. Amari Kunze  |  Last update: December 24, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (38 votes)

In terms of pharmaceutical access, the US healthcare system can be defined as the most advanced in the world, the leader in the application of new and innovative therapies, and more efficient compared with European health systems.

Is healthcare better in the US or Europe?

However, despite higher healthcare spending, America's health outcomes are not any better than those in other developed countries. The United States actually performs worse in some common health metrics like life expectancy, infant mortality, unmanaged diabetes, and safety during childbirth.

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.

Is Europe more healthy than the US?

American adults reported worse health than did English or European adults. Eighteen percent of Americans reported heart disease, compared with 12% of English and 11% of Europeans. At all wealth levels, Americans were less healthy than were Europeans, but differences were more marked among the poor.

Which country has the best health coverage?

Canada is the leading country worldwide for essential healthcare coverage, according to The World Health Organization's (WHO) World Health Statistics 2024 report.

How Germany's Universal Health-Care System Works

38 related questions found

How does the US rank in healthcare?

U.S. ranks last in health care compared with nine other high-income countries, report finds. People in the U.S. die the youngest and experience the most avoidable deaths, despite spending much more on health care. By Berkeley Lovelace Jr. The health system in the U.S. is failing, a startling new report finds.

Which country has the best doctors in the world?

Here are the top 10 countries known to have the best doctors according to the World Population Review 2024:
  • United Kingdom. ...
  • Germany. ...
  • France. ...
  • Switzerland. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • Italy. ...
  • Australia. ...
  • Austria. Often overshadowed by other countries, Austria has highly skilled doctors, particularly in rare diseases and palliative care.

Is Europe better to live in than the USA?

Living in Europe can be less expensive than living in the U.S. and can offer a high quality of living. Before making a decision to move to a European country, however, it's important to see how your income fares against the costs you may incur.

What is the healthiest European country?

Health ranking of European countries in 2023, by health index score. In 2023, Norway ranked first with a health index score of 83, followed by Iceland and Sweden.

Is England or America healthier?

American adults have significantly worse health in midlife compared to their British peers, especially in markers of cardiovascular health, according to a new study involving researchers from Oxford's Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

Why is the US ranked so low in healthcare?

The equity score reflects how income influences access to and patients' experience with health care. Australia and Germany rank highest. The United States and New Zealand rank last because low income affects access to care, and patients' racial or ethnic backgrounds can lead to unfair treatment, the report showed.

What country has the best quality of life?

  • Denmark. #1 in Quality of Life. #10 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Sweden. #2 in Quality of Life. #6 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Switzerland. #3 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Norway. #4 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Canada. #5 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Finland. #6 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Germany. #7 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Australia. #8 in Quality of Life.

Which country in Europe has the best healthcare?

Denmark. Denmark is renowned for its comprehensive, publicly funded healthcare system, which ranks among the best in Europe. The Danish system operates on universal access, funded through taxes, ensuring that all citizens and residents receive free medical treatment.

Are Europeans happy with their healthcare?

Share of Europeans satisfied with the healthcare system in their country, 2020-2024. Since 2020 there has been a decrease in the general satisfaction of Europeans with their own country's healthcare system, and in 2024 only 56 percent of Europeans expressed being generally satisfied.

Does the US have the highest obesity rate in the world?

Is America really the most obese country in the world? Well, not quite, it ranks as the 12 th most obese country worldwide, but number 1 when considering high-income countries.

Who has better healthcare than the US?

Belgium. Belgium is one of the countries with better healthcare than the United States. The healthcare system in Belgium is publically funded mainly through taxation and social security contributions. Belgium had 3.25 doctors and 5.29 hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants in 2021.

Are Europeans healthier than Americans?

Indeed, many studies have shown that the health of middle-aged Americans, and health behaviors such as smoking and obesity, are much worse than those of Western Europeans (Banks et al., 2006; Andreyeva et al., 2007; Thorpe et al., 2007).

What is the unhealthiest diet in Europe?

The UK is one of the leading consumers of ultra-processed foods in Europe. These foods often contain high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, while being low in essential nutrients. Popular choices like ready meals, packaged snacks, and sugary beverages dominate diets.

Which country has the shortest life expectancy in the world?

Countries with the lowest life expectancy worldwide 2023, by gender. Men born in the Lesotho have the lowest life expectancy of the world as of 2023, reaching only 50 years. The lowest life expectancy for women in the world in 2023 was for girls born in Nigeria, with only 54 years.

What are the cons of living in Europe?

Let's look at some of the disadvantages of living in Europe.
  • The Uphill Task of Navigating the Famous European Bureaucracy.
  • Narrower Streets and More Compact Living.
  • Taxes are Generally High and You Might Pay Double.
  • Public Transportation Can Be Intimidating and Inconvenient.
  • A Complicated Network of Languages and Dialects.

Why are Americans moving to Europe?

Healthcare is a major factor for Americans considering Europe. Universal healthcare systems in Europe provide accessible and often cheaper services than in the U.S., with lower insurance premiums and medical costs. European countries are known for high-quality care, modern facilities, and well-trained professionals.

Are houses cheaper in Europe than America?

Home prices in certain countries are more affordable than in large U.S. cities, so it is affordable to rent a flat, buy a townhouse or condo, or purchase a single-family home in Europe. European countries such as Portugal, Spain and Italy are considered the hottest areas for U.S. consumers to buy real estate.

Which country has most intelligent doctors?

The United States is home to some of the world's best doctors due to its rigorous medical education and training system, spanning 11-16 years. This lengthy process ensures a highly committed and passionate healthcare workforce, with individuals motivated by a genuine desire to provide high-quality medical services.

What country pays doctors the lowest?

Madagascar. As one of the top 10 lowest paying countries for doctors, Madagascar's healthcare system is underfunded and lacks resources, leading to limited financial support for medical professionals.

Which country has the best food in the world?

Let's begin! Italy is the number one country having the best food in the world. It's difficult to talk about Italian food, it's easier to enjoy it.