Is U.S. healthcare good or bad?

Asked by: Arlo Oberbrunner  |  Last update: September 20, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (26 votes)

Between 2001 and 2020, majorities ranging from 52% to 62% rated U.S. healthcare quality positively; now, 54% say it is only fair (38%) or poor (16%). As has been the case throughout the 24-year trend, Americans rate healthcare coverage in the U.S. even more negatively than they rate quality.

Is the United States health care system good?

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.

What is the biggest problem with US healthcare?

(2024) Here Are 7 Big Issues Facing Healthcare Right Now
  • Rising Costs of Healthcare Services. ...
  • Financial Challenges for Providers. ...
  • Shortage of Healthcare Professionals. ...
  • The Need for Improved Mental Health Systems. ...
  • Increased Demand for Personalized Care. ...
  • Big Data and Cybersecurity Issues.

Why do the US have such poor health outcomes?

The conditions that cause poor health, such as high levels of economic inequality and precarity, alongside limited safety net schemes and social support systems, are seen in every aspect of the lives of children and teenagers in the US.

The real reason American health care is so expensive

28 related questions found

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.

How unhealthy is the United States?

Currently, 74% of American adults are overweight or obese. This increases your risk of chronic illness, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and fatty liver disease. And poor diet is now one of the leading causes of death in America – even more so than smoking!

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.

What was the #1 leading health problem in the US?

Heart disease and stroke still the leading causes of death for both U.S. men and women.

What happens in America if you can't afford healthcare?

Americans are no longer taxed for not carrying health insurance. Medical debt contributes to a large number of bankruptcies in America. Access to quality primary care is critical, but doctors have the right to refuse patients without insurance or who are able to pay out-of-pocket expenses.

What hospital is ranked 1 in us?

Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other hospital and has been recognized as an Honor Roll member according to U.S. News & World Report's 2024-2025 "Best Hospitals" rankings.

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.

Why is US healthcare so expensive?

There are many possible reasons for that increase in healthcare prices: The introduction of new, innovative healthcare technology can lead to better, more expensive procedures and products. The complexity of the U.S. healthcare system can lead to administrative waste in the insurance and provider payment systems.

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.

What country has the best doctors?

Here are the top 10 countries known to have the best doctors according to the World Population Review 2024:
  1. United States. The United States is often considered a global leader in the medical field. ...
  2. India. ...
  3. United Kingdom. ...
  4. Germany. ...
  5. France. ...
  6. Switzerland. ...
  7. Canada. ...
  8. Italy.

Why doesn't the US have free healthcare?

Groups with significant economic resources have long been opposed to universal health insurance. We have a political system so sophisticated about finding the middle ground that we have had long periods in which the parties have been essentially even in their control of power in the national government.

What is the #1 cause of death in America?

Overall, the leading cause of death for both sexes across all races and origins, and ages is heart disease. The top three leading causes of death for males and females combined (heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19) accounted for 50% of all deaths (48% for females) in 2021.

What is the biggest problem in American healthcare?

A 2024 survey found that over half of U.S. individuals indicated the cost of accessing treatment was the biggest problem facing the national healthcare system. This is much higher than the global average of 32 percent and is in line with the high cost of health care in the U.S. compared to other high-income countries.

What is the top threat to the health of America?

Top 5 Health Threats to Americans
  • Chronic Disease. ...
  • Substance Addiction and Abuse. ...
  • Mental Health Issues. ...
  • Lack of Vaccinations. ...
  • Violence. ...
  • Consult With a Medical Professional.

Is healthcare good or bad in the US?

The U.S. ranks last on four of five health outcome measures. Life expectancy is more than four years below the 10-country average, and the U.S. has the highest rates of preventable and treatable deaths for all ages as well as excess deaths related to the pandemic for people under age 75.

What state is #1 in healthcare?

Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Iowa, and Connecticut are the top-ranked states according to the 2020 Scorecard, which assesses all 50 states and the District of Columbia on more than 45 measures of access to health care, quality of care, service use and costs of care, health outcomes, and income-based health care ...

Where does the US rank globally?

Think the U.S. is the best country in the world? Not according to a new set of global rankings from U.S. News and World Report and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. The U.S. is ranked third, according to the 2024 Best Countries analysis rankings.

Why is the US so unhealthy compared to other countries?

The causes of obesity in America are well known: A poor diet, with too much consumption of packaged and processed food, which is not as well regulated as it ought to be; too many fast food meals; and low levels of exercise due to excess driving caused by an urban sprawl absent in Europe and Japan.

Which US state is the healthiest?

Hawaii ranks as the healthiest state with a final score of 79.4. It has the lowest PM2. 5 Annual Average Concentration and a relatively low obesity rate.

Where does the USA rank in health?

US Health Care System Ranks Last Overall Among Other High-Income Countries. The US health care system is underperforming despite high spending, and reform is needed in areas like insurance coverage, primary care, and equity to improve overall health outcomes and efficiency.